bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic Characteristics of Bentonite Cake Fabricated on Cutoff Walls
Authors: Nguyen The-Bao , Lee Chulho , Lim Jeehee , Choi Hangseok
Published: April 2012

Bentonite cake is usually formed on the excavated trench surface that is supported by the bentonite slurry during construction of slurry cutoff walls. The lower hydraulic conductivity of bentonite cakes formed during construction of slurry cutoff walls in comparison to backfill materials provides an additional benefit. In the present study, the hydraulic conductivities of bentonite cakes made using three different bentonites were estimated using the modified fluid-loss test under various pressures. Both the hydraulic conductivities of bentonite cakes and cutoff-wall backfill are important in evaluating the in situ hydraulic performance of slurry cutoff-wall construction. Three bentonite slurry concentrations of 4, 6, and 8% were used to fabricate bentonite cakes that represent common field conditions. X-ray diffraction, cation exchange capacity, and swell-index data were collected to characterize the bentonites. Two modified methods for analyzing fluid-loss test results were used to estimate bentonite cake hydraulic conductivities. In addition, the viscosity as a function of time was measured to explain the sealing capacities of the bentonite slurries. The bentonite-cake hydraulic conductivities ranged from 2.15×10−11 m/s to 2.88×10−10 m/s, which were 10 to 500 times lower than the cutoff wall backfill design. Experimental results for 4 and 6% bentonite slurries were relatively similar, but the 8% slurries were noticeably different. Calculated bentonite-cake thickness and stress distribution indicated that the local void ratio and hydraulic conductivity may vary across the cake thickness. The considerably lower bentonite-cake hydraulic conductivities compared to the cutoff wall backfill design show its significance in slurry cutoff-wall construction practices.
Regulation of MAPK/ERK Signaling and Photic Entrainment of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Circadian Clock by Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein
Authors: Antoun Ghadi , Cannon Pascale Bouchard , Cheng Hai-Ying Mary
Published: April 2012

Activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a key event that couples light to circadian clock entrainment. However, we do not fully understand the mechanisms that shape the properties of MAPK/ERK signaling in the SCN, and how these mechanisms may influence overt circadian rhythms. Here we show that Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) controls the kinetics of light-induced MAPK/ERK activity in the SCN and photic entrainment of behavioral rhythms. Light triggers robust phosphorylation of RKIP in the murine SCN and dissociation of RKIP and c-Raf. Overexpression of a nonphosphorylatable form of RKIP in the SCN of transgenic mice blocks light-induced ERK1/2 activation in the SCN and severely dampens light-induced phase delays in behavioral rhythms. Conversely, in RKIP knock-out (RKIP−/−) mice, light-induced ERK1/2 activity in the SCN is prolonged in the early and late subjective night, resulting in augmentation of the phase-delaying and -advancing effects of light. Reentrainment to an advancing light cycle was also accelerated inRKIP−/−mice. In relation to the molecular clockwork, genetic deletion of RKIP potentiated light-evoked PER1 and PER2 protein expression in the SCN in the early night. Additionally,RKIP−/−mice displayed enhanced transcriptional activation ofmPeriod1and the immediate early genec-Fosin the SCN in response to a phase-delaying light pulse. Collectively, our data reveal an important role of RKIP in the regulation of MAPK/ERK signaling in the SCN and photic entrainment of the SCN clock.
Synaptic Activity Unmasks Dopamine D2 Receptor Modulation of a Specific Class of Layer V Pyramidal Neurons in Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Gee Steven , Ellwood Ian , Patel Tosha , Luongo Francisco , Deisseroth Karl , Sohal Vikaas S.
Published: April 2012

Dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) play a major role in the function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and may contribute to prefrontal dysfunction in conditions such as schizophrenia. Here we report that in mouse PFC, D2Rs are selectively expressed by a subtype of layer V pyramidal neurons that have thick apical tufts, prominent h-current, and subcortical projections. Within this subpopulation, the D2R agonist quinpirole elicits a novel afterdepolarization that generates voltage fluctuations and spiking for hundreds of milliseconds. Surprisingly, this afterdepolarization is masked in quiescent brain slices, but is readily unmasked by physiologic levels of synaptic input which activate NMDA receptors, possibly explaining why this phenomenon has not been reported previously. Notably, we could still elicit this afterdepolarization for some time after the cessation of synaptic stimulation. In addition to NMDA receptors, the quinpirole-induced afterdepolarization also depended on L-type Ca2+channels and was blocked by the selective L-type antagonist nimodipine. To confirm that D2Rs can elicit this afterdepolarization by enhancing Ca2+(and Ca2+-dependent) currents, we measured whole-cell Ca2+potentials that occur after blocking Na+and K+channels, and found quinpirole enhanced these potentials, while the selective D2R antagonist sulpiride had the opposite effect. Thus, D2Rs can elicit a Ca2+-channel-dependent afterdepolarization that powerfully modulates activity in specific prefrontal neurons. Through this mechanism, D2Rs might enhance outputs to subcortical structures, contribute to reward-related persistent firing, or increase the level of noise in prefrontal circuits.
Claiming the Researcher’s Identity
Authors: De Koning Martijn , Bartels Edien , Koning Daniëlle
Published: April 2012

In this chapter we will discuss the consequences for doing research in the case of a topic and field that has become subject to intense public debate. In three cases involving research on Islam and Muslims we will take up questions pertaining to inter-subjectivity, and show how research on public issues, the relation between the worldviews of informants and those of the researcher, and processes of inclusion and exclusion during fieldwork are influenced by the politicization of Islam. We show how sudden changes in the societal context influence local identifications and allegiances. In our cases these changes produced a politicization of the field which, in turn led to the construction of the researchers as ‘natives’ by the informants. We argue that a reflection on this construction is necessary in order to better analyse processes of signification among informants and render a more adequate representation of the researched.
Surtos de infecção por Piscinoodinium pillulare e Henneguya spp. em pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) criados intensivamente no Sudoeste de Goiás
Authors: Sant'Ana Fabiano J.F. de , Oliveira Sílvio L. de , Rabelo Rogério E , Vulcani Valcinir A.S , Silva Samuel M.G. da , Ferreira Júnior Jair A
Published: April 2012

Três surtos de infecção por Piscinoodinium pillulare e Henneguya spp. em Piaractus mesopotamicus criados intensivamente no Sudoeste de Goiás são descritos. Dois surtos ocorreram no inverno e um no verão. As taxas de morbidade (58,57%-90%) e mortalidade (100%) foram determinadas. Episódios de estresse ocorreram previamente em todos os casos. Sinais clínicos incluíam mudanças comportamentais e movimentos erráticos com perda de equilíbrio. Os principais achados macroscópicos foram tumefação das brânquias com exsudato mucoso esbranquiçado. Microscopicamente, as brânquias apresentaram inflamação linfoplasmocítica e necrosante, multifocal, leve a moderada, com hipertrofia e fusão de lamelas secundárias. Adicionalmente, numerosos trofontes intralesionais de P. pillulare e cistos de Henneguya spp. foram notados. Para o conhecimento dos autores, essa parece ser a primeira descrição de infecção por P. pillulare e Henneguya spp. em peixes criados no Sudoeste de Goiás.
Assessing the histopathology to depict the different stages of bovine tuberculosis infection in a naturally infected herd
Authors: Medeiros Luciana S. , Marassi Carla D. , Figueiredo Eduardo E.S , Leite Juliana , Ferreira Ana Maria R. , Lilenbaum Walter
Published: April 2012

The standard method for detection of bovine tuberculosis (TB) is the single intradermal tuberculin test (SITT). Nevertheless, current studies suggest that a single test is not enough to detect all cattle infected by TB, particularly when animals present different stages of infection. A dairy herd comprised of 270 cows was studied and 15 were reactive to SITT plus nine inconclusive animals. Blood samples (for IFN and ELISA) were collected from these 24 cows. At 30 days after injection of PPD, all the cows that were reactive to any of the employed tests were slaughtered, and tissues were processed by Bacteriology, Histopathology (HP) and PCR. According to HP 33.4% of the animals were positive, 45.8% inconclusive and 20.8% were negative. The inconclusive samples came from IFN positive animals, signalizing recent infection. Regarding the animals that were negative to HP, all of them were identified by IFN while ELISA was negative. Immune responses are different in recent and advanced infections, what supports the identification between chronically or recently infected animals. This multidisciplinary approach is mandatory for the interpretation of the various tools that are frequently employed for the diagnosis of TB and mainly to identify all infected animals.
Avaliação da morfometria renal através do método ultrassonográfico de fêmeas caprinas (Capra hircus) normais da raça Saanen
Authors: Rossi Rodolfo S. , Bombonato Pedro P , Piva Fernanda M. , Gregory Lílian
Published: April 2012

A utilização de técnicas ultrassonográficas na área de Medicina Veterinária está cada vez mais presente e a capacitação nesta área tornou-se indispensável para o clínico, auxiliando-o na obtenção de informações rápidas e valiosas das afecções patológicas que podem acometer os animais. O exame ultrassonográfico renal revelou-se de grande importância neste âmbito, com o objetivo de avaliar e mensurar os parâmetros morfométricos renais normais de fêmeas caprinas (Capra hircus). Por meio de técnicas ultrassonográficas procedeu-se o estudo de 30 fêmeas da raça Saanen, divididas em três grupos: fêmeas com idade inferior a 6 meses (3,0±1,0 meses), de 6-18 meses (9,0±4,3 meses) e com idade superior a 18 meses (46,3±17,4 meses). Realizaram-se imagens dos rins, em secções longitudinais, medidas de comprimento e largura e, em secções transversais, medidas de altura (ou espessura). Com estes valores calcularam-se volumes renais, corticais e medulares, além da relação cortico-medular. Com relação ao comprimento renal os grupos com idade inferior a 6 meses, de 6-18 meses e com idade superior a 18 meses obtiveram média e desvio padrão de 4,20±0,36cm, 5,56±0,40cm e 6,77±0,64cm, respectivamente. Tratando-se do volume renal, estes grupos apresentaram média e desvio padrão de 17,02±3,99cm³, 19,99±5,86cm³; e, 41,23±13,05cm³. Comparou-se a equivalência métrica das médias entre os dois rins de forma que os parâmetros volumétricos e lineares renais com diferença entre si são comprimento renal, volume renal e volume cortical para o grupo de fêmeas com idade de 6-18 meses, e comprimento renal e comprimento medular para o grupo com idade superior a 18 meses. Entre diferentes grupos observou-se que somente o comprimento medular esquerdo apresentou média equivalente em todos os grupos, ou seja, entre o grupo com idade inferior a 6 meses e o grupo com idade de 6-18 meses e, entre este último e o grupo com idade superior a 18 meses. Os resultados mostraram correlações diretas e positivas entre peso corporal e idade com os parâmetros lineares e volumétricos, a relação cortico-medular esquerda foi a única que apresentou correlação significativa com o peso (r= -0,365; P = 0,047). Para aqueles parâmetros que apresentaram correlação significativa foi realizada análise de regressão, obtendo-se a linha de melhor ajuste das variáveis.
Estudo citofotométrico da expressão do marcador tumoral Fator VIII e fatores prognósticos no adenocarcinoma gástrico
Authors: Nakamura Mary Tossa , Malafaia Osvaldo , Cuenca Ronaldo Mafia , Czeczko Nicolau Gregori , Cunha Regina Maria da , Cavalcanti Teresa Cristina Santos , Ribas Carmen Austrália Paredes Marcondes , Czeczko Alexandre Eduardo Augustin
Published: April 2012

RACIONAL: No câncer gástrico, a incidência, o diagnóstico e as opções terapêuticas apresentaram melhorias nas últimas décadas, porém o prognóstico permanece reservado, especialmente devido à maioria dos pacientes procurarem recurso médico com tumores avançados, metastáticos ou cirurgicamente irressecáveis já no diagnóstico. Biologia molecular é área de conhecimento recente com grandes questionamentos a serem respondidos e a atualidade dos fatos científicos mostra que o caminho deverá ser através da identificação de marcadores tumorais. Os grandes avanços na área da informática aprimoraram a análise da imagem celular através da citofotometria de imagem que possibilita através da imunoistoquímica estudar a proliferação celular e a angiogênese que participa em diversos processos tumorais, sendo pesquisadas por vários marcadores. Atualmente estudos são realizados para demonstrar o valor prognóstico de suas expressões, contudo, no adenocarcinoma gástrico resultados têm sido divergentes e estudos escassos. OBJETIVOS: Identificar e quantificar citofotometricamente a expressão dos marcadores da angiogênese através do fator VIII no adenocarcinoma e comparar suas expressões com fa classificação de Bormann, profundidade de invasão tumoral, grau de diferenciação, envolvimento nodal, padrão histológico e idade. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 21 pacientes com adenocarcinoma gástrico, identificados de 1998 a 2006. Para a detecção do Fator VIII foi realizada imunoistoquímica, com anticorpo policlonal para Fator VIII. Foi realizada análise citofotométrica informatizada pelo sistema SAMBA 4000. RESULTADOS: Dos 21 pacientes 61,90% eram do sexo masculino e 38,10% do feminino, com idade mediana de 65 anos e apenas um não marcou para o Fator VIII (95,24% de marcação). As médias dos índices de marcagem para o Fator VIII foram de 61,14% (desvio-padrão de 15,06, variando de 29,16 a 73,91). Tumores com classificação III ou IV apresentaram índice de marcagem maiores do que aqueles com Bormann I ou II, porém sem correlação com a profundidade de invasão tumoral, grau de diferenciação, envolvimento nodal e padrão histológico. CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo identificou e marcou 95,24% das amostras para o Fator VIII. Em relação aos fatores prognósticos não houve correlação significativa exceto entre o Fator VIII e a classificação de Bormann no qual o tipo III ou IV foi maior que o tipo I ou II.
Valor preditivo da expressão dos anticorpos Antifator VIII no carcinoma epidermóide do esôfago
Authors: Barbosa-Neto Sebastião Gonzaga , Cuenca Ronaldo Mafia , Ribas-Filho Jurandir Marcondes , Malafaia Osvaldo , Schultz Danielle Duck , Nassif Paulo Afonso Nunes , Batistella Eduardo , Czeczko Letícia Elizabeth Augustin
Published: April 2012

RACIONAL: O carcinoma epidermóide do esôfago apresenta alta mortalidade, baixo índice de diagnóstico precoce e altos custos nos tratamentos, com resultados freqüentemente desapontadores e prognóstico sombrio. O melhor entendimento das técnicas de biologia molecular com citofotometria de imagem, permitiu avançar no conhecimento das alterações na expressão das proteínas desse câncer. OBJETIVOS: Quantificar a expressão das proteínas envolvidas na angiogênese e correlacioná-las com variáveis clínico-patológicas. MÉTODOS: Com o uso da técnica de imunoistoquímica, citofotometria de imagem pelo sistema SAMBA, foram analisadas 29 amostras de carcinoma epidermóide do esôfago incluídas em blocos de parafina. Critérios clínicos como idade, sexo e histopatológicos do grau de diferenciação tumoral, tamanho e localização do tumor foram analisados. Os parâmetros analisados foram o índice de marcagem e a densidade óptica. O marcador utilizado foi o anticorpo anti-Fator VIII. RESULTADOS: Foi possível verificar que as expressões médias do marcador no índice de marcagem foram maiores que as da densidade óptica. Fator VIII apresentou leituras homogêneas. O índice de marcagem foi de 80,17+/-10,40 com P=0,073 e a densidade óptica 51,25+/-11,02 com P=0,245. CONCLUSÃO: A análise quantificação da expressão das proteínas envolvidas na angiogênese permite definir subgrupos de acordo com a diferenciação do carcinoma, estágio tumoral, tamanho e localização do tumor, porém não associa-se com o sexo e a idade dos pacientes, e a densidade óptica do Fator VIII não tem expressão significativa em nenhum dos subgrupos analisados.
Novas perspectivas no estadiamento e tratamento do câncer de esôfago
Authors: Fonseca Leonardo Gomes da , Furlan André Beer , Ferranti Juliana Ferreira , Namour Guilherme Naccache , Lobo Frederico Lafraia , Szachnowicz Sérgio , Sallum Rubens Antônio Aissar , Cecconello Ivan
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de esôfago apresenta-se como uma das neoplasias mais freqüentes e letais. O acometimento linfático aparece como principal fator individual de pior prognóstico, sendo a esofagectomia com linfadenectomia extensa ainda seu tratamento de escolha. Ressecções mais extensas através da toracotomia estão associadas com maior sobrevida, mas apresentam altas taxas de morbimortalidade. O conceito de micrometástases pode nos trazer avaliação mais acurada do estadiamento dos tumores operados, com detecção através de imunoistoquímica ou reação em cadeia de polimerase de metástases não diagnosticadas pelos métodos convencionais. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se revisão bibliográfica de artigos científicos publicados e disponíveis no PubMed, através do site www.pubmed.gov. cruzando-se os descritores neoplasias esofágicas, biologia molecular, estadiamento de neoplasias, linfonodo sentinela, metástase linfática. REVISÃO DA LITERATURA: O conceito do linfonodo sentinela, onde se pesquisa durante a cirurgia os possíveis primeiros sítios de metástases, direcionando desta maneira a rota da ressecção linfática no intuito de permitir ressecções completas não necessariamente extensas, possibilita diminuir a morbimortalidade e restringir as indicações de procedimentos muitas vezes super-dimensionados que podem não trazer benefício aos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O estadiamento preciso através da procura de micrometástase e o tratamento mais regrado pelo método do linfonodo sentinela, podem trazer novas perspectivas no tratamento do câncer de esôfago, principalmente em casos de tumores precoces.
Family health team knowledge concerning the health needs of people with tuberculosis
Authors: Hino Paula , Takahashi Renata Ferreira , Bertolozzi Maria Rita , Villa Tereza Cristina Scatena , Egry Emiko Yoshikawa
Published: April 2012

The purposes of the study were to get to know conceptions on tuberculosis and health needs and to describe the care provided to people with tuberculosis, according to health professionals' perspective. Qualitative study developed at family health units in Capão Redondo, São Paulo. The data were collected through open interviews in January 2010 and submitted to discourse analysis, resulting in three categories: meanings attributed to tuberculosis and health needs and care characteristics. The conceptions regarding the disease are supported by the multi-causal theory of the health-disease process. The care is characterized by interventions that go beyond the biological dimension. The precarious living conditions define the needs of most people with tuberculosis, and can be more important to the ill than the very diagnosis of the disease, influencing treatment adherence, and should gain relevance in care.
The Pain Disability Questionnaire: a reliability and validity study
Authors: Giordano Patrícia Cantu Moreira , Alexandre Neusa Maria Costa , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , Coluci Marina Zambon Orpinelli
Published: April 2012

The goal of this study was to translate and adapt The Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ) to Brazilian Portuguese, as well as to assess its psychometric properties and practicability. The following methodological steps were followed: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee assessment and pre-test. The psychometric properties were assessed through the application of a questionnaire to 119 patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The results indicated the reliability of the instrument, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.86, and high stability in the test-retest. A moderate correlation was found between the PDQ scores and the numerical pain scale. Negative correlations were found between the Spitzer Quality of Life Index and the functional condition, psychosocial component and total PDQ score. Construct validity demonstrated significant difference in PDQ scores between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The PDQ revealed fast application and easy understanding. The results indicated a successful cultural adaptation and reliable psychometric properties.
The dialogic life-death in care delivery to adolescents with cancer
Authors: Menossi Maria José , Zorzo Juliana Cardeal da Costa , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de
Published: April 2012

This study aims to understand the experience of adolescents with cancer, family and the health team regarding death in the healthcare context, in the light of Edgar Morin's proposed theoretical framework of complexity. Participants were 12 adolescents, 14 relatives and 25 health professionals. The interview was used for data collection. The discussion of data was guided by the dialogic life-death in the context of care to adolescents with cancer. It was observed that the singularity in the way the adolescent experiences time and faces death and the possibility that the family will lose a loved one may not be in accordance with the care the health team offers, considering structural, organizational and affective aspects. It is not enough for the team just to rationally make choices on the use of diagnostic-therapeutic devices, in line with predefined moments in the disease. Instead, a contextualized and sensitive understanding of each situation is needed.
Severe cutaneous and arthritic psoriasis in patient with Aids: a good outcome with therapy using etanercept
Authors: Santos Mônica , Rabelo Renata , Mendes Luciana , Vilasboas Virginia , Talhari Carolina , Talhari Sinésio
Published: April 2012

We report the case of a patient with cutaneous and arthropathic psoriasis for eight years, whose sudden increased severity of the clinical picture led to a diagnosis of AIDS, emphasizing the importance of the specialist in the diagnosis of systemic diseases. The appropriate therapeutic interventions, including antiretroviral therapy and the immunobiological agent etanercept, enabled rapid improvement of symptoms and quality of life of the patient, besides contributing to delay in immunodeficiency progression.
Periungual leishmaniasis
Authors: Gomes Ciro Martins , Morais Orlando Oliveira de , Leite Anglya Samara Silva , Soares Killarney Ataíde , Motta Jorgeth de Oliveira Carneiro da , Sampaio Raimunda Nonata Ribeiro
Published: April 2012

The vast majority of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis are represented by limb injuries. A female patient, white, presented an ulcer with infiltrated borders located on the fourth finger of the left hand following occupational exposure in an area of native forest. Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania of the subgenus Viannia was confirmed. The patient failed to respond to treatment with antimony, but achieved clinical cure after this was associated with pentoxifylline. The case highlights the rarity of the periungual location of the leishmanial lesion and the difficulties encountered in therapy.
Do you know this syndrome?
Authors: Dellatorre Gerson , Castro Caio César Silva de
Published: April 2012

The SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) includes a group of findings characterized by bone lesions usually located on the anterior chest wall, often associated with skin lesions. We report the case of a 47 years old patient, with osteochondritis at costoesternal and manubrium-sternal joints, besides of palmar-plantar pustulosis. The diagnosis is predominantly clinical and there are several treatment options described in the literature.
Concordance between direct microscopy and fungical culture for the diagnostic of feet's onychomycosis
Authors: Souza Paulo Ricardo Martins , Vettorato Gerson , Pinto Giselle Martins , Duquia Rodrigo Pereira , Amaro Tais Guarienti , Almeira Junior Hiram Laranjeira de , Breunig Juliano de Avelar
Published: April 2012

Prospective study compared the agreement between the direct microscopy and fungical culture from subungueal samples of the patients with clinical suspicion of feet's onychomycosis. The agreement occurred in 56.1% of the exams with dermatophytes, in 52.4% by others fungi and in 90.4% of the negative cases, 0,54 according to the Kappa`s test. In 39.3% of the onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes and 31.8% by nondermatophytes, these were identificated only for direct microscopy. The direct microscopic showed more sensibility compared with the culture, being superior in 19.5% of the total sample and maintaining agreement with the culture in 71.5% of the sample.
The Stable core
Authors: Friedman Sy-david
Published: April 2012

Vopěnka proved long ago that every set of ordinals is set-generic over HOD, Gödel's inner model of hereditarily ordinal-definable sets. Here we show that the entire universe V is class-generic over (HOD,S), and indeed over the even smaller inner model =(L[S],S), where S is the Stability predicate. We refer to the inner model as the Stable Core of V. The predicate S has a simple definition which is more absolute than any definition of HOD; in particular, it is possible to add reals which are not set-generic but preserve the Stable Core (this is not possible for HOD by Vopěnka's theorem).
On countable chains having decidable monadic theory
Authors: Bés Alexis , Rabinovich Alexander
Published: April 2012

Rationals and countable ordinals are important examples of structures with decidable monadic second-order theories. A chain is an expansion of a linear order by monadic predicates. We show that if the monadic second-order theory of a countable chain C is decidable then C has a non-trivial expansion with decidable monadic second-order theory.
Adding linear orders
Authors: Shelah Saharon , Simon Pierre
Published: April 2012

We address the following question: Can we expand an NIP theory by adding a linear order such that the expansion is still NIP? Easily, if acl(A)=A for all A, then this is true. Otherwise, we give counterexamples. More precisely, there is a totally categorical theory for which every expansion by a linear order has IP. There is also an ω-stable NDOP theory for which every expansion by a linear order interprets pseudofinite arithmetic.
Skeletal Muscle Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Regulates Insulin Sensitivity in African Americans
Authors: Stull April J. , Wang Zhong Q. , Zhang Xian H. , Yu Yongmei , Johnson William D. , Cefalu William T.
Published: April 2012

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is postulated to modulate insulin action by dephosphorylating the insulin receptor signaling proteins and attenuating insulin signaling. We sought to determine the relationship of skeletal muscle PTP1B to whole-body insulin sensitivity. We studied 17 African Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 16 without diabetes. PTP1B gene expression and protein abundance were determined in the biopsied skeletal muscles at the baseline of a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. PTP1B gene expression was significantly higher in subjects with T2DM versus control (P < 0.0001) and remained significantly different after adjusting for age and insulin sensitivity (P = 0.05). PTP1B gene expression was positively related to protein abundance (rs = 0.39; P = 0.03; adjusted for age and insulin sensitivity) and negatively related to insulin sensitivity (rs = −0.52; P = 0.002; adjusted for age). Overexpression and interference RNA of PTP1B were performed in primary human skeletal muscle culture. PTP1B overexpression resulted in reduction of Akt phosphorylation in the control subjects. Moreover, interference RNA transfection downregulated PTP1B expression and enhanced Akt phosphorylation in subjects with T2DM. These data show that skeletal muscle PTP1B gene expression is increased in African American subjects with T2DM, is negatively associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity, and contributes to modulation of insulin signaling.
Changes in Treatment Adherence and Glycemic Control During the Transition to Adolescence in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rausch Joseph R. , Hood Korey K. , Delamater Alan , Shroff Pendley Jennifer , Rohan Jennifer M. , Reeves Grafton , Dolan Lawrence , Drotar Dennis
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

To test models of unidirectional and bidirectional change between treatment adherence and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a 2-year longitudinal, multisite study of 225 youth with type 1 diabetes recruited at the cusp of adolescence (aged 9–11 years) to describe the mutual influences of glycemic control as measured by HbA1c and treatment adherence as measured by blood glucose monitoring frequency (BGMF) during the transition to adolescence.

RESULTS

HbA1c increased from 8.2 to 8.6% (P < 0.001) and BGMF decreased from 4.9 to 4.5 checks per day (P < 0.02) during the 2-year period. Changes in the BGMF slope predicted changes in HbA1c. A change (increase) in HbA1c was associated with a change (decrease) in BGMF of 1.26 (P < 0.001) after controlling for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

The magnitude of the effect of declining treatment adherence (BGMF) on glycemic control in young adolescents may be even greater than declines observed among older adolescents. BGMF offers a powerful tool for targeted management of glycemic control for type 1 diabetes during the critical transition to adolescence.
Optimization of self-assembling properties of fatty acids grafted to methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) as nanocarriers for etoposide
Authors: Varshosaz Jaleh , Hasanzadeh Farshid , Eslamdoost Mojtaba
Published: April 2012

Optimization of self-assembling properties of fatty acids grafted to methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) as nanocarriers for etoposide

The objective of this work was to study the effect of fatty acid chain length grafted to methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) on self assembling properties of micelles for etoposide delivery. Three amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized using mPEG, myristic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid through an esteric linkage. The particle size and zeta potential of the micelles were determined by the dynamic light scattering method. Etoposide was loaded into micelles by film casting using various drug/polymer ratios. Drug release was studied by the dialysis method. The structure of copolymers was confirmed by1H NMR and FTIR. Central micellar concentration (CMC) measurements showed that the longer hydrophobic chains formed more thermodynamically stable micelles. Among the prepared copolymers, etoposide showed the highest solubility in the mPEG-behenic copolymer. Drug loading efficiency depended on the hydrophobic chain length and drug/polymer ratio. The highest drug loading efficiency was found in mPEG-myristic micelles with 1:20 drug/polymer ratio. Micelles released 80 % of loaded drug within about 5 h.
Synthesis and potential biological activity of some novel 3-[(N-substituted indol-3-yl)methyleneamino]-6-amino-4-aryl-pyrano(2,3-c)pyrazole-5-carbonitriles and 3,6-diamino-4-(N-substituted indol-3-yl)pyrano(2,3-c)pyrazole-5-carbonitriles
Authors: Mandour Adel , El-Sawy Eslam , Ebaid Manal , Hassan Seham
Published: April 2012

Synthesis and potential biological activity of some novel 3-[(N-substituted indol-3-yl)methyleneamino]-6-amino-4-aryl-pyrano(2,3-c)pyrazole-5-carbonitriles and 3,6-diamino-4-(N-substituted indol-3-yl)pyrano(2,3-c)pyrazole-5-carbonitriles

Starting from N-substituted indole-3-carboxaldehydes (1a-g) a series of new 3-[(N-substituted indol-3-yl)methyleneamino]-6-amino-4-aryl-pyrano(2,3-c)pyrazole-5-carbonitriles (3a-g and 4a-g) have been synthesized via the acid catalyzed condensation reaction of 1a-g with 3-amino-5-pyrazolone, followed by the reaction with arylidene malononitriles. A series of new 3,6-diamino-4-(N-substituted indol-3-yl)pyrano(2,3-c)pyrazole-5-carbonitriles (7a-g) have been prepared either via the base catalyzed condensation reaction of 1a-g with 3-amino-5-pyrazolone to give 6a-g, followed by the reaction with malononitrile or by the reaction of N-substituted-3-indolylidene malononitriles (5a-g) with 3-amino-5-pyrazolone. According to the obtained results, the newly synthesized compounds possess significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anticonvulsant activities. The anticonvulsant potency of certain tested compounds was more pronounced than both anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Moreover, most of the newly synthesized compounds possess potential antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Spherical crystallization of drugs
Authors: Kovačič Borut , Vrečer Franc , Planinšek Odon
Published: April 2012

Spherical crystallization of drugs

Spherical crystallization of drugs is the process of obtaining larger particles by agglomeration during crystallization. The most common techniques used to obtain such particles are spherical agglomeration and quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion. Ammonia diffusion systems and crystallo-co-agglomeration are extensions of these techniques. By controlling process parameters during crystallization, such as temperature, stirring rate, type and amount of solvents, or excipient selection, it is possible to control the formation of agglomerates and obtain spherical particles of the desired size, porosity, or hardness. Researchers have reported that the particles produced have improved micromeritic, physical, and mechanical properties, which make them suitable for direct compression. In some cases, when additional excipients are incorporated during spherical crystallization, biopharmaceutical parameters including the bioavailability of drugs can also be tailored.
Toxicity and Physiological Effect of Essential Oil of Artemisia Annua (Labiatae) on Agriolimax Agrestis L. (Stylommatophora: Limacidae)
Authors: Amirmohammadi Fereshteh , Sendi Jalal , Zibaee Arash
Published: April 2012

Toxicity and Physiological Effect of Essential Oil ofArtemisia Annua(Labiatae) onAgriolimax AgrestisL. (Stylommatophora: Limacidae)

Essential oil ofArtemisia annuaL. was investigated to find out its toxicity and physiological aspects on the slugAgriolimax agrestis, in controlled conditions (8±1°C, 75±5 RH and 14:10 LD). The slugs received different concentrations of essential oil treated radish leaves in methanol, while the control received methanol alone. LC10, LC30, LC50and LC90values were estimated at 4.67, 5.3, 5.81, 7.25%, respectively. The effect of the essential oil on some important enzymatic components like; cytochrome P450 monnooxygenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase, amylase and protease were significantly increased compared to the control. These results indicate that the plantArtemisia annuaL. not only shows toxicity but also shows some irreversible effect on some important biochemical components and deserves further investigation.
Intra- and Inter-Instrument Reliability of the Actiwatch 4 Accelerometer in a Mechanical Laboratory Setting
Authors: Routen Ashley , Upton Dominic , Edwards Martin , Peters Derek
Published: April 2012

Intra- and Inter-Instrument Reliability of the Actiwatch 4 Accelerometer in a Mechanical Laboratory Setting

This study aimed to quantify the intra-and inter-instrument reliability of the Actiwatch 4 accelerometer (AW4) in a mechanical setting. Twenty seven AW4 were attached to an isokinetic dynamometer and subjected to angular acceleration for 30 min at 50 deg/sec representing moderate intensity (MPA condition) and 200 deg/sec representing vigorous intensity (VPA condition), with a repeat trial conducted. Reliability was assessed using coefficient of variation (CV), absolute percent error (APE), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Mean AW4 activity counts displayed acceptable reliability according to CV in both conditions (ConMPA: CVintra = 4.6%, APEintra = 6.6%, CVinter = 6.4%, APEinter = 5.2%; ConVPA: CVintra = 3.9%, APEintra = 5.6%, CVinter = 5.9%, APEinter = 4.7%). When counts were re-categorised into minutes of MPA and VPA, lower CV values were observed (ConMPA: CVintra = 3.2%, APEintra = 4.5%, CVinter = 4.3%, APEinter = 3.2%; ConVPA: CVintra = 0.0%, APEintra = 0.0%, CVinter = 0.0%, APEinter = 0.0%). When activity counts were re-categorised as minutes of MVPA, excellent reliability was observed (CVintra, APEintra, CVinter, and APEinter = 0.0%) in both conditions. Mean AW4 activity counts exhibit reliability statistics comparable to other accelerometers. Reliability is improved when activity counts are re-categorised as time spent in MPA and VPA, with greatest reliability obtained when counts are recategorised as time spent in MVPA. As MVPA is the subcomponent of physical activity most associated with health benefits it would appear that the AW4 is reliable for measuring time spent in this health enhancing intensity category, at least from testing in a mechanical laboratory setting.
Geoheritage conservation in Ethiopia: the case of the Simien Mountains
Authors: Asrat Asfawossen , Demissie Metasebia , Mogessie Aberra
Published: April 2012

Geoheritage conservation in Ethiopia: the case of the Simien Mountains

Ethiopia constitutes one of the most significant environmental and cultural reserves on Earth. Ethiopia's natural and cultural tourist attractions are mostly associated with geological features: the active Ethiopian and Afar rifts as well as the Simien and Bale massifs are few examples. Ethiopia's cultural history, religious manifestations and civilization, like the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the stelae of Axum, are also imprinted in rock. Geomorphological and geological features, notably the isolation of the north-western highlands from the external world by the harsh Afar depression close to the sea, determined the route of Ethiopian history. Though tourism has been identified as a major sustainable development sector, systematic geoheritage evaluation and conservation strategies are lacking in the country. I this paper the Simien Mountains are presented as major geoheritages which should be prioritized for geoconservation in order to develop sustainable tourism (geotourism) in the area.
Pre-Quaternary geomorphological history and geoheritage of Britain
Authors: Migoń Piotr , Goudie Andrew
Published: April 2012

Pre-Quaternary geomorphological history and geoheritage of Britain

Substantial parts of the British Isles preserve landscapes that are the legacy of pre-Quaternary times. Some of these may be the result of burial and exhumation of pre-Cenozoic features. However, most landscapes post-date the Cretaceous transgression during which a Chalk mantle was laid down. Much of the British Isles became land during the Palaeogene and the Chalk cover was rapidly removed over large areas. Sea floor spre-ading, thermal uplift, and intrusion and extrusion of igneous material occurred. Landscapes also evolved in response to warm climatic conditions and this may have led to etchplanation. In the Neogene various surface formed and were affected by ongoing tectonic activity. Various estimates have been made of Cenozoic denu-dation rates and amounts, but they appear to have varied spatially and temporally. Landscapes which provide tangible evidence of pre-Quaternary times include those of north-east Scotland and southern England. Such ancient landscapes are important components of the Geoheritage of Britain.
Main Forms of Energy Governing Soil Formation
Authors: Blum Winfried
Published: April 2012

Main Forms of Energy Governing Soil Formation

Soil formation is governed by four different forms of energy: gravity, orogenic energy, solar energy and anthropogenic energy. The specific influence of these four different energy forms is explained, thus making soil development under different physiogeographic and environmental conditions more understandable. In this context, it is also shown that human impact plays an increasingly important role on soil formation and functioning.
The Content of Heavy Metals in Arable Soils from the Vicinity of the Stalowa Wola Power Plant
Authors: Hajduk Edmund , Kaniuczak Janina , Właśniewski Stanisław
Published: April 2012

Zawartość Metali Ciężkich w Glebach Uprawnych z Okolic Elektrowni Stalowa Wola
New Solutions in the Herbicide Application System - the Influence on Contamination of the Soil Environment
Authors: Kucharski Mariusz , Sadowski Jerzy , Domaradzki Krzysztof
Published: April 2012

Nowe Rozwiązania w Stosowaniu Herbicydów - Wpływ na Zanieczyszczenie Środowiska Glebowego
The Influence of Liming and Mineral Fertilization on the Content of Available Forms of Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium in Haplic Luvisols
Authors: Nazarkiewicz Małgorzata , Kaniuczak Janina
Published: April 2012

Wpływ Wapnowania I Nawożenia Mineralnego Na Zawartość Przyswajalnych Form Fosforu, Potasu I Magnezu W Glebie Płowej
A new impulse noise detection and filtering algorithm
Authors: Hanji Geeta , Latte M.
Published: April 2012

A new impulse noise detection and filtering algorithm

A new impulse detection and filtering algorithm is proposed for restoration of images that are highly corrupted by impulse noise. It is based on the average absolute value of four convolutions obtained by one-dimensional Laplacian operators. The proposed algorithm can effectively remove the impulse noise with a wide range of noise density and produce better results in terms of the qualitative and quantitative measures of the images even at noise density as high as 90%. Extensive simulations show that the proposed algorithm provides better performance than many of the existing switching median filters in terms of noise suppression and detail preservation.
Using Graphical Models for Depth Map Estimation
Authors: Kozik Rafał , Marchewka Adam
Published: April 2012

Using Graphical Models for Depth Map Estimation

Two slightly different projections of the same scene allow the stereovision algorithms to reconstruct its 3D structure and to estimate the distance to particular object. However commonly used real-time correlation-based solutions usually suffer from inaccuracy. Therefore, finding an efficient and accurate algorithm for depth reconstruction is still a challenging task to do. The approach to stereo matching, presented in this paper is described as a problem of correlating different local observations that evaluate the dissimilarities between left and right images in order to obtain smooth and more accurate depth map. The results obtained with the proposed method are evaluated and compared with other state of the art methods.
Advances in Engineering Software for Lift Transportation Systems
Authors: Kazakoff Alexander
Published: April 2012

Advances in Engineering Software for Lift Transportation Systems

In this paper an attempt is performed at computer modelling of ropeway ski lift systems. The logic in these systems is based on a travel form between the two terminals, which operates with high capacity cabins, chairs, gondolas or draw-bars. Computer codes AUTOCAD, MATLAB and Compaq-Visual Fortran - version 6.6 are used in the computer modelling. The rope systems computer modelling is organized in two stages in this paper. The first stage is organization of the ground relief profile and a design of the lift system as a whole, according to the terrain profile and the climatic and atmospheric conditions. The ground profile is prepared by the geodesists and is presented in an AUTOCAD view. The next step is the design of the lift itself which is performed by programmes using the computer code MATLAB. The second stage of the computer modelling is performed after the optimization of the co-ordinates and the lift profile using the computer code MATLAB. Then the co-ordinates and the parameters are inserted into a program written in Compaq Visual Fortran - version 6.6., which calculates 171 lift parameters, organized in 42 tables. The objective of the work presented in this paper is an attempt at computer modelling of the design and parameters derivation of the rope way systems and their computer variation and optimization.
Future engineering structures for the urban habitat and infrastructure
Authors: Schlaich Mike
Published: April 2012

Engineering structures are passive. Although, they are designed and built with ingenuity, these structures are static and unmoving for the remainder of their existence. They are subjected to all kinds of external effects such as traffic, temperature, wind and earthquake without being able to adjust much to these changing conditions. Also, currently more and more multi-use and multi-purpose structures are required. However, present-day structures are not able to adapt easily to changing user requirements.Wouldn't it be nice if our structures would be able to actively or autonomously convert to fulfil whatever requests are needed of them? If they were equipped with “intelligence, would this allow them to disappear for example when assaulted by storms and to reappear and reopen again afterwards?“Structures appearing in nature can serve as a guide in creating active, responsive structures. The structures found in nature have undergone millions of years of structural optimisation. Natural structures are therefore light-weight and are able to adjust quite well to changing boundary conditions.Another factor is increasing our ability to create active structures. Computers and advances in electronics have had a tremendous effect on formerly inert engineering systems. These include automobiles, airplanes and domestic appliances. To a certain degree they become autonomous mainly through microsystems in the form of inexpensive mass-produced microchips.Stimulated by these advances, several attempts have been made to also apply such intelligence to engineering structures. These approaches have led to new adjectives being applied to the term structure: adaptive, intelligent or autonomous structures.In this paper the application of bionics and modern technology to light-weight engineering structures and its potential to affect the urban infrastructure and habitat is studied. Looking at the future, the use of active micro-systems to achieve self-directed structures will be investigated. Returning to the current reality, examples of existing convertible bridges and roof structures that adapt to changing requirements will be presented.
Research on Long-span Bridges with Composite Style of Continuous Rigid Frame and Flexible Arch
Authors: Luo Shidong , Yan Aiguo , Liu Zhenbiao
Published: April 2012

The railway from YiChang to WanZhou will cross the the Yangtze River in YiChang city where an extra-large bridge will be constructed, and the main bridge is arranged as a long-span of 130 m + 2×275 m +130 m with a composite style of continuous rigid frame and flexible arch. This new-style bridge with such a composite structure has large vertical stiffness, excellent resistance to force impact and cost-effectiveness, which will speed up the progess and development of the technology of long-span railway bridges. This paper diwscribes the design study of such composite-style bridge and the analyses on the structures.
Dong Hai Bridge – Design and Construction
Authors: Huang Rong
Published: April 2012

Dong Hai Bridge is also known as East Ocean Bridge or East Sea Bridge and connects the mainland with an isolated island 31km out at open sea. It is the lifeline of the Shanghai International Shipping Centre, for trasports from the Yangshan Deep Water Port to mainland, and for supply of water, power and communications. It is the longest and the first genuine sea-crossing bridge in China. Design and construction are carried out closely together in order to select appropriate structures and construction techniques tailored for the different local conditions and in order to meet stringent technical requirements.