bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-terminal horseshoe conformation of DCC is functionally required for axon guidance and might be shared by other neural receptors
Authors: Chen Qiang , Sun Xiaqin , Zhou Xiao-hong , Liu Jin-huan , Wu Jane , Zhang Yan , Wang Jia-huai
Published: October 2012

Deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) is a receptor for the axon guidance cues netrin-1 and draxin. The interactions between these guidance cues and DCC play a key role in the development of the nervous system. In the present study, we reveal the crystal structure of the N-terminal four Ig-like domains of DCC. The molecule folds into a horseshoe-like configuration. We demonstrate that this horseshoe conformation of DCC is required for guidance-cue-mediated axonal attraction. Structure-based mutations that disrupt the DCC horseshoe indeed impair its function. A comparison of the DCC horseshoe with previously described horseshoe structures has revealed striking conserved structural features and important sequence signatures. Using these signatures, a genome-wide search allows us to predict the N-terminal horseshoe arrangement in a number of other cell surface receptors, nearly all of which function in the nervous system. The N-terminal horseshoe appears to be evolutionally selected as a platform for neural receptors.
Hypoxia induces downregulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase β1 by miR-34c-5p
Authors: Xu Xiaojian , Wang Shumin , Liu Juan , Dou Dou , Liu Limei , Chen Zhengju , Ye Liping , Liu Huixia , He Qiong , Raj J. Usha , Gao Yuansheng
Published: October 2012

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the principal receptor for nitric oxide (NO) and crucial for the control of various physiological functions. The β1 subunit of sGC is obligatory for the biological stability and activity of the sGC heterodimer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and exert great influences on diverse biological activities. The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not the expression of sGCβ1 is specifically regulated by miRNAs. We report that miR-34c-5p directly targets sGCβ1 under hypoxia. Bioinformatics analysis of the sGCβ1 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) revealed a putative binding site for miR-34b-5p and miR-34c-5p, but only miR-34c-5p inhibited luciferase activity through interaction with sGCβ1 3′-UTR in HEK293T cells. Site-directed mutagenesis of the putative miR-34c-5p binding site abolished the negative regulation of luciferase expression. Overexpression of miR-34c-5p repressed the expression of sGCβ1 in stable cell lines, which was reversed by miR-34c-5p-specific sponge. Inoculation of mouse lung tissues in vitro with lentivirus bearing miR-34c-5p significantly decreased both the expression of sGCβ1 and NO-stimulated sGC activity, which was also rescued by miR-34c-5p-specific sponge. Furthermore, we identified the putative Sp1-binding site in the promoter region of miR-34c-5p. Luciferase reporter constructs revealed that Sp1 directly binds to the wild-type promoter of miR-34c-5p, which was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. In summary, these findings reveal that miR-34c-5p directly regulates sGCβ1 expression, and they identify the key transcription factor Sp1 that governs miR-34c-5p expression during hypoxia.
Low O2 acclimation shifts the hypoxia avoidance behaviour of snapper (Pagrus auratus) with only subtle changes in aerobic and anaerobic function
Authors: Cook Denham G. , Iftikar Fathima I. , Baker Daniel W. , Hickey Anthony J.R. , Herbert Neill A.
Published: October 2012

It was hypothesized that chronic hypoxia acclimation (preconditioning) would alter the behavioural low O2 avoidance strategy of fish as a result of both aerobic and anaerobic physiological adaptations. Avoidance and physiological responses of juvenile snapper (Pagrus auratus) were therefore investigated following a 6 week period of moderate hypoxia exposure (10.2-12.1 kPa PO2, 21 ± 1°C) and compared to those of normoxic controls (PO2= 20-21 kPa, 21 ± 1°C). The critical oxygen pressure (i.e. Pcrit) limit of both groups was unchanged at ~7 kPa, as were standard, routine and maximum metabolic rates. However, hypoxia acclimated fish showed increased tolerances to hypoxia in behavioral choice chambers by avoiding lower PO2 levels (3.3 ± 0.7 vs 5.3 ± 1.1 kPa) without displaying greater perturbations of lactate or glucose. This behavioural change was associated with unexpected physiological adjustments. For example, a decrease in blood O2 carrying capacity was observed after hypoxia-acclimation. Also unexpected was an increase in whole blood P50 following acclimation to low O2, perhaps facilitating Hb-O2 off-loading to tissues. In addition, cardiac mitochondria measured in situ using permeabilised fibres showed improved O2 uptake efficiencies. The proportion of the anaerobic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), at least relative to the aerobic marker enzyme citrate synthase (CS), also increased in heart and skeletal red muscle indicating enhanced anaerobic potential, or in situ lactate metabolism, in these tissues. Overall these data suggest that a prioritization of O2 delivery and O2 utilization over O2 uptake during long-term hypoxia may convey a significant survival benefit to snapper in terms of behavioural low O2 tolerance.
Mechanics of snout expansion in suction feeding seahorses: musculoskeletal force transmission
Authors: Van Wassenbergh Sam , Leysen Heleen , Adriaens Dominique , Aerts Peter
Published: October 2012

Seahorses and other sygnathid fishes rely on a widening of the snout to create the buccal volume increase needed to suck prey into the mouth. This snout widening is caused by abduction of the suspensoria, the long and flat bones outlining the lateral sides of the mouth cavity. However, it remains unknown how seahorses can generate a forceful abduction of the suspensoria. To understand how force is transmitted to the suspensoria via the hyoid and the lower jaw, we performed mathematical simulations with models based on CT-scans of Hippocampus reidi. Our results show that the hinge joint between the left and right hyoid bars, as observed in H. reidi, allows for an efficient force transmission to the suspensorium from a wide range of hyoid angles, including the extremely retracted hyoid orientations observed in-vivo for syngnathids. Apart from the hyoid retraction force by the sternohyoideus-hypaxial muscles, force generated in the opposite direction on the hyoid by the mandibulohyoid ligament also has an important contribution to suspensorium abduction torque. Forces on the lower jaw contribute only for about 10% of the total suspensorium torque. In particular when dynamical aspects of hyoid retraction are included in the model, a steep increase is shown in suspensorium abduction torque at highly retracted hyoid positions, when the linkages to the lower jaw counteract further hyoid rotation in the sagittal plane. A delayed strain in these linkages allows syngnathids to postpone suction generation until the end of cranial rotation, a fundamental difference from non-syngnathiform fishes.
Why Ionic Amphiphilic “Block” Copolymer Can Be Non-surface Active? Comparison of Homopolymer, Block and Random Copolymers of Poly(styrenesulfonate)
Authors: Matsuoka Hideki , Hachisuka Masahiro , Uda Kyohei , Onishi Tomoyuki , Ozoe Shinji
Published: October 2012

Ionic amphiphilic diblock copolymers, such as polystyrene-b-poly(styrenesulfonate), show non-surface activity when some requirements are satisfied. The main origin of this unique property has been thought to be an image charge repulsion at the air/water interface. In this study, surface activity/non-activity was examined for random copolymers in addition to homopolymers. Random copolymers of styrene and styrenesulfonate were found to be surface active, while the poly(styrenesulfonate) homopolymer was slightly surface active. This observation cannot be interpreted by image charge repulsion alone since these are all polyanions and the block copolymer is mostly hydrophobic. Stable polymer micelle formation in the block copolymer system is also an essential origin of non-surface activity.
Two-dimensional Structures of Isobutenyl Ether Compounds Possessing Dodecyl and Tridecyl Chains: Effects of Solvent and Tandem Claisen Rearrangement
Authors: Kikkawa Yoshihiro , Omori Kazuhiro , Kanesato Masatoshi , Hiratani Kazuhisa
Published: October 2012

Two-dimensional (2D) structures of isobutenyl ether compounds possessing relatively short alkyl tails (carbon numbers = 12 and 13) were studied using scanning tunneling microscopy at a solid/liquid interface. Coadsorption of solvent molecules was partly dependent on the alkyl chain lengths of the isobutenyl compounds and solvents. Tandem Claisen rearrangement induced structural convergence, and the solvent effect was completely quenched.
Highly Concentrated Colloidal Dispersion of Decanoic Acid Self-assembled Monolayer-protected CeO2 Nanoparticles Dispersed to a Concentration of up to 77 wt % in an Organic Solvent
Authors: Arita Toshihiko , Yoo Jungwoo , Ueda Yu , Adschiri Tadafumi
Published: October 2012

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of decanoic acids were prepared on CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The dispersion of the NPs was improved by increasing the packing density of decanoic acid SAM on CeO2 NPs. According to our proposed criterion related to the SAM on NPs for stable dispersion in nonpolar liquids, the CeO2 NPs were dispersed up to 77 wt % and perfectly dispersed up to 50 wt % in cyclohexane.
Direct urine ammonium measurement: time to discard urine anion and osmolar gaps
Authors: Ha Leah Y , Chiu Weldon W , Davidson James S
Published: October 2012

Background

A failure of urine ammonium to increase during acidosis indicates impaired renal acidification, and the urinary ammonium concentration is therefore a useful investigation in determining the cause of a metabolic acidosis. However, urine ammonium measurements are not widely available in routine diagnostic laboratories. This has led to the use of urine anion or osmolar gaps, which are unsatisfactory as surrogates for urine ammonium measurement.

Methods

We evaluated the adaptation of two widely available automated plasma ammonium assays for measurement of urinary ammonium.

Results

Both assays showed good recovery and linearity in urine samples spiked with ammonium chloride, and acceptable precision. Urine ammonium concentrations estimated from urinary anion and osmolar gaps showed poor agreement with measured urine ammonium concentrations.

Conclusions

Direct urine ammonium measurements are easily performed with modern autoanalysers by simple adaptation of routine plasma ammonium assays. The use of urine anion and osmolar gaps should be abandoned where direct measurement is available.
Carbohydrate biomarker recognition using synthetic lectin mimics
Authors: Dai Chaofeng , Sagwal Arpana , Cheng Yunfeng , Peng Hanjing , Chen Weixuan , Wang Binghe
Published: October 2012

Carbohydrate biomarkers play very important roles in a wide range of biological and pathological processes. Compounds that can specifically recognize a carbohydrate biomarker are useful for targeted delivery of imaging agents and for development of new diagnostics. Furthermore, such compounds could also be candidates for the development of therapeutic agents. A tremendous amount of active work on synthetic lectin mimics has been reported in recent years. Amongst all the synthetic lectins, boronic-acid-based lectins (boronolectins) have shown great promise. Along this line, four classes of boronolectins including peptide-, nucleic-acid-, polymer-, and small-molecule-based ones are discussed with a focus on the design principles and recent advances. We hope that by presenting the potentials of this field, this review will stimulate more research in this area.
The social neuroscience of empathy in the theatre of global ethics
Authors: Freeman Barry
Published: October 2012

Part of an ongoing exploration of the ethics of representation and spectatorship in theatre addressing global issues, this article examines how theatre depicting 'strangers' may activate our empathy. Rooting the discussion in Jovanni Sy's 2010 site-specific play A Taste of Empire in
Toronto, the author draws on new research in the field of social neuroscience to explore how theatre is attempting to bridge what J. D. Trout calls 'the empathy gap': the gap between empathetic relationships in small, community groups and empathetic relationships between strangers at a global
scale. While the discovery of the 'mirror neuron' system might make a case for the human capacity for empathy at larger scales, other research suggests a range of factors mitigate empathy, at least providing cause for scepticism.
REVIEWS
Authors: Jennings Matt , Brocklehurst Robert John , Wood Nigel , Haddow Sam , Pattie David , Hauthal Janine , Chow Broderick D.V.
Published: October 2012

COMMUNITY POLITICS AND THE PEACE PROCESS IN CONTEMPORARY NORTHERN IRISH DRAMA, EVA URBAN, (2010) Oxford, Frankfurt am Main, Bern and New York: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers, 303 pp., ISBN: 978-3-0343-0143-5, pbk, £38.00

GET REAL: DOCUMENTARY THEATRE PAST AND
PRESENT, ALISON FORSYTH AND CHRIS MEGSON (EDS), ([2009] 2011) Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 264 pp., ISBN: 0-230-22115-7, hbk, £52.00; ISBN: 0-230-33689-2, pbk, £17.99

THEATRE: THE REDISCOVERY OF STYLE, MICHEL SAINT-DENIS, (2009) Jane Baldwin (ed.), London and New York: Routledge
Theatre Classics, 202 pp., ISBN: 978-0-415-45048-5, pbk, £17.99

DISASTER CAPITALISM; OR MONEY CAN'T BUY YOU LOVE, RICK MITCHELL, (2011) Bristol: Intellect, 299 pp., ISBN 978-1-84150-430-8, pbk, £14.95

THEATRE AND ETHICS, NICHOLAS RIDOUT, (2009) London: Palgrave, 78 pp., ISBN
978-0-230-23027-1, pbk, £4.99

DAS DRAMA DES PREKÄREN: ÜBER DIE WIEDERKEHR DER ETHIK IN THEATER UND PERFORMANCE, KATHARINA PEWNY, (2011) Bielefeld: transcript, 336 pp., ISBN 978-3-8376-1651-4, pbk, €32.80

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF PERFORMANCE (TRANS. SASKYA IRIS
JAIN), ERIKA FISCHER-LICHTE, (2008) Abingdon: Routledge, 232 pp., ISBN: 978-0-415-45856-6, pbk, £22.99
Study on DTBP initiated MAH onto polybutene-1 with melt-grafting
Authors: Zhao Yongxian , Du Yuejuan , Han Lei , Liu Zhen , Chen Junyi
Published: October 2012

Maleic anhydride (MAH) grafting onto isotactic polybutene-1 (iPB-1) was prepared using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as the initiator in the internal mixer. The influence of the reaction temperature, rotor rate, initiator content, monomer and co-monomer content, on grafting ratio (G/%) and melt flow rate (MFR), was investigated. The results showed that the temperature and rotor rate had little effect on the grafting ratio and MFR when the temperature was 160°C–200°C, and the rotor rate was 50 rpm–90 rpm. Besides, as the initiator content increased, the grafting ratio increased, but excessive initiator content led to degradation of macromolecules and a significant increase in MFR. The grafting ratio reached a peak value with an MAH content of 4.5 phr and a fixed initiator content of 0.3 phr. As a co-monomer, styrene (St) can enhance the G/% and decrease the MFR. The crystallization properties of iPB-1 were also studied. The grafting of MAH onto iPB-1 remarkably accelerated the crystal form II to I transformation of iPB-1 and the transformation rate increased with an increase in the G/% of iPB-1.
Performance and Suitability of Radial Drainage Materials in Axisymmetric Testing of Clayey Soils at High Confining Pressures
Authors: Yamamuro Jerry A. , Liu Yigang , Lade Poul V.
Published: October 2012

When lubricated end platens are used in axisymmetric testing of clayey soil specimens, radial or side drainage is often used. As confining pressure increases, the filter paper rapidly loses its flow capacity. An experimental study of different radial drainage materials in compression and extension is presented examining their flow capacity and vertical load corrections at confining pressures ranging from low stresses to approximately 3000 kPa. Drainage materials investigated include filter paper and various non-woven geo-textiles. At high pressures, flow capacity was greatly limited by clogging, thereby limiting the allowable strain rate for drained tests. The vertical load carrying capacity of drainage materials in different configurations (vertical strips or sheets with inclined slots) was determined to be much higher than expected, even for filter paper.
Effects of Cracks on the Electrical Conductivity of a Fissured Laterite: A Combined Experimental and Statistical Study
Authors: Kong Ling-Wei , Bai Wei , Guo Ai-Guo
Published: October 2012

This paper presents an experimental study of the effects of cracks on the electrical conductivity (EC) of a fissured laterite in Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China, followed by multi-variant statistical analyses of the sensitivity of the EC dependence on different crack parameters (e.g., depth, length, width, orientation, and crack density). The results show that the soil EC is highly dependent on the crack properties. In general, the EC decreases linearly as the crack depth, length, width, orientation angle, or density increases. However, the EC decreases non-linearly, and the rate of reduction increases more dramatically, as the depth of cracks exceeds 1/4 of the thickness of the soil sample. When the width of the crack increases to 2.8 cm, the EC decreases less obviously and tends to remain at a constant value. Moreover, the EC decreases more dramatically with the orientation angle when it is less than 45° (otherwise the EC decreases more slowly with the orientation angle). With an increase in crack density (or the number of cracks), the EC exhibits much higher dependence on crack depth, length, and width. Finally, of all these crack parameters, the depth and orientation are the two primary factors influencing the soil EC, and the crack length, width, and density are secondary ones. As such, the degree of effect of different crack parameters on the soil EC follows the order of depth > orientation angle > density > length > width.
Enhanced Load-Transfer Analysis for Friction Piles Using a Modified Borehole Shear Test
Authors: AbdelSalam Sherif S. , Suleiman Muhannad T. , Sritharan Sri
Published: October 2012

This study discusses the development and use of a modified borehole shear test (mBST) to improve the prediction of the load-displacement and load-distribution responses for axially loaded friction piles in cohesive soils using the load-transfer analysis method (i.e., t–z analysis). Unlike available approaches that rely on empirical or semi-empirical correlations to generate the shear stress displacement at the soil–pile interface (i.e., t–z curves), the mBST enables direct field measurement of the t–z curves at the soil–pile interface. As part of this study, three full-scale vertical static load tests (SLTs) were conducted on instrumented steel H piles. The t–z analysis was carried out utilizing the TZPILE software with measured t–z curves via the mBST (i.e., the TZ-mBST model). When comparing results of the analysis with the measured responses for the three test piles, it was found that: (1) the TZ-mBST provides proper prediction for the initial part of the measured load-displacement response from SLT results, with a difference not exceeding 10 %; (2) the TZ-mBST analysis provides acceptable prediction of the pile capacity; (3) the TZ-mBST analysis matches the load distribution along the pile length with a maximum difference of 8.3 %; and (4) the analysis with directly measured t–z curves using the mBST provide improved predictions of the pile response when compared to the empirical CPT-based analysis.
Fracture-Toughness Evaluation in Submerged Arc-Welding Seam Welds in Nonstandard Curved SE(B) Specimens in the Short Radial Direction of API 5L Steel Pipe
Authors: Angeles-Herrera D. , González-Velázquez J. , de Morales-Ramírez A. J.
Published: October 2012

Plane-strain fracture toughness of submerged arc-welding seams of an API 5L steel pipe in the short radial direction was evaluated using nonstandard curved SE(B) test specimens. These specimens are directly cut from the pipe and require no machining other than the crack starter notch. The stress intensity factor function for the nonstandard curved SE(B) specimen was calibrated for three-point bending loading. The initiating notch was aligned to make the crack propagate through the weld-deposited metal zone. The measured fracture-toughness value was 56.3 ± 2.9 Mpa√m. A fractographic study of the tested specimens showed that the deposited metal fracture consists of a mixture of ductile tearing and cleavage that corresponds to the ferrite and the dendritic grains, respectively. The dendritic grains behave in a brittle way, thus being the main contributions to the relatively low fracture-toughness values obtained from the tests.
Mechanical Characteristics of Asphaltic Mixtures Containing Titanium-Dioxide Photocatalyst
Authors: Mohammad Louay , Hassan Marwa , Cooper Sam
Published: October 2012

Photocatalysis pavements containing nano and ultrafine titanium dioxide (TiO2) can trap and degrade organic and inorganic particles in the air, removing harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds in the presence of UV light (sunlight). To accommodate the rapid development and adoption of this technology, performance characterization of photocatalytic mixture is needed. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive laboratory evaluation of conventional HMA and WMA mixtures containing the nano TiO2 photocatalyst. To achieve this objective, two asphalt cement binder blends, consisting of an unmodified PG 64–22 and SBS polymer-modified PG 70–22, and a commercial crystallized anatase-based titanium-dioxide ultra-fine powder with an active surface area of 90 m2/g were prepared at a modification rate of 7 % by weight of the binder. The blends were used in 19-mm Superpave asphalt mixtures. The content of Evotherm J1 WMA additive was 1.0 % by weight of the binder. The mixture performance tests included modified Lottman test, SCB, LWT, and TSRST. Based on the results of the experimental program, the use of TiO2 as a modifier to HMA and WMA mixtures did not significantly alter the performance as compared to conventional mixes; therefore, TiO2 may be used to modify both HMA and WMA mixtures without damaging effects on performance.
Germline mutations of AIP gene in somatotropinomas resistant to somatostatin analogues
Authors: Oriola Josep , Lucas Tomás , Halperin Irene , Mora Mireia , Perales Ma José , Alvarez-Escolá Cristina , Paz de Miguel-Novoa , Díaz Soto Gonzalo , Salinas Isabel , Julián María Teresa , Olaizola Izaskun , Bernabeu Ignacio , Marazuela Mónica , Puig-Domingo Manuel
Published: October 2012

Objective

Most cases of familial isolated pituitary adenomas with mutated aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP:HGNC:358) gene develop somatotropinomas. They are characterised by an aggressive clinical phenotype including early age at diagnosis, large tumours and frequent invasiveness. There is little information onAIPgene mutations' prevalence in isolated somatotropinomas characterised by poor response to somatostatin analogue treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence ofAIPmutations in non-familial cases of somatotropinomas with poor response to conventional treatment.

Design and methods

Fifty patients with acromegaly (22 males/28 females, age 51±18 years) and 60 controls were included in this study performed at eight University Hospitals in Spain. None had family history of pituitary adenomas or other endocrine tumors. All patients failed to respond to conventional treatment including surgery and somatostatin analogues. Some patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and most cases required pegvisomant (PEG) treatment for normalisation of IGF1. AIP analysis was performed in DNA extracted from peripheral leucocytes, using standardised PCR protocol in which the coding regions of exons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were amplified. Possible deletions/duplications were studied using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

Results

Sequence changes of potential different significance that could be considered as mutations or variations of unknown significance (VUS) of theAIPgene were found in four patients (8%). In two cases, two different mutations previously described were found: p.Arg9Gln and p.Phe269Phe. Two other VUS were also found: c.787+24C>T in intron 5 and c.100-18C>T in intron 1. Age at diagnosis ranged from 21 to 50 years old, and in all patients, the tumor was a macroadenoma depicting IGF1 normalisation under PEG treatment.

Conclusions

AIPgermline mutations show a low, but non-negligible, prevalence in non-familial acromegaly patients with tumors resistant to treatment with somatostatin analogues.
Microstructural Characterization by Color Tint Etching of a TRIP-800 Steel Welded by Laser CO2 Process.
Authors: Pérez-Medina G.Y. , Zambrano P. , López H.F. , Reyes-Valdés F.A. , López-Cortés V H.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents results on the impact of Laser CO2 process variables on the weldability, phase transformations and exhibited tensile properties in a TRIP800 Steel. The microstructures of this steel consist of ferrite, bainite, martensite, and substantial amount of retained austenite, which is obtained by controlled cooling from the intercritical anneling temperature to the isothermal bainitic holding temperature. These steel has been increasingly used in the last 10 years in the automotive industries and for these materials to be used effectively, the influence of material and the Laser CO2 process condition must be clearly understood. Hence, in this work the effect of the welding process on the resultant microstructures and on the exhibited mechanical properties was investigated. Color tint etching applied in welded for AHSS help us to know the phase transformation, the colors of each phase viewed under the microscopy. The weld was etching with Klemm´s 1 solution, in this work; it was found that the bainite is clearly identify by blue color, the martensite brown, yellow ferrite and the retained austenite white. Additional X ray Diffraction (XRD) is employed in characterization to estimate the quantity of retained austenite.
Manejo clínico de úlceras venosas na atenção primária à saúde
Authors: Silva Marcelo Henrique da , Jesus Maria Cristina Pinto de , Merighi Miriam Aparecida Barbosa , Oliveira Deíse Moura de , Santos Sueli Maria dos Reis , Vicente Eduardo José Danza
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Discutir o manejo clínico de úlceras venosas realizado na atenção primária à saúde, com base na visão dos usuários que convivem com esta afecção. MÉTODOS: Estudo de natureza qualitativa exploratório, descritivo, realizado com 25 usuários adultos em tratamento nas Unidades de Saúde da Família. Os dados foram coletados no segundo semestre de 2008, utilizando-se um formulário estruturado com questões de caracterização sociodemográfica, tipo de limpeza, coberturas, uso de terapia compressiva, medicamentos e orientações prescritas. RESULTADOS: São usados para a limpeza produtos que agridem o tecido de granulação, como coberturas com várias substâncias, dentre elas o óleo de girassol e pomadas antibióticas; a maioria dos usuários não utiliza medidas para controle do edema. CONCLUSÃO: fazem-se necessárias a elaboração e a adoção de protocolos clínicos para o cuidado com úlceras venosas, bem como a capacitação permanente dos profissionais de saúde.
Retrato da realidade socioeconômica e sexual de mulheres presidiárias
Authors: Nicolau Ana Izabel Oliveira , Ribeiro Samila Gomes , Lessa Paula Renata Amorim , Monte Alana Santos , Ferreira Rita de Cássia do Nascimento , Pinheiro Ana Karina Bezerra
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Investigar o perfil socioeconômico e sexual de presidiárias. MÉTODOS: Estudo com abordagem quantitativa, transversal, descritivo, quantitativa envolvendo 155 presidiárias. A coleta de dados realizou-se de janeiro a março de 2010 na penitenciária feminina do Estado do Ceará, e contemplou dados de caracterização socioeconômica e sexual. RESULTADOS: a maioria das jovens brasileiras era solteira com baixa escolaridade e renda familiar mensal, reclusas por tráfico de drogas. Coitarca precoce, estabilidade e pouca variedade de parceiros sexuais. Ser presidiário(a), usar drogas e possuir tatuagens/piercings representaram aspectos comuns às participantes e suas parcerias. A homo/bissexualidade e a prostituição estiveram fortemente presentes. As DST antes ou após a prisão apresentaram pouca expressividade. A garantia da visita íntima e a realização do exame preventivo ainda enfrenta grandes entraves. CONCLUSÃO: Diante das vulnerabilidades encontradas concluiu-se que as estratégias de promoção da saúde sexual em ambiente prisional devem englobar a complexidade das peculiaridades vivenciadas pelas presidiárias.
Colonização e translocação bacteriana orofaríngea, gástrica e traqueal em crianças submetidas à ventilação pulmonar mecânica
Authors: Kusahara Denise Miyuki , Canezin Cristiane Cruz da Silva , Peterlini Maria Angélica Sorgini , Pedreira Mavilde da Luz Gonçalves
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Descrever o padrão de colonização e translocação bacteriana orofaríngea, gástrica e traqueal em crianças submetidas à ventilação pulmonar mecânica. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, realizado em uma Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Admitiram-se no estudo 30 crianças, sendo analisadas 216 culturas seriadas de secreção orofaríngea, gástrica e traqueal. Características microbiológicas, demográficas, clínicas, e terapêuticas foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS: Houve predominância de crianças portadoras de doenças crônicas, que fizeram uso de antibióticos, sedativos e protetores gástricos, submetidas à sondagem gástrica. Houve aumento no número de crianças colonizadas por patógenos durante a internação e predomínio das espécies: Enterobacter spp, K.pneumoniae, P.aeruginosa, A. baumanii e S.aureus. A maioria das crianças (80,0%) sofreu translocação orofaríngea durante a internação na UCIP. CONCLUSÃO: Crianças criticamente enfermas podem representar grupo de pacientes com risco aumentado para colonização e translocação bacteriana predominantemente da região orofaríngea para a traquéia.
Serviços de atenção domiciliar na saúde suplementar e a inserção da enfermagem em Belo Horizonte/MG
Authors: Silva Kênia Lara , Sena Roseni Rosangela de , Silva Paloma Morais , Braga Patrícia Pinto , Souza Caroline Gomes de
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Analisar modalidades de serviço de atenção domiciliar discutindo a inserção da enfermagem. MÉTODOS: Estudo de caso qualitativo realizado em quatro operadoras de planos de saúde no município de Belo Horizonte/Minas Gerais. Os dados foram obtidos de entrevistas e acompanhamento de casos. RESULTADOS: Os serviços de atenção domiciliar são agrupados em três Modalidades: Cuidados prolongados no domicilio; Atenção provisória no domicilio e Uso intenso de tecnologias e de cuidados. Nas modalidades, a enfermagem assume ações assistenciais e de gestão do cuidado e qualifica a atenção por meio do uso apropriado das tecnologias leves. Há uma tendência à terceirização do serviço de enfermagem na atenção domiciliar. CONCLUSÃO: A inclusão do trabalho do enfermeiro nas modalidades de atenção domiciliar representa ao mesmo tempo um componente de redução de custos e contribui para a transição tecnológica pelo estabelecimento de novas formas de cuidado no domicilio.
Úlcera venosa e terapia compressiva para enfermeiros: desenvolvimento de curso online
Authors: Queiroz Fernanda Mateus , Aroldi Juscilynne Barros da Costa , Oliveira Gisele Deneluz Schunck de , Peres Heloisa Helena Ciqueto , Santos Vera Lúcia Conceição de Gouveia
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Descrever a elaboração de um curso on-line sobre úlcera venosa, com enfoque em terapia compressiva, para capacitação de enfermeiros. MÉTODOS: O desenvolvimento do curso on-line seguiu as fases de análise, design, desenvolvimento, implementação e avaliação, baseadas no design instrucional contextualizado. RESULTADOS: O curso dividiu-se em dez módulos estruturados no ambiente virtual de aprendizagem Moodle. Caracterizou-se por uma proposta construtivista, visando ampliar a participação do aluno, disponibilizar as principais referências, revisões e consensos, bem como utilizar objetos multimídia e recursos didáticos interativos. CONCLUSÃO: O curso possibilita a capacitação profissional do enfermeiro em terapia compressiva de maneira inovadora, flexível, interativa em diversos ambientes de cuidado.
Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança: uma política de promoção, proteção e apoio ao aleitamento materno
Authors: Figueredo Sonia Fontes , Mattar Maria José Guardiã , Abrão Ana Cristina Freitas de Vilhena
Published: October 2012

OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre os dez passos da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança (IHAC). MÉTODOS: Buscou-se documentos e artigos científicos publicados em bases de dados PubMED, Medline, SciELO e LILACS. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas inicialmente 110 referências sobre a IHAC, entre os anos de 1979 a 2009. Aproximadamente 21% foram publicadas na década de 1990 e 79% entre 2000 a 2009, sendo 10,8% em livros e documentos oficiais do Ministério da Saúde, Organização Panamericana de Saúde e Organização Mundial da Saúde e 89,2% em artigos indexados nas bases de dados consultadas. Destes foram selecionadas 35 referências. Os estudos analisados evidenciaram que as mudanças nas práticas hospitalares de acordo com os Dez Passos da IHAC aumentaram a prevalência do aleitamento materno. CONCLUSÃO: Por meio dos estudos analisados a IHAC tem se mostrado efetiva no aumento da prática da amamentação em muitas regiões do mundo, contribuindo com a redução da morbi-mortalidade infantil.
Key Shale Gas Water Management Strategies: An Economic Assessment Tool
Authors: Slutz James , Anderson Jeffrey , Broderick Richard , Horner Patrick
Published: October 2012

As a result of recent innovations in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, shale gas has become an important global energy supply. However, water consumption and disposal issues associated with shale gas development, coupled with industry growth, are creating a need for sophisticated water management strategies. Current shale gas water management strategies fall into three key categories: disposal, re-use, and recycling. Disposal strategies involve sourcing fresh water for hydraulic fracturing and transporting all frac flowback and produced water to an injection well for disposal. Re-use strategies involve primary treatment of frac flowback, so it can be blended with make-up water for re-use as frac fluid. Recycling strategies involve treating the flowback to fresh water quality, either for re-use in hydraulic fracturing or for environmental discharge. This paper will analyze the total life cycle water management costs per frac by comparing the options and costs of water supply; water transportation; cost and options for disposal, re-use, and recycling; impact of water quality on frac chemical costs; the impact of water quality on frac performance and long-term well performance. This paper will also identify other impacts, including safety, public perception, community impact, and environmental liability.
Impacts of Sampling Dissolved Organic Matter with Passive Capillary Wicks Versus Aqueous Soil Extraction
Authors: Perdrial Julia N. , Perdrial Nico , Harpold Adrian , Gao Xiaodong , Gabor Rachel , LaSharr Kelsie , Chorover Jon
Published: October 2012

Quantitative characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soil and vadose zone solution is needed to interpret mechanisms of nutrient and C cycling as well as bio‐weathering processes. Passive capillary wick samplers (PCaps) are useful for soil solution sampling because they can provide measures of water and associated DOM‐constituent flux in the unsaturated zone, however potential impacts of the wick material on DOM chemical properties has not been investigated yet. We therefore conducted experiments where aqueous soil extracts were transported along PCap fiberglass wicks in flow‐through experiments. Results indicated limited dissolved organic carbon (DOC) sorption and DOM fractionation, and related parameters (total dissolved nitrogen [TDN], DOM fluorescence components) also remained largely unaffected. We note that this experiment does not account for the extent to which soil hydrologic processes may be affected by PCap field installations. However, given that the wicks did not fractionate significantly DOM, we compared field‐based PCap DOM solution collected in situ with laboratory‐based aqueous soil extraction (ASE) of DOM from the same soils to assess differences in DOM quality. Spectroscopic analysis of DOM in ASE solutions showed lower O‐H stretch/carboxlyate band intensity ratios, more pronounced aliphatic C‐H stretching (Fourier Transform Infrared analysis), higher specific ultraviolet‐absorbance (SUVA254) values as well as greater abundance of fluorescence components in the region attributed to fulvic acids. We conclude that difference in molecular properties of DOM derived from laboratory ASE vs. PCap field collection of the same soils is attributable to differential disturbance effects of the two methods of soil solution collection.
The Quantitative Soil Pit Method for Measuring Belowground Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks
Authors: Vadeboncoeur Matthew A. , Hamburg Steven P. , Blum Joel D. , Pennino Michael J. , Yanai Ruth D. , Johnson Chris E.
Published: October 2012

Many important questions in ecosystem science require estimates of stocks of soil C and nutrients. Quantitative soil pits provide direct measurements of total soil mass and elemental content in depth‐based samples representative of large volumes, bypassing potential errors associated with independently measuring soil bulk density, rock volume, and elemental concentrations. The method also allows relatively unbiased sampling of other belowground C and nutrient stocks, including roots, coarse organic fragments, and rocks. We present a comprehensive methodology for sampling these pools with quantitative pits and assess their accuracy, precision, effort, and sampling intensity as compared to other methods. At 14 forested sites in New Hampshire, nonsoil belowground pools (which other methods may omit, double‐count, or undercount) accounted for upward of 25% of total belowground C and N stocks: coarse material accounted for 4 and 1% of C and N in the O horizon; roots were 11 and 4% of C and N in the O horizon and 10 and 3% of C and N in the B horizon; and soil adhering to rocks represented 5% of total B‐horizon C and N. The top 50 cm of the C horizon contained the equivalent of 17% of B‐horizon carbon and N. Sampling procedures should be carefully designed to avoid treating these important pools inconsistently. Quantitative soil pits have fewer sources of systematic error than coring methods; the main disadvantage is that because they are time‐consuming and create a larger zone of disturbance, fewer observations can be made than with cores.
Modeling river stage–discharge–sediment rating relation using support vector regression
Authors: Jain Sharad K.
Published: October 2012

A variety of data-driven approaches have been developed in the recent past to capture the properties of hydrological data for improved modeling. These include artificial neural networks (ANNs), fuzzy logic and evolutionary algorithms, amongst others. Of late, kernel-based machine learning approaches have become popular due to their inherent advantages over traditional modeling techniques. In this work, support vector machines (SVMs), a kernel-based learning approach, has been investigated for its suitability to model the relationship between the river stage, discharge, and sediment concentration. SVMs are an approximate implementation of the structural risk minimization principle that aims at minimizing a bound on the generalization error of a model. These have been found to be promising in many areas including hydrology. Application of SVMs to regression problems is known as support vector regression (SVR). This paper presents an application of SVR to model river discharge and sediment concentration rating relation. The results obtained using SVR were compared with those from ANNs and it was found that the SVR approach is better when compared with ANNs.
Urban impact on water bodies in the Luleå area, northern Sweden, and the role of redox processes
Authors: Rentz Ralf , Öhlander Björn
Published: October 2012

Sediment and water from urban water bodies in the Luleå area, northern Sweden, were studied to determine the degree of contamination from metals and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). The heavy metals Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, which are of main concern in urban stormwater, are enriched in all investigated bays. PAH concentrations were also found to be enriched. The water and sediment quality of the investigated water bodies depends on catchment area characteristics and emission impact, from point sources in particular. Water volume and turnover rate in the water bodies with low water levels and no surface runoff during wintertime, and ice covering during winter, contribute to anoxic conditions in the water column and sediments. The present redox conditions in the water bodies predominantly cause fixation of pollutants in the sediment due to formation of sulphides and slow oxidation of organic pollutants. Postglacial land uplift implies continuous changes in the environment, which can lead to changing redox conditions, thereby necessitating new risk assessments.
To the problem of uncertainty in interpolation of annual runoff
Authors: Yan Ziqi , Gottschalk Lars , Krasovskaia Irina , Xia Jun
Published: October 2012

The long-term mean value of runoff is the basic descriptor of available water resources. This paper focuses on the accuracy that can be achieved when mapping this variable across space and along main rivers for a given stream gauging network. Three stochastic interpolation schemes for estimating average annual runoff across space are evaluated and compared. Two of the schemes firstly interpolate runoff to a regular grid net and then integrate the grid values along rivers. One of these schemes includes a constraint to account for the lateral water balance along the rivers. The third scheme interpolates runoff directly to points along rivers. A drainage basin in China with 20 gauging sites is used as a test area. In general, all three approaches reproduce the sample discharges along rivers with postdiction errors along main river branches around 10%. Using more objective cross-validation results, it was found that the two schemes based on basin integration, and especially the one with a constraint, performed significantly better than the one with direct interpolation to points along rivers. The analysis did not allow identification of possible influence of surface water use.
Dynamic risk assessment model for water quality on projection pursuit cluster
Authors: Zhao Jun , Jin Juliang , Zhang Xiaomin , Chen Yaqian
Published: October 2012

With the aim of reducing the losses from water pollution, a dynamic risk assessment model for water quality is studied in this paper. This model is built on the projection pursuit cluster principle and risk indexes in the complex system, proceeding from the whole structure and its component parts. In this paper, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is used to screen out index system and determine index weight, while the further value of an index is simulated by hydrological model. The proposed model adopts the comprehensive dynamic evaluation method to analyze the time dimension data, and evaluates the development tendency by combining qualitative analysis with quantitative analysis. The projection pursuit theory is also employed for clustering the spatial dimension data, the optimal projection vector for calculating risk cluster type to compartmentalize risk, and then local conditions for proposing the regulation scheme. The applicational results show that the model has the strong logic superiority and regional adaptability with strict theoretical system, flexible methods, correct and reasonable results and simple implementation to provide a new way for research on risk assessment models of water quality.
Diabetes and Risk of Community-Acquired Respiratory Tract Infections,
Urinary Tract Infections, and Bacteremia
Authors: W. Thomsen Reimar , Mor Anil
Published: October 2012

Urinary tract infections:

The risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria and cystitis is 1.5 to 2 times increased in diabetes patients,
while their risk of pyelonephritis may be 2 to 4 times increased. Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in diabetes is
generally not recommended. Diabetes duration and chronic complications including cystopathy appear to be more
important risk factors than current glycemic control, but further evidence is needed. Modifiable risk factors for urinary
tract infection are the same as in persons without diabetes.

Bacteremia:

The risk of bacteremia due to pneumococci is approximately 1.5 times increased in diabetes, similar to the
increased risk for pneumonia. In comparison, diabetes is associated with 2.5 to 3 times increased risk for bacteremia due
to E. coli and other enterobacteria, often due to a urinary tract focus. Diabetes is also associated with a 2 times increased
risk for hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia, and 3 times increased risk for invasive group B streptococcal infection.
Limited data is available for staphylococcal bacteremia.

Conclusions:

Increased infection surveillance and unmeasured confounding factors among diabetic patients may
contribute to the observed increased infection risk, yet outcomes following infection are similar or worse in diabetes
patients. In conclusion, there is epidemiological evidence that individuals with diabetes have a substantially increased risk
of a number of important infections. Clinicians should remain vigilant for infections in this increasing group of patients.

This review provides an update on the risk of several important community-acquired infections seen in patients
with diabetes: respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and bacteremia. Respiratory tract infections: Recent
epidemiological evidence shows a modest (1.25 to 1.75-fold) risk increase for hospitalization with pneumonia associated
with diabetes. The increase of risk for tuberculosis is of similar magnitude in highly developed countries, and possibly
higher in low-income countries. Poor glycemic control and long diabetes duration predict higher risk for both pneumonia
and tuberculosis. Limited data is available for diabetes and influenza, yet both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination is
recommended in patients with diabetes.
Risk of Infections in Adult Patients with Haematological Malignancies
Authors: Nørgaard Mette
Published: October 2012

Patients with haematological malignancies are at increased risk of infections not only because of the
malignancy itself but also because of neutropenia induced by intensive chemotherapeutic treatment, and the cytotoxic
effect on the cells that line the alimentary tract. In haematological malignancy patients with a compromised inflammatory
response, the classic signs and symptoms of infection may be masked. The results of blood cultures therefore play an
important diagnostic role. Bacteraemia is a relatively common serious complication occurring in around 15% of patients
with haematological malignancies within the first years after diagnosis but the risk varies between different types of
haematological malignancies. Other risk factors for bacteraemia are presence of mucositis, neutropenia, and use of central
venous catheters. Invasive fungal diseases are also serious infectious complications in this population. Viral infections are
particularty often in patients that have received a bone marrow transplant. Future work in this field could focus on
potential modifiable risk factors and on how time since haematological diagnosis may influence risk of infection.