bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Analysis of a Fixed-Wing VTOL MAV in Ground Effect
Authors: Thipyopas Chinnapat , Moschetta Jean-Marc
Published: August 2010

More and more complex reconnaissance missions are now expected from miniaturized aerial robots such as Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs). In recent years, the need for aerial platforms capable of both hovering and fast forward flight has been expressed in order to accomplish target recognition in confined environments including outdoor and indoor flights. As a consequence, MAV systems may look fairly different depending on the mission planned: fixed-wing MAVs remains the preferred design for outdoor missions while rotary-wing or flapping-wing MAVs perform better for indoor missions. Therefore, over recent years, new MAV configurations have been investigated in order to carry out multi-tasking missions which include both indoor and outdoor flight phases with horizontal and vertical flight capabilities. Based on the success of the first multi-mission fixed wing coaxial-motor vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) MAV developed by ISAE and the University of Arizona in 2007, ISAE has studied a new tandem-motor VTOL MAV called MAVion since 2008. Although the MAVion concept has not yet demonstrated VTOL and low speed flight capacity, it had demonstrated high flight performance in an urban environment by winning first place in the IMAV09 competition in Florida. Hovering and VTOL capacity, an important key for this kind of multi-mission MAV, is the focus of this paper. Therefore, a dedicated experimental bench has been used to measure hover flight performances, both in terms of propulsion and aerodynamic efficiency. Ground effects have been analyzed in view of predicting the vehicle behavior in take-off and landing phases by using a high performance 5-component Micro-Sting Balance which is specially designed for MAV research.
Taylor Flow in Microchannels: A Review of Experimental and Computational Work
Authors: Gupta R. , Fletcher D.F. , Haynes B.S.
Published: August 2010

Over the past few decades an enormous interest in two-phase flow in microchannels has developed because of their application in a wide range of new technologies, ranging from lab-on-a-chip devices used in medical and pharmaceutical applications to micro-structured process equipment used in many modern chemical plants. Taylor flow, in which gas bubbles are surrounded by a liquid film and separated by liquid plugs, is the most common flow regime encountered in such applications. This review introduces the important attributes of two phase flow in microchannels and then focuses on the Taylor flow regime. The existing knowledge from both experimental and computational studies is presented. Finally, perspectives for future work are suggested.
Identification of Suitable Grid Size for Accurate Computation of Run-up Height
Authors: Behera Manasa Ranjan , Murali K. , Sundar V.
Published: August 2010

A numerical investigation has been carried out to obtain a non-dimensional grid size (grid size/ tsunami base width) for the near shore discretisation of computational domains for long wave modelling. A 1D domain has been considered in which, the flow has been solved by 1D shallow water equations with vertically integrated flow variables. The sensitivity study of the grid size was carried out in the 1D channel with an open boundary at one end and shelf boundary at the other end. The grid size was varied from 10 m to 1000 m and its effect on the computation of the tsunami run-up along the shoreline has been investigated. The non-dimensional grid size for the computation of run-up was optimised by comparing the non-dimensional run-up (tsunami run-up/initial tsunami height) and a threshold value of 5.0e-4 was obtained. Further, the study was extended to real scenario by adopting various grids for the shelf region of northern Tamil Nadu coast, south east coast of India in 2D and a suitable grid size was obtained.
Explosions in Complex Geometries — A Comparison of Several Approaches
Authors: Larcher Martin , Casadei Folco
Published: August 2010

For the design and calculation of structures loaded by air blast waves, especially from inside the structure, assumptions on the applied load are needed. This paper presents several simulation methods for the air blast loading of structures and their ability to be used for complex geometries. Experimental-analytical pressure-time functions of spherical load conditions applied to the structure by disregarding the air are not applicable in such cases because they do not account for reflections, shadowing and channelling effects. Fluid calculations, which model also the solid explosive, are very expensive due to the extremely small elements for the explosive and the air nearby.

This paper therefore presents a review of a well-known simulation method, which uses a balloon with compressed air instead of the explosive. A procedure is developed which makes it possible to determine the overpressure of such a balloon for a given size of the explosive more accurately than before. The pressure-time function and the impulse-distance function of calculations using this method show good correspondence with experimental-analytical data. The functioning of the method is verified against experimental results.
Projecting an Extended Formulation for Mixed-Integer Covers on Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Conforti Michele , Wolsey Laurence A. , Zambelli Giacomo
Published: August 2010

We consider the mixed-integer version of bipartite vertex cover. This is equivalent to a mixed-integer network dual model, introduced recently, that generalizes several mixed-integer sets arising in production planning. We derive properties of inequalities that are valid for the convex hull of the mixed-integer bipartite covers by projecting an extended formulation onto the space of the original variables. This permits us to give a complete description of the facet-inducing inequalities of the double mixing set and of the continuous mixing set with flows, two mixed-integer sets that generalize several models studied in the literature.
Stochastic Approximations of Set-Valued Dynamical Systems: Convergence with Positive Probability to an Attractor
Authors: Faure Mathieu , Roth Gregory
Published: August 2010

A successful method to describe the asymptotic behavior of a discrete time stochastic process governed by some recursive formula is to relate it to the limit sets of a well-chosen mean differential equation. Under an attainability condition, Benaïm proved that convergence to a given attractor of the flow induced by this dynamical system occurs with positive probability for a class of Robbins Monro algorithms. Benaïm, Hofbauer, and Sorin generalised this approach for stochastic approximation algorithms whose average behavior is related to a differential inclusion instead. We pursue the analogy by extending to this setting the result of convergence with positive probability to an attractor.
Optimal Investment for Worst-Case Crash Scenarios: A Martingale Approach
Authors: Seifried Frank Thomas
Published: August 2010

We investigate the optimal portfolio problem under the threat of a financial market crash in a multidimensional jump-diffusion framework. We set up a nonprobabilistic crash model and consider an investor that seeks to maximize CRRA utility in the worst possible crash scenario. We recast the problem as a stochastic differential game; with the help of the fundamental notion of indifference strategies, we completely solve the portfolio problem using martingale arguments.
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth: How High-Status Individuals Decrease Group Effectiveness
Authors: Groysberg Boris , Polzer Jeffrey T. , Elfenbein Hillary Anger
Published: August 2010

Can groups become effective simply by assembling high-status individual performers? Though an affirmative answer may seem straightforward on the surface, this answer becomes more complicated when group members benefit from collaborating on interdependent tasks. Examining Wall Street sell-side equity research analysts who work in an industry in which individuals strive for status, we find that groups benefited—up to a point—from having high-status members, controlling for individual performance. With higher proportions of individual stars, however, the marginal benefit decreased before the slope of this curvilinear pattern became negative. This curvilinear pattern was especially strong when stars were concentrated in a small number of sectors, likely reflecting suboptimal integration among analysts with similar areas of expertise. Control variables ensured that these effects were not the spurious result of individual performance, department size or specialization, or firm prestige. We discuss the theoretical implications of these results for the literatures on status and groups, along with practical implications for strategic human resource management.
Identity Realization and Organizational Forms: Differentiation and Consolidation of Identities Among Arizona's Charter Schools
Authors: King Brayden G , Clemens Elisabeth S. , Fry Melissa
Published: August 2010

Organizations in an emerging organizational population face an identity problem. Collectively, organizations cannot yet rely on a coherent and stable definition of what membership in that new industry means. Individually, each organization must also establish its own distinctive identity to differentiate itself from competitors and secure resources. To explore the relationship between differentiation and the consolidation of recognizable identity element clusters, we examine the emergence of organizational form in the early years of the Arizona charter school industry. This industry is particularly interesting for scholars studying institutional processes because the legislative mandate of the new industry was for schools to experiment and provide education in an unconventional manner. Thus, the legislative definition of the organizational form or template for the charter school identity was intentionally underspecified. Using inductive analysis and regression models, we examine the process of identity realization occurring among charter schools and assess how the local institutional context of charter schools affected the realization process. The analyses demonstrate that new industries may come to be characterized by multiple element clusters; a single label for an organizational form may be linked to different combinations of identity elements. Our results also demonstrate that identity realization at the organizational level occurs through mimicry and differentiation processes and is facilitated by the local institutional context. In particular, the diversity of organizational resources available to industry entrepreneurs enables identity differentiation from one's peers.
Analysis of Fracture in Aluminum Joints Bonded with a Bi-Component Epoxy Adhesive
Authors: Alfano M. , Furgiuele F. , Pagnotta L. , Paulino G. H.
Published: August 2010

Adhesive bonding is a viable alternative to traditional joining systems (e.g., riveting or welding) for a wide class of components belonging to electronic, automotive, and aerospace industries. However, adhesive joints often contain flaws; therefore, the development of such technology requires reliable knowledge of the corresponding fracture properties. In the present paper, the candidate mode I fracture toughness of aluminum/epoxy joints is determined using a double cantilever beam fracture specimen. A proper data reduction scheme for fracture energy calculation has been selected based on the results of a sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, a scanning electron microscope is used in order to explore the locus of failure. Finally, the experimental findings are assessed by means of numerical simulations of crack growth carried out using a cohesive zone model.
Pituitary adenomas in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood: presentation, management, endocrine and metabolic outcomes
Authors: Steele Caroline A , MacFarlane Ian A , Blair Joanne , Cuthbertson Daniel J , Didi Mohammed , Mallucci Conor , Javadpour Mohsen , Daousi Christina
Published: August 2010

Objective

To elucidate the long-term outcomes of pituitary adenomas diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, knowledge of which remains sparse.

Design and methods

A retrospective review of patients aged ≤21 years at diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, attending a neuroendocrine service in Liverpool, UK, between 1984–2009.

Results

There were 41 patients (33 female), mean age at diagnosis 17.3 years (range 11–21) and mean follow-up 9.6 years; 29 patients had prolactinomas (15 macroprolactinomas), 6 non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), 5 Cushing's disease (CD) and 1 acromegaly. All prolactinoma patients received dopamine agonists (DAs) and three also underwent pituitary surgery. Furthermore, ten patients underwent surgery: five with CD, one with acromegaly and four with NFPA. Four received radiotherapy after surgery. Another ten patients received hormone replacement: nine hydrocortisone, five thyroxine, seven sex steroids and five GH; another seven had severe asymptomatic GH deficiency. Three female patients were treated for infertility (two successfully). Thirteen patients gained significant weight (body mass index (BMI) increase >2 kg/m2) since diagnosis and 16 in total are now obese (BMI>30 kg/m2). Five were treated with orlistat and one attended a weight management service. Two received antihypertensive medications, two had type 2 diabetes and four were treated for dyslipidaemia.

Conclusions

This is one of the largest reviews of patients aged 21 or younger at diagnosis of pituitary adenoma followed up by a single service. Two-thirds had prolactinomas, all were treated with DAs and three underwent surgery. Increased cardiovascular risk factors (obesity and dyslipidaemia) and infertility are important sequelae and active identification and treatment are necessary.
Implicações clínicas da persistência de anti-GAD positivo e peptídeo C detectável em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 de longa duração
Authors: Serfaty Fabiano Marcel , Dantas Joana R. , Almeida Mirella H. , Duarte Juliana Domingues G. , Kupfer Rosane , Campos Felipe , Zajdenverg Lenita , Milech Adolpho , Rodacki Melanie , Oliveira José Egídio Paulo de
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se anti-GAD positivo e PC detectável se correlacionam com a presença de outras doenças autoimunes, com controle glicêmico e com risco de retinopatia no diabetes melito tipo 1 (DMT1) > 3 anos de duração. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Cinquenta sujeitos com DMT1 foram entrevistados, realizaram fundoscopia e dosaram PC pré e pós-glucagon, HbA1C e anti-GAD. RESULTADOS: Pacientes anti-GAD+ (n = 17) apresentaram maior frequência de doenças autoimunes em relação aos demais (p = 0,02). PC detectável (n = 11) também foi associado ao aumento dessa prevalência (p = 0,03), porém nenhum dos dois parâmetros influenciou na presença de retinopatia diabética. PC detectável não influenciou no controle glicêmico (HbA1C média) (p = 0,28), porém as doses diárias de insulina foram mais baixas (0,62 vs. 0,91 U/kg/dia; p = 0,004) neste grupo. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de não ser um marcador para outras doenças autoimunes, o anti-GAD+ parece ser não só um sinalizador de autoimunidade pancreática. PC detectável também parece ter papel promissor na detecção dessas comorbidades. Ambos não interferiram na presença de retinopatia, entretanto, o PC detectável se relacionou a menores necessidades de insulina.
Efeito dos ácidos graxos n-3 no perfil glicêmico e lipídico, no estresse oxidativo e na capacidade antioxidante total de pacientes com síndrome metabólica
Authors: Simão Andréa Name Colado , Godeny Paula , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Dichi Jane Bandeira , Dichi Isaias
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: A síndrome metabólica (SM) é um conjunto de fatores que favorecem o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. Estudos prévios demonstram que os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFAs) podem melhorar alguns desses fatores. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito do óleo de peixe rico em PUFAs nos perfis glicêmico e lipídico, no estresse oxidativo e na capacidade antioxidante total (TRAP) no plasma em pacientes com SM. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico em 40 pacientes com SM (20 controles e 20 pacientes que consumiram 3 g/dia de PUFAs). RESULTADOS: O grupo que recebeu tratamento apresentou redução significativa nos níveis de triacilgliceróis e aumento no TRAP, mas sofreu aumento nos níveis de LDL, glicose e na resistência à insulina. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a ingestão de óleo de peixe foi capaz de diminuir os níveis de triacilgliceróis e aumentar o TRAP de pacientes com SM, porém verificou-se aumento nos níveis de LDL e na resistência à insulina.
Is there a link between glucose levels and heart failure? An update
Authors: Schainberg Arnaldo , Ribeiro-Oliveira Jr. Antônio , Ribeiro José Marcio
Published: August 2010

It has been well documented that there is an increased prevalence of standard cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in association with diabetes and with diabetes-related abnormalities. Hyperglycemia, in particular, also plays an important role. Heart failure (HF) has become a frequent manifestation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals with diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological studies suggest that the effect of hyperglycemia on HF risk is independent of other known risk factors. Analysis of datasets from populations including individuals with dysglycemia suggests the pathogenic role of hyperglycemia on left ventricular function and on the natural history of HF. Despite substantial epidemiological evidence of the relationship between diabetes and HF, data from available interventional trials assessing the effect of a glucose-lowering strategy on CV outcomes are limited. To provide some insight into these issues, we describe in this review the recent important data to understand the natural course of CV disease in diabetic individuals and the role of hyperglycemia at different times in the progression of HF.
Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer submetidos à quimioterapia
Authors: Sawada Namie Okino , Nicolussi Adriana Cristina , Okino Liyoko , Cardozo Fernanda Mara Coelho , Zago Marcia Maria Fontão
Published: August 2010

Estudo descritivo e transversal, desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a Qualidade de Vida (QV) de pacientes com câncer, submetidos à quimioterapia. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se o instrumento European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer - Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). A amostra constitui-se de 30 pacientes que assinaram o consentimento informado. Os dados foram analisados pelo software SPSS. O QLQ-C30 mostrou que a pontuação média das funções física, cognitiva e social, e desempenho de papel, variou de 71,26 a 75,12, demonstrando um nível satisfatório. Na função emocional, a média foi baixa, de 55,46. Nas escalas de sintomas, houve o predomínio da insônia com uma média de 34,44, seguida de dor (23,33) e fadiga (22,31). A QV foi satisfatória em todos os domínios, exceto a função emocional, que foi baixa, demonstrando que os efeitos colaterais da quimioterapia influenciam negativamente a QV dos pacientes.
Condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva para o cultivo do crisântemo em vaso
Authors: Beckmann-Cavalcante Márkilla Zunete , Pivetta Kathia Fernandes Lopes , Cavalcante Ítalo Herbert Lucena , Cavalcante Lourival Ferreira , Bellingieri Paulo Affonso , Campos Milton César Costa
Published: August 2010

Em se tratando do crisântemo de vaso, que constitui relevante contribuição à atividade de plantas ornamentais, ainda há necessidade de uma recomendação consistente sobre a condutividade elétrica (CE) da solução nutritiva para seu cultivo. Nesse sentido, realizou-se um experimento em ambiente protegido, objetivando avaliar o crescimento do crisântemo cv. Miramar cultivado em vaso, em função da CE da solução nutritiva e da lixiviação de sais do substrato. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições; os tratamentos foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, referentes aos valores de CE da solução nutritiva (2,1; 2,8; 3,5; 4,2; e 4,9 dS m-1), em substrato com e sem lavagem para lixiviação dos sais. O aumento da CE inibiu o crescimento e desempenho vegetativo, mas estimulou o diâmetro da haste. A lixiviação dos sais estimulou, exceto quanto ao diâmetro da haste, o maior crescimento avaliado pelas demais variáveis fitotécnicas. A CE de 2,1 dS m-1 possibilita a produção de crisântemo dentro de padrões qualitativos de comercialização, mediante lixiviação periódica do substrato.
Microbial and enzymatic activity in soil after organic composting
Authors: Vinhal-Freitas Isabel Cristina , Wangen Dalcimar Regina Batista , Ferreira Adão de Siqueira , Corrêa Gilberto Fernandes , Wendling Beno
Published: August 2010

Microbial activity and biochemical properties are important indicators of the impact of organic composting on soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate some indicators of soil microbial and biochemical processes after application of compost (household waste). A Typic Acrustox, sampled at a depth of 10 cm under Cerrado biome vegetation, was evaluated in three treatments: control (soil without organic compost amendment) and soil with two doses of domestic organic compost (10 and 20 g kg-1 soil). The following properties were evaluated: released C (C-CO2): microbial respiration 15 days after incubation; microbial biomass C (MBC); total glucose (TG); metabolic quotient (qCO2); and enzyme activity of β-glucosidase and acid and alkaline phosphatase. The application of household compost, at doses of 10 and 20 g kg-1 Typic Acrustox, resulted in significant gains in microbial activity, organic C and C stock, as evidenced by increased MBC and TG levels. On the other hand, qCO2 decreases indicated greater microbial diversity and more efficient energy use. The addition of compost, particularly the 20 g kg-1 dose, strongly influenced the enzyme β-glucosidase and phosphatase (acid and alkaline). The β-glucosidase activity was significantly increased and acid phosphatase activity increased more than the alkaline. The ratio of β-glucosidase to MBC was greater in the control than in the composted treatments which suggests that there were more enzymes in the control than in the substrate or that the addition of compost induced a great MBC increase.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus fertilization on post vitro growth of micropropagated Zingiber officinale roscoe
Authors: Santos Rosilda dos , Girardi Carla Giovana , Pescador Rosete , Stürmer Sidney Luiz
Published: August 2010

The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) are widely used for their medicinal and flavoring properties, whereas the influence of root symbionts on their growth is poorly understood. In this study, the effects of phosphate fertilization and inoculation with a mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (isolates Glomus clarum RGS101A, Entrophospora colombiana SCT115A and Acaulospora koskei SPL102A) on survival, growth and development of micropropagated ginger were investigated. After transplanting to post vitro conditions, the ginger microplants were subjected to the following treatments: a) AMF mixture, b) P addition (25 mg kg-1), c) AMF + P, and d) non-mycorrhizal control without P addition. After eight months of growth, survival ranged from 86 to 100 % in the AMF and AMF+P treatments versus 71 % survival in control and P treatments. In the AMF, P and AMF+P treatments, the shoot, root and rhizome biomass production were significantly larger than in the control plants. In the non-mycorrhizal control plants the leaf number, leaf area, number of shoots/plants, and shoot length were significantly lower than in the AMF, P and AMF+P treatments. Root colonization ranged from 81 to 93 % and was not affected by P application. The data confirmed the response of several growth variables of micropropagated ginger to mycorrhizal colonization and P addition.
Molecular analysis of the bacterial diversity in a specialized consortium for diesel oil degradation
Authors: Paixão Douglas Antonio Alvaredo , Dimitrov Mauricio Rocha , Pereira Rodrigo Matheus , Accorsini Fábio Raphael , Vidotti Maria Benincasa , Lemos Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo
Published: August 2010

Diesel oil is a compound derived from petroleum, consisting primarily of hydrocarbons. Poor conditions in transportation and storage of this product can contribute significantly to accidental spills causing serious ecological problems in soil and water and affecting the diversity of the microbial environment. The cloning and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene is one of the molecular techniques that allows estimation and comparison of the microbial diversity in different environmental samples. The aim of this work was to estimate the diversity of microorganisms from the Bacteria domain in a consortium specialized in diesel oil degradation through partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. After the extraction of DNA metagenomics, the material was amplified by PCR reaction using specific oligonucleotide primers for the 16S rRNA gene. The PCR products were cloned into a pGEM-T-Easy vector (Promega), and Escherichia coli was used as the host cell for recombinant DNAs. The partial clone sequencing was obtained using universal oligonucleotide primers from the vector. The genetic library obtained generated 431 clones. All the sequenced clones presented similarity to phylum Proteobacteria, with Gammaproteobacteria the most present group (49.8 % of the clones), followed by Alphaproteobacteira (44.8 %) and Betaproteobacteria (5.4 %). The Pseudomonas genus was the most abundant in the metagenomic library, followed by the Parvibaculum and the Sphingobium genus, respectively. After partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA, the diversity of the bacterial consortium was estimated using DOTUR software. When comparing these sequences to the database from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a strong correlation was found between the data generated by the software used and the data deposited in NCBI.
Alterations of soil chemical properties by eucalyptus cultivation in five regions in the Rio Doce Valley
Authors: Leite Fernando Palha , Silva Ivo Ribeiro , Novais Roberto Ferreira , Barros Nairam Félix de , Neves Júlio César Lima
Published: August 2010

Little is currently known about modifications in edaphic characteristics caused by short-rotation eucalyptus and the impacts of these alterations on the sustainability of eucalyptus wood production. This study was carried out to identify theses changes at five sites of eucalyptus plantation in the region of the Rio Doce Valley, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Areas with more than three previous eucalyptus cycles, adjacent to pasture land or native forest, were chosen. Soil samples were collected and soil fertility analyzed by routine methods and other fractionation methods in order to measure alterations in the K, Ca and Mg contents as a consequence of eucalyptus cultivation. In the eucalyptus areas, reductions in the exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ contents and pH were observed and increased Al3+ and H + Al contents. Of all nutrients, only P contents (Mehlich-1 P) increased in the eucalyptus areas. The reduction in exchangeable forms and in medium-term soil nutrient pools indicates the need for higher nutrient rates than the currently applied in order to prevent nutritional limitations and soil nutrient exhaustion. After several eucalyptus rotations there was a recovery in the SOM content in comparison to degraded pasture soils, although not to the level of the native forest soil. The positive correlation between effective CEC and medium-term non-exchangeable Ca, Mg and K with SOM emphasizes the need for adequate fertilizer and plant residue management to sustain or even increase forest productivity in future cycles.
Availability of soil water under tillage systems, mulch management and citrus rootstocks
Authors: Fidalski Jonez , Auler Pedro Antonio Martins , Beraldo José Marcos Garrido , Marur Celso Jamil , Faria Rogério Teixeira de , Barbosa Graziela Moraes de Cesare
Published: August 2010

The increased availability of soil water is important for the management of non-irrigated orange orchards. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability of soil water in a Haplorthox (Rhodic Ferralsol) under different tillage systems used for orchard plantation, mulch management and rootstocks in a "Pêra" orange orchard in northwest Paraná, Brazil. An experiment in a split-split-plot design was established in 2002, in an area cultivated with Brachiaria brizantha grass in which three tillage systems (no tillage, conventional tillage and strip-tillage) were used for orchard plantation. This grass was mowed twice a year between the rows, representing two mulch managements in the split plots (no mulching and mulching in the plant rows). The split-split-plots were represented by two rootstocks ("Rangpur" lime and "Cleopatra" mandarin). The soil water content in the plant rows was evaluated in the 0-20 cm layer in 2007 and at 0-20 and 20-40 cm in 2008-2009. The effect of soil tillage systems prior to implantation of orange orchards on soil water availability was less pronounced than mulching and the rootstocks. The soil water availability was lower when "Pêra" orange trees were grafted on "Cleopatra" mandarin than on "Rangpur" lime rootstocks. Mulching had a positive influence on soil water availability in the sandy surface layer (0-20 cm) and sandy clay loam subsurface (20-40 cm) of the soil in the spring. The production of B. brizantha between the rows and residue disposal in the plant rows as mulch increased water availability to the "Pêra" orange trees.
Estimating soybean crop areas using spectral-temporal surfaces derived from MODIS images in Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Epiphanio Rui Dalla Valle , Formaggio Antonio Roberto , Rudorff Bernardo Friedrich Theodor , Maeda Eduardo Eiji , Luiz Alfredo José Barreto
Published: August 2010

The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of the spectral-temporal response surface (STRS) classification method on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS, 250 m) sensor images in order to estimate soybean areas in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The classification was carried out using the maximum likelihood algorithm (MLA) adapted to the STRS method. Thirty segments of 30x30 km were chosen along the main agricultural regions of Mato Grosso state, using data from the summer season of 2005/2006 (from October to March), and were mapped based on fieldwork data, TM/Landsat-5 and CCD/CBERS-2 images. Five thematic classes were considered: Soybean, Forest, Cerrado, Pasture and Bare Soil. The classification by the STRS method was done over an area intersected with a subset of 30x30-km segments. In regions with soybean predominance, STRS classification overestimated in 21.31% of the reference values. In regions where soybean fields were less prevalent, the classifier overestimated 132.37% in the acreage of the reference. The overall classification accuracy was 80%. MODIS sensor images and the STRS algorithm showed to be promising for the classification of soybean areas in regions with the predominance of large farms. However, the results for fragmented areas and smaller farms were less efficient, overestimating soybean areas.
Tumores malignos de cabeça e pescoço em pacientes com menos de 18 anos de idade
Authors: Carvalho Marcos Brasilino de , Rapoport Abrão , Fava Antonio Sérgio , Kanda Jossi L. , Souza Ricardo Pires de , Mendes Augusto F.
Published: August 2010

A conduta ideal para os pacientes menores de 18 anos portadores de tumores malignos da região de cabeça e pescoço não é uniforme nos escassos relatos de literatura. Com o objetivo de mostrar e discutir a experiência no atendimento de cinqüenta casos tratados no Serviço de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do Complexo Hospitalar Heliópolis, no período de 1978 a 1994, os autores procederam a uma análise retrospectiva de sua casuística. Os tipos histológicos mais freqüentes foram os derivados da linhagem epitelial, 24 casos (48%) e, entre eles, o carcinoma mucoepidermóide. Entre os tumores derivados do tecido mensequimal, os mais freqüentes foram o rabdomiossarcoma e os linfomas. A cavidade oral foi o sítio mais freqüentemente acometido (15 casos, 30%). Entre todos os pacientes, apenas 21 (42%) estavam vivos e sem evidência de doença em atividade por um período que variou de seis meses a 18 anos. Quatorze (28%) pacientes morreram em decorrência de doença não controlada após um período que variou de dez dias a dois anos a contar da data do final do tratamento. De quatorze (28%) pacientes não pudemos obter informações atualizadas de suas condições e foram considerados perdidos de seguimento. Estes tumores não devem ser vistos como neoplasias de adultos localizadas em pacientes pediátricos; devem ser estudados e abordados como uma doença que apresenta características próprias e que exigem, como no adulto, que a primeira intervenção para o diagnóstico ou para o tratamento não seja intempestiva e, de fato, tenha resolubilidade.
Tratamento cirúrgico das distrofias da parede abdominal no adulto
Authors: Athias Fortunato Jayme , Franco Glaucilene Aragão , Silva Alexandre Augusto Mekdec da , Neves Mauro Santos , Souza Sádia Martins de Paula , Pereira Sérgio Alexandre da Costa
Published: August 2010

Os autores apresentam um estudo retrospectivo de 79 pacientes portadores de distrofias abdominais acompanhadas ou não de hérnias, operados no período compreendido entre 01/06/94 a 31/12/96. A idade média foi de 46 anos. A hérnia incisional isoladamente e o abdome distrófico (em avental) foram o principal objetivo do estudo. Enfatizam a importância da dermolipectomia abdominal para a completa recuperação do paciente bem como demonstram facilitar o manuseio técnico das hérnias. A técnica da transposição peritônio-aponeurótica longitudinal bilateral (técnica de Lázaro da Silva) foi utilizada para as grandes hérnias incisionais. É uma técnica já consagrada, que consta de três planos de suturas sem superposição dos mesmos. Sua recidiva em cinco anos de seguimento tem sido em tomo de 5% segundo estudos do próprio autor. A grande vantagem técnica é que, usando o saco herniário (quanto maior e mais espesso, melhor) como fechamento e reforço do anel, evita-se o uso de prótese com todos os inconvenientes da mesma (fístulas, rejeições etc.) Uma variante desta técnica, para as hérnias com anel herniário de até 10cm, é proposta pelos autores, e consiste no fechamento do anel e reforço da sutura com o saco herniário, em jaquetão. A vantagem seria a facilidade de execução e diminuição do tempo operatório, além de evitar dissecções extensas das camadas aponeuróticas. Quando o anel herniário alcançar 10cm e existir ligeira tensão, deve-se realizar incisão relaxadora na aponeurose anterior dos retos e recobrir a superfície cruenta com o próprio saco herniário que deverá estar íntegro. Esta técnica ainda requer maior observação clínica. É feita a revisão dos resultados dos procedimentos realizados isoladamente e acompanhados com dermolipectomia abdominal: 63 pacientes (81,66%) evoluíram sem complicações, cinco recidivas (6,3%); um caso de hematoma extenso (1,26%); dois casos de abscesso de parede em operações sem dermolipectomia (2,5%); uma necrose de linha média+embolia pulmonar (1,26%); e um óbito por embolia pulmonar (1,26%).
Esofagectomia trans-hiatal versus transtorácica: experiência do Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA)
Authors: Prisco Emerson Luis Gama , Pinto Carlos Eduardo , Barros Aldo Vieira , Reis Jadson Murilo Silva , Almeida Herbert Ives Barretto de , Mello Eduardo Linhares Riello de
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar comparativamente a morbimortalidade e sobrevida após esofagectomia trans-hiatal (TH) ou transtorácica (TT). METODOS: Estudo retrospectivo não randomizado de 68 pacientes com neoplasia de esôfago operados no INCA entre 1997 e 2005, divididos em dois grupos: 1 - TH (33 pacientes); e 2 - TT (35 pacientes). RESULTADOS: A idade média foi 40,7 anos (25 - 74 anos), sendo 73,5% homens. Tumores do 1/3 médio predominaram no Grupo 2 (48,6% versus 21,2%, p = 0,02). A média de linfonodos dissecados foi maior no Grupo 2 (21,6 versus 17,8 linfonodos, p = 0,04), porém sem diferença no número de linfonodos metastáticos (4,1 versus 3,9 linfonodos, p = 0,85). O tempo cirúrgico médio foi maior no Grupo 2 (410 versus 270 minutos, p = 0,001). O tempo médio de internação também foi maior no Grupo 2 (19 versus 14 dias, p = 0,001). A morbidade operatória foi 50%, sem diferença significativa (42,4% versus 57,1%, p = 0,23). Fístula esofágica ocorreu em 13,2%, sem diferença significativa (9,1% versus 17,1%, p = 0,23). A mortalidade foi 5,8% (04 pacientes), sem diferença significativa (1,4% versus 4,4%, p = 0,83). CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, a morbimortalidade não apresentou diferença em relação à via de acesso para a esofagectomia, apesar do maior tempo cirúrgico e de permanência hospitalar na via TT. A sobrevida global em 3 e 5 anos também foi maior na TT, possivelmente devido a maior freqüência de estágios iniciais em pacientes submetidos à transtorácica.
Aspectos morfológicos e funcionais dos autoimplantes esplênicos em ratos tratados com oxigenio hiperbárico
Authors: Paulo Isabel Cristina Andreatta Lemos , Silva Alcino Lázaro da , Piras Cláudio , Ramos Bernardo Faria , Zanetti Fernando Roberto , Paulo Danilo Nagib Salomão
Published: August 2010

OBJETIVO: Estudar aspectos morfológicos e funcionais dos autoimplantes esplênicos de ratos submetidos ou não à oxigenioterapia hiperbárica (OHB). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados em dois períodos distintos 105 ratos Wistar. No período mediato (n= 56) os animais foram avaliados até o 11º dia de pós-operatório, e no período tardio (n= 49), até o 70º dia. Em cada período os ratos foram distribuídos nos grupos: A- Simulação, B- Autoimplante esplênico, tratados com oxigênio hiperbárico ou não. Nos animais do Grupo A realizou-se apenas manipulação do baço. Nos animais do Grupo B realizou-se esplenectomia total e a seguir quatro fragmentos do baço foram implantados no grande omento. Em todos os animais foram dosados os lípides e imunoglobulinas e contadas as plaquetas e os corpúsculos de Howell-Jolly no pré-operatório e no 11º ou 70º dia de pós-operatório. O baço dos animais do Grupo A e os autoimplantes dos animais do Grupo B foram retirados e enviados para avaliação morfológica. RESULTADOS: No grupo B11nt houve aumento do colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, VLDL-colesterol e triglicérides. No grupo B70nt houve aumento do colesterol total e LDL-colesterol. Nos grupos tratados não houve alterações lipídicas. A IgM caiu nos grupos B e não alterou nos grupos A. Os corpúsculos de Howell - Jolly foram menos freqüentes nos grupos Bt que nos grupos Bnt. As plaquetas aumentaram nos grupos B11t e B11nt e não se alteraram nos demais grupos. A viabilidade microscópica dos grupos Bt foi melhor que a dos grupos Bnt. CONCLUSÃO: Os autoimplantes esplênicos dos animais tratados com OHB apresentaram melhor função e viabilidade do que os autoimplantes dos animais não tratados.
O ensino da cirurgia: a necessidade de uma visão humanística
Authors: Soares Júnior Cleber , Gomes Carlos Augusto , Soares Fernanda Pardo de Toledo Piza
Published: August 2010

A fragmentação e "compartimentalização" do conhecimento médico não são as únicas causas das dificuldades encontradas na formação de cirurgiões. O abandono do ensino médico vinculado às ciências humanas (sociais) tem levado a formação de profissionais que entendem as ciências biológicas sem entender as ciências da vida. O afastamento da realidade cotidiana, cultural e individual cria condições para o não entendimento da singularidade e subjetividade de cada ser humano. O cirurgião tem, frequentemente, sido erroneamente descrito como portador de qualidades negativas, mas que na verdade remetem a um caráter mais firme e resoluto. De outra forma não é preciso dom para operar, mas empenho, esforço e determinação. O ensino problematizador possibilita a construção de um conhecimento crítico que leva o indivíduo a intervir na realidade que vivencia, de forma transformadora, objetiva e consciente. Esta construção crítica e humanística do conhecimento só poderá se instituir por intermédio de um ensino contextualizado sociocultural e historicamente, não apenas técnico, biocêntrico e hospitalocêntrico.
Detecção do Grupo Mycoplasma mycoides por imunoperoxidase indireta (IPI) e PCR-REA em conduto auditivo de bovinos
Authors: Santos Sandra Batista dos , Nascimento Elmiro Rosendo do , Faccini João Luiz Horacio , Barreto Maria Lúcia , Almeida Juliana Ferreira de , Pereira Virginia Léo de Almeida , Campos Carlos Augusto Martino
Published: August 2010

O Grupo Mycoplasma mycoides (GMM) foi diagnosticado por PCR-REA e imunoperoxidase indireta (IPI) em amostras de lavados de conduto auditivo de bovinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. 60 bovinos foram selecionados aleatoriamente. As lavagens foram feitas com uso de seringas estéreis contendo um volume de 60 mL de solução salina tamponada (PBS pH 7.2). As amostras obtidas foram estocadas em glicerol (1:2) e congeladas a 20ºC até uso. Estas amostras foram diluídas até 10-5 e repicadas em meio Hayflick modificado, sólido e líquido, sendo incubados a 37ºC por 48-72 horas. As placas foram mantidas em microaerofilia e observadas diariamente, para visualização das colônias típicas em “ovo-frito”. Das 60 amostras cultivadas, 48 (80,00%) foram positivas para Mycoplasma spp. A prevalência obtida para o GMM na IPI foi de 20,0% (12/60) enquanto na PCR-REA foi de 41,7% (25/60). Das cepas tipificadas pela IPI 58,3% (7/12) foram M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC e 41,7% (5/12) foram M. capricolum. Na PCR-REA o grupo M. mycoides foi confirmado pela visualização de um amplicon de 785bp, compatível com este grupo. O valor encontrado no teste Kappa para associação entre estes testes foi de 0,14 (P>0,05. Na clivagem do produto da PCR com a enzima de restrição AluI, de cepas de referências e dos isolados de ouvido os fragmentos obtidos foram de 81, 98, 186 e 236pb, mas não de 370pb, que é específica para o agente da Pleuropneumonia Contagiosa Bovina. A presença de espécies de micoplasmas no conduto auditivo de bovinos assintomáticos representa um risco para propagação de Mycoplasma spp. entre rebanhos bovinos no Brasil.
Absence of intestinal colonization by vancomycin-resistant enterococci in nonhuman primates
Authors: Xavier Diego Batista , Rosa Adriana Helena , Sena Hilana dos Santos , Teixeira Danillo Simonini , Tomaz Carlos , Titze-de-Almeida Ricardo
Published: August 2010

The animal reservoirs of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have important role in the epidemiology of the bacteria and resistant genes. The present work searched fecal samples taken off nonhuman primates for the presence of VRE. Resistance profiles, virulence traits, and genetic variability among enterococci isolates were also analyzed. The samples included Capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella, n=28) and Common marmoset (Callithrix penicillata, n=37) housed in the Primate Center of the University of Brasília, Brazil. Most individuals were captive monkeys from the Central-West and South-East regions of Brazil (n=48). We collected rectal swabs and carried out selective isolation followed by multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify species and resistance genes. No vanA or vanB-containing enterococci were found. The carriage rates ranged from 1.5% for the VanC-type E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum until 12.3% (n=8) for Enterococcus faecalis. All E. faecalis isolates showed susceptibility to vancomycin, teicoplanin, ampicillin, gentamicin, and streptomycin. The virulence genes ace and esp were prevalent (100.0%, 87.5%). Multilocus variable number of tandem repeats (MLVA) revealed diversity in the number of repeats among E. faecalis isolates and targets, which was higher for espC, efa5, and efa6. We identified six different MLVA genotypes that were divergent from those described in human beings. Also, they were clustered into two genogroups that showed host-specificity for the species Cebus apella or Callithrix penicillata. In conclusion, no vanA- or vanB-containing enterococci were found colonizing those primate individuals. This finding suggested that the primate individuals investigated in our study are not directly involved in the epidemiological chain of high-level vancomycin-resistant genes vanA or vanB in Brazil. Our study also showed that E. faecalis isolated from nonhuman primates carry virulence traits and have ability to spread their lineages among different individuals.
Mães adolescentes em situação de rua: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Silveira Anne Lise Sandoval Scappaticci , Blay Sergio Luis
Published: August 2010

Pouco se sabe sobre mães adolescentes que passam por gravidez ou maternidade fora de casa. Este estudo é uma revisão da literatura epidemiológica sobre esse fenômeno crescente. Os artigos foram identificados através de pesquisa nas seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas: MEDLINE, Lilacs, SciELO, PsychINFO, CINHAL, ERIC e Sociological Abstracts; 19 referências foram recuperadas. Os estudos mostram ampla heterogeneidade dos objetivos e dos métodos e revelam principalmente que as adolescentes têm elevadas taxas de abuso de substâncias, transtornos mentais, falta de apoio social, comportamento sexual, violência física e sexual; gravidez e interação mãe-criança problemáticas. Poucos artigos resultaram da revisão metodológica realizada sobre essa população. As mães adolescentes de rua têm grande exposição à violência, abuso de drogas e risco de problemas de saúde física e mental. Mais estudos centrados no estigma e em métodos de intervenção para esse grupo de mulheres são necessários nesta área, especialmente em populações culturalmente distintas.
A falácia da adequação da cobertura dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial no estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Gonçalves Veralice Maria , Candiago Rafael Henriques , Saraiva Sérgio da Silva , Lobato Maria Inês Rodrigues , Belmonte-de-Abreu Paulo Silva
Published: August 2010

Introdução: A análise dos resultados da expansão da rede de atenção à saúde mental para a população brasileira tem utilizado como medida de desfecho o indicador de cobertura dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS), que considera adequada a existência de um CAPS para cada 100 mil habitantes. O Rio Grande do Sul encontra-se classificado em terceiro lugar no ranking nacional, com índice de 0,7 CAPS/100.000 habitantes. Este estudo objetivou testar a variabilidade de cobertura de cada região para verificar se esse índice global representava as realidades regionais. Método: Foram utilizados dados do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES) e dados populacionais do ano de 2009 disponibilizados pelo site do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde do Ministério da Saúde. Foram calculados os indicadores de cobertura para as 19 regionais de saúde, sendo gerado índice de cobertura resultante da razão entre o indicador observado e o esperado de acordo com a população de cada região geográfica analisada. Resultados: Analisada a variabilidade de cobertura de cada região, foi evidenciada a ocorrência de sete regiões com cobertura insuficiente, representando 49% da população do estado com cobertura inadequada. Conclusão: O estudo demonstrou que o uso do índice global é falacioso, pois não representa as realidades regionais, sendo que cerca de metade das regiões com excesso de cobertura mascaram as regiões deficientes. Isso sugere que as análises de cobertura devem ser realizadas por áreas geográficas para identificar carências regionais e fornecer subsídios para a extensão da rede de forma igualitária para usuários de diferentes regiões do estado.