bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global marine plankton functional type biomass distributions: Phaeocystis spp.
Authors: Vogt M. , O'Brien C. , Peloquin J. , Schoemann V. , Breton E. , Estrada M. , Gibson J. , Karentz D. , Van Leeuwe M. A. , Stefels J. , Widdicombe C. , Peperzak L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The planktonic haptophyte Phaeocystis has been suggested to play a fundamental role in the global biogeochemical cycling of carbon and sulphur, but little is known about its global biomass distribution. We have collected global microscopy data of the genus Phaeocystis and converted abundance data to carbon biomass using species-specific carbon conversion factors. Microscopic counts of single-celled and colonial Phaeocystis were obtained both through the mining of online databases and by accepting direct submissions (both published and unpublished) from Phaeocystis specialists. We recorded abundance data from a total of 1595 depth-resolved stations sampled between 1955–2009. The quality-controlled dataset includes 5057 counts of individual Phaeocystis cells resolved to species level and information regarding life-stages from 3526 samples. 83% of stations were located in the Northern Hemisphere while 17% were located in the Southern Hemisphere. Most data were located in the latitude range of 50–70° N. While the seasonal distribution of Northern Hemisphere data was well-balanced, Southern Hemisphere data was biased towards summer months. Mean species- and form-specific cell diameters were determined from previously published studies. Cell diameters were used to calculate the cellular biovolume of Phaeocystis cells, assuming spherical geometry. Cell biomass was calculated using a carbon conversion factor for prymnesiophytes. For colonies, the number of cells per colony was derived from the colony volume. Cell numbers were then converted to carbon concentrations. An estimation of colonial mucus carbon was included a posteriori, assuming a mean colony size for each species. Carbon content per cell ranged from 9 pg C cell−1 (single-celled Phaeocystis antarctica) to 29 pg C cell−1 (colonial Phaeocystis globosa). Non-zero Phaeocystis cell biomasses (without mucus carbon) range from 2.9 × 10−5 to 5.4 × 103 μg C l−1, with a mean of 45.7 μg C l−1 and a median of 3.0 μg C l−1. The highest biomasses occur in the Southern Ocean below 70° S (up to 783.9 μg C l−1) and in the North Atlantic around 50° N (up to 5.4 × 103 μg C l−1). The original and gridded data can be downloaded from PANGAEA, doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.779101.
Evaluation of the criticality of cracks in ice shelves using finite element simulations
Authors: Plate C. , Müller R. , Humbert A. , Gross D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The ongoing disintegration of large ice shelf parts in Antarctica raise the need for a better understanding of the physical processes that trigger critical crack growth in ice shelves. Finite elements in combination with configurational forces facilitate the analysis of single surface fractures in ice under various boundary conditions and material parameters. The principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics are applied to show the strong influence of different depth dependent functions for the density and the Young's modulus on the stress intensity factor KI at the crack tip. Ice, for this purpose, is treated as an elastically compressible solid and the consequences of this choice in comparison to the predominant incompressible approaches are discussed. The computed stress intensity factors KI for dry and water filled cracks are compared to critical values KIc from measurements that can be found in literature.
Environmental controls on the thermal structure of alpine glaciers
Authors: Wilson N. J. , Flowers G. E.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Water entrapped in glacier accumulation zones represents a significant latent heat contribution to the development of thermal structure. It also provides a direct link between glacier environments and thermal regimes. We apply a two-dimensional mechanically-coupled model of heat flow to synthetic glacier geometries in order to explore the environmental controls on flowband thermal structure. We use this model to test the sensitivity of thermal structure to physical and environmental variables and to explore glacier response to potential environmental changes. In different conditions consistent with a warming climate, mean glacier temperature and the volume of temperate ice may either increase or decrease, depending on the competing effects of elevated meltwater production, reduced accumulation zone extent, and thinning firn. For two model reference states that exhibit commonly-observed thermal structures, the volume of temperate ice is shown to decline with warming air temperatures. Mass balance sensitivity plays an important role in determining how the englacial thermal regimes of alpine glaciers will adjust in the future.
Os efeitos da música em idosos com doença de Alzheimer de uma instituição de longa permanência
Authors: Albuquerque Maria Cícera Dos Santos , Nascimento Luciana Oliveira do , Lyra Sarah Tayná , Trezza Maria Cristina Soares Figueredo , Brêda Mércia Zeviani
Published: September 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v14i2.12532O presente trabalho trata-se de estudo descritivo-exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, cujo objetivo foi descrever os efeitos do uso da música em idosos com Alzheimer de uma instituição de longa permanência. Participaram da pesquisa cinco idosos com Alzheimer, que compartilharam sessões musicais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, instrumento de acompanhamento do idoso e diário de campo, sendo averiguados pela análise de conteúdo e modalidade temática. Os resultados evidenciaram os efeitos benéficos da música na vida atual do idoso, possibilitando resgate de lembranças relacionadas aos familiares, lugares e situações vivenciadas, à memória musical e à memória recente; evocação de sentimentos; expressão de manifestações corporais por meio da fisionomia facial e sua influência no controle da dor. Concluiu-se que a música proporcionou aos idosos a sensação de bem-estar, alívio da dor, relaxamento, distração e conforto.
Caracterização da comunicação no aconselhamento em amamentação
Authors: Brandão Erlayne Camapum , Silva Grazielle Roberta Freitas da , Gouveia Márcia Teles de Oliveira , Soares Lorena Sousa
Published: September 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v14i2.12748O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a comunicação no processo de aconselhamento em amamentação. Trata-se de estudo descritivo-exploratório com análise de dados qualitativos a partir de entrevistas semiestuturadas, realizado em uma maternidade pública com dezenove discentes e três profissionais de enfermagem que realizavam aconselhamento em amamentação. Os dados foram analisados baseando-se na técnica de análise de conteúdo e modalidade temática, gerando quatro categorias: Aconselhamento, Comunicação, Comunicação verbal e não verbal no aconselhamento em Amamentação; Barreiras na comunicação durante o aconselhamento em Amamentação; Fatores facilitadores da comunicação durante o aconselhamento em Amamentação. Os dados mostraram que a qualidade da comunicação no aconselhamento é fundamental para garantir maior adesão ao aleitamento materno exclusivo e que sua adequação à cultura local é primordial para sucesso. O estudo permite afirmar que o desenvolvimento da competência em comunicação interpessoal é essencial para garantir adesão das mulheres na efetivação da promoção do aleitamento materno.
Segurança da criança hospitalizada na UTI: compreendendo os eventos adversos sob a ótica do acompanhante
Authors: Silva Thiago Da , Wegner Wiliam , Pedro Eva Neri Rubim
Published: September 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v14i2.12977A segurança do paciente é temática, vem sendo incluída nas práticas do cuidado em saúde, como uma estratégia para orientar medidas que promovam a segurança da criança hospitalizada. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi descrever os eventos adversos identificados pelo familiar/cuidador em uma Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo Pediátrico (UTIP). Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa exploratório-descritiva realizada com treze familiares/cuidadores em um hospital pediátrico de Porto Alegre-RS, no período de março a abril de 2009. Utilizou-se entrevista semiestruturada como técnica de coleta dados que foram analisados mediante análise do tipo temática. Das informações emergiram as seguintes categorias: Falhas no processo de comunicação; Práticas não seguras relacionadas à atuação profissional; Requisitos para segurança do paciente na UTIP. A criança neste ambiente encontra-se exposta frente à assistência ofertada. Acredita-se que a segurança da criança hospitalizada em UTIP necessita da incorporação de práticas de cuidado seguro como cultura institucional direcionada a prevenir eventos adversos.
Inference on in the Two-Parameter Weibull Model Based on Records
Authors: Baklizi Ayman
Published: September 2012

We consider the stress-strength reliability based on record values from the Weibull distribution. The Bayes estimator based on squared error loss and the maximum likelihood estimator are derived and their bias and mean squared error performance are studied. Likelihood-based confidence intervals as well as some bootstrap intervals are developed. We derived also the highest posterior density interval. Simulation studies are conducted to investigate and compare the performance of the estimators and intervals.
Use of Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes in Baculovirus Research and Recombinant Protein Expression: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Roy Polly , Noad Rob
Published: September 2012

The baculovirus expression system is one of the most successful and widely used eukaryotic protein expression methods. This short review will summarise the role of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACS) as an enabling technology for the modification of the virus genome. For many years baculovirus genomes have been maintained inE. colias bacterial artificial chromosomes, and foreign genes have been inserted using a transposition-based system. However, with recent advances in molecular biology techniques, particularly targeting reverse engineering of the baculovirus genome by recombineering, new frontiers in protein expression are being addressed. In particular, BACs have facilitated the propagation of disabled virus genomes that allow high throughput protein expression. Furthermore, improvement in the selection of recombinant viral genomes inserted into BACS has enabled the expression of multiprotein complexes by iterative recombineering of the baculovirus genome.
Need for Nucleic Acid Testing in Countries with High Prevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
Authors: Jain Rohit , Aggarwal Pankaj , Gupta Gajendra Nath
Published: September 2012

Introduction. In India, family/replacement donors still provide more than 45% of the collected blood. With increasing voluntary blood donation and the still-prevalent infectious diseases in donors, we need to augment transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) testing before use. Our study was aimed to know the seroprevalence of TTIs among the donors of Rajasthan and the need for newer technologies like nucleic acid testing (NAT). Materials and Methods. Enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECi) was used for detection of HBsAg, anti-HIV, and anti-HCV in donor serum. 50% of the blood units which were negative on ECi were randomly selected and subjected to NAT testing for HBV, HCV, and HIV. Results. The total seroprevalence of TTIs is 2.62%. Of the randomly selected donor units negative by ECi, 8 turned out to be reactive on NAT testing: 4 were voluntary and 4 were family/replacement donors. Combined NAT yield (NAT reactive/seronegative) for HIV, HCV, and HBV was 0.034% (1 in 2972 donations). All the 8 reactive samples were positive for HBV DNA. Conclusion. In countries with a high prevalence of TTIs like India there are likely to be a significant number of window period donations that can be identified by NAT which may be implemented in blood centers allover India with serological testing to provide safe blood and cost alone should not be a deterrent to the government and implementing agencies.
Zeros of the Exceptional Laguerre and Jacobi Polynomials
Authors: Ho Choon-Lin , Sasaki Ryu
Published: September 2012

An interesting discovery in the last two years in the field of mathematical physics has been the exceptional Xℓ Laguerre and Jacobi polynomials. Unlike the well-known classical orthogonal polynomials which start with constant terms, these new polynomials have the lowest degree ℓ=1,2,…, and yet they form complete sets with respect to some positive-definite measure. In this paper, we study one important aspect of these new polynomials, namely, the behaviors of their zeros as some parameters of the Hamiltonians change. Most results are of heuristic character derived by numerical analysis.
Racial/Ethnic Variability in Hypertension Prevalence and Risk Factors in National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Holmes L. , Hossain J. , Ward D. , Opara F.
Published: September 2012

Objective. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death attributed to cardiovascular diseases, and the prevalence varies across racial/ethnic groups, with African Americans being disproportionately affected. The underlying causes of these disparities are not fully understood despite volume of literature in this perspective. We aimed in this current study to examine ethnic/racial disparities in hypertension utilizing Hispanics as the base racial/ethnic group for comparison. Research Design and Methods. We utilized the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which is a large cross-sectional survey of the United States non-institutionalized residents to investigate the racial/ethnic disparities in hypertension after the adjustment of other socio-economic, demographic, and prognostic risk factors. The study participants were adults (n = 30,852). Data were analyzed using Chi square statistic, and logistic regression model. Results. There were statistically significant differences by race/ethnicity with respect to income, education, marital status, smoking, alcohol, physical activities, body mass index, and age, P < 0.01, but not insurance coverage, P > 0.01. Hispanic ethnicity (18.9%) compared to either non-Hispanic white (27.7%) or non-Hispanic black (35.5%) was associated with the lowest prevalence of hypertension. Race/ethnicity was a single independent predictor of hypertension, with non-Hispanic black more likely to be hypertensive compare with Hispanic, prevalence odds ratio (POR), 2.38, 99% Confidence Interval (CI), 2.17–2.61 and non-Hispanic white, POR, 1.64, 99% CI, 1.52–1.77. After controlling for the confounding variables, the racial/ethnic differences in hypertension persisted. Conclusions. Racial/ethnic disparities in hypertension persisted after controlling for potential predictors of hypertension in NHIS, implying the inability of known hypertension risk factors to account for racial/ethnic variability in hypertension in US.
Upper-Convected Maxwell Fluid Flow over an Unsteady Stretching Surface Embedded in Porous Medium Subjected to Suction/Blowing
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Swati
Published: September 2012

Unsteady two-dimensional flow of a Maxwell fluid over a stretching surface in a porous medium subjected to suction/blowing is investigated. The upper-convected Maxwell fluid model is used to characterize the non-Newtonian fluid behaviour. With the help of similarity transformations, the boundary layer equation corresponding to the momentum equation is transformed to an ordinary one and then solved numerically by the shooting method. The flow characteristics for different values of the governing parameters are analyzed and discussed in detail. The fluid velocity initially decreases with increasing unsteadiness parameter. Also, it is found that the fluid velocity decreases with increasing permeability parameter. The effect of increasing values of the Maxwell parameter is to suppress the velocity field. Due to suction, the fluid velocity is found to decrease in the boundary layer region.
Magnesium Sulfate for Severe Acute Asthma in Children
Authors: Kelly H. William
Published: September 2012

Magnesium is an abundant intracellular cation that has been used for years in the treatment of hyper-tension and seizures associated with eclampsia of pregnancy as well as used as a tocolytic agent.1 Over sixty years ago, Haury showed that magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) could produce bronchodilation in asthmatics.2 However, interest in magnesium sulfate as a potential therapy for acute asthma surfaced in the late 1980s following a series of studies demonstrating that magnesium produced dose-dependent bronchodilation. The precise mechanism by which magnesium produces smooth muscle relaxation is not known, but it is thought to act by enhancing calcium uptake in the sarcoplasmic reticulum3 and/or as a calcium antagonist.4 In addition, magnesium is a cofactor regulating a number of enzymatic and cellular activities in the body, including adenyl cyclase and sodium-potassium ATP-ase, potentially enhancing the effects of β2-agonists.5 Other potential beneficial mechanisms in asthma include inhibition of acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerves6 and reduction of histamine release from mast cells.7

It is not clear whether magnesium acts as a functional antagonist to bronchoconstriction like the β2-agonists and theophylline or a specific antagonist like anticholinergics and antihistamines. Studies showing attenuation of the bronchoconstriction from histamine and methacholine would suggest functional antagonism.8,9 Some suggest that the response to intravenous magnesium sulfate is dependent upon achieving serum magnesium concentrations of 4–6 mg/dL (1.6–2.4 mmol/L).10 These values are similar to those that are employed to achieve tocolysis (4–8 mg/dL) and about one half those associated with severe toxicity of respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias and death (12–15 mg/ dL).1 It should be pointed out that studies have not reported lower magnesium concentrations in asthmatics than controls although one study reported correlation with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and intracellular magnesium concentrations in asthmatics. 11–13 Thus, it is unlikely that the bronchodilator response to magnesium is a result of restoring normal homeostasis but most likely a function of its direct antagonistic effects on intracellular calcium activity.
Treatment of Acute Rheumatic Carditis with Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate in a Patient Needing Surgery
Authors: Moffett Brady S. , Arora Gaurav , Bricker J. Timothy
Published: September 2012

Acute rheumatic fever is a post-infectious illness characterized by diffuse inflammation. Typically, high-dose anti-inflammatory agents are used as primary therapy for this disorder. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, these agents, most frequently aspirin, also have anti-platelet properties. We describe the case of an 11-year-old patient with rheumatic fever who needed to undergo surgery. The use of traditional anti-inflammatory agents would have posed a potential problem with post-surgical bleeding, so a lesser-used anti-inflammatory agent (i.e., choline magnesium trisalicylate) was selected.
Intraventricular Tobramycin in a Premature Infant with Pseudomonas Meningitis
Authors: Eiland Lea S. , Luedtke Sherry A. , Chuachingco Joyce C.
Published: September 2012

A 38-week postconceptional age (29-week gestational age) infant required the placement of an Ommaya reservoir following a grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage and progressive hydrocephalus. At 70 days of age, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the infant was empirically treated with age-appropriate parenteral doses of ceftazidime and gentamicin. This antibiotic regimen was changed to meropenem and tobramycin following the results of sensitivity reports. The infection failed to respond despite aggressive systemic dosing of antibiotics and removal of the Ommaya reservoir. Intraventricular injections of tobramycin were added to the systemic antibiotic regimen at a dose of 2 mg daily with subsequent doses adjusted to maintain trough concentrations in the CSF of 20–30 μg/mL. The CSF was sterilized after three days of intraventricular injections. The infant completed seven days of intraventricular tobramycin plus a 24-day regimen of systemic antibiotics. No acute complications were noted with the addition of intraventricular injections.
Chemical Compatibility of Depacon® with Medications Frequently Administered by Intravenous Y-Site Delivery in Patients with Epilepsy or Head Trauma
Authors: Rashed Sahar M. , Sweatman Trevor W. , Thoma Laura , Hovinga Collin A. , Phelps Stephanie J.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVES Intravenous Y-site administration of more than one medication through the same in-line catheter is a common practice used in the management of acute seizures. The objective of this study was to determine the compatibility of valproate sodium (Depacon®; 2 or 20 mg/mL) with 13 medications that are frequently administered to manage seizures or are given to patients with an acute head injury who are at risk for developing post-traumatic epilepsy.

METHODS The study medications included atracurium, dexamethasone, diazepam, fosphenytoin, lorazepam, magnesium sulfate, mannitol, methyl-prednisolone, midazolam, pentobarbital, phenytoin, ranitidine, and thiopental. Equal volumes of valproate and each of the study drugs were admixed and immediately examined using several physiochemical criteria: Tyndall effect, color and pH change, gas evolution, and particle formation (HIAC/Royco liquid particle counter). Samples were also evaluated using HPLC analysis (C18 column; methanol/tetrahydrofuran/ phosphate buffer; 44/1/55% v/v, at 1.5 mL/min; 50°C) with UV (190-400 nm) photodiode detection. The valproate peak (220 nm) was quantified by both peak area and height. Samples were analyzed within 5 minutes of admixture and were reassessed at 15 and 30 minutes.

RESULTS With the exception of diazepam, midazolam, and phenytoin, all of the remaining drugs were chemically compatible with valproate, both in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP(D5W) and in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (Normal Saline -NS). None of the compatible medications produced a significant pH change, discernible gas, particle formation, reduced valproate titer by HPLC analysis (coefficient of variability < 1.5%), or the temporal formation of unidentified UV absorbing (190–400 nm) peaks.

CONCLUSIONS Intravenous valproate is compatible with most agents employed in seizure management or used in patients at risk for seizures following head injury and is safe for concurrent Y-site drug administration.
Clinical Management of Infants and Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Whitworth John , Christensen Michael L.
Published: September 2012

Gastroesophageal reflux refers to the passage of gastric contents including food, acid, and digestive enzymes up into the esophagus. Reflux is most commonly recognized in infants when it is associated with regurgitation, known as “spitting up,” and it is usually a self-limited, benign process that has little or no effect on normal weight gain or development. Adults and adolescents may also have reflux, which is usually either asymptomatic or recognized as dyspepsia or “heartburn.” Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as symptoms or complications that result from reflux. Most evidence suggests the mechanism of reflux is due to transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter at inappropriate times. The diagnosis of suspected GERD in infants and children depends on the age and the presenting symptoms. A thorough history, physical examination, and growth charts are sufficient for the evaluation and diagnosis of GERD in most infants with recurrent vomiting or children with regurgitation and heartburn. Additional evaluation may include an upper gastrointestinal series, esophageal pH monitoring, or endoscopy. The goals of GERD management are eliminating symptoms, healing esophagitis, preventing complications, promoting normal weight gain and growth, and maintaining remission. Therapeutic options include lifestyle changes, pharmacologic therapy, and anti-reflux surgery. Currently available pharmacologic agents for the treatment of GERD include antacids, mucosal protectants, prokinetic agents, and acid suppressants.
Lead Pollution Measurement Along National Highway and Motorway in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Hashim Farooq  , Yasir Jamil  , Muhammad Raza Ahmad  , Muhammad Afzal Ahmad Khan  , Tahir Mahmood  , Zeeshan Mahmood  , Zia-ul-Haq  , Shakeel Ahmad Khan
Published: September 2012

A study was conducted to determine qualitative and quantitative lead contamination in soil and vegetation along two major roadsides of Pakistan using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. There has been a rapid increase in vehicles on the highways using petroleum products, which has caused considerable raised the quantity of lead in the atmosphere increasing the risk to health. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was used as multi elemental analysis technique to cross confirm the lead contamination in the samples. The samples of soil and grass were collected from each location 100m away from the edge of roads at every 25m. The levels of lead were found to be 125mg/kg to 87mg/kg respectively in soil and grass. Hence there is high accumulation of lead in roadside soil and vegetation of linking roads of highly populated cities of Pakistan, Faisalabad and Lahore.
Développement de la réflexivité et décodage de l’action : questions de méthode
Authors: Derobertmasure Antoine , Dehon Arnaud
Published: September 2012

En formation initiale des enseignants, les activités de microenseignement et de rétroaction vidéo ont pour objectif de former des praticiens réflexifs et des professionnels compétents dotés d’une identité forte. La double lecture de l’action, par l’observation des gestes professionnels et par l’analyse des traces de réflexivité contenu lors des entretiens de rétroactions, nécessite de mettre en place deux méthodes complémentaires, ceci afin de faire les liens entre phase interactive et phase postactive. Dans cet article, après avoir détaillé le dispositif de formation, les auteurs exposent leurs démarches en les illustrant par le cas concret d’une future enseignante.
Professional Knowledge “From the Field”: Enacting professional learning in the contexts of practice
Authors: Riveros Augusto , Viczko Melody
Published: September 2012

Based on a qualitative case study that examined elementary teachers’ understandings of a professional development policy, we question the conceptual disconnection between professional learning and professional practices in some conceptualizations of professional learning communities. We analyse the research data using Actor-Network Theory and report that the teachers in the case study perceived a disconnection between the scenarios of professional knowledge creation and the scenarios of professional practice. Such disconnection is exacerbated due to an ambiguous treatment of the concept of professional practice in the policy documents that endorse the idea ofprofessional learning communities. We conclude that a key element in the transformation of professional practices is the teacher’s awareness that his / her professional knowledge is enacted through his / her actions and practices, thereby concluding that professional learning is situated in the context of professional practices.
A Cultural Perspective of Conceptual Change: Re-examining the Goal of Science Education
Authors: Zhou George
Published: September 2012

The goal of science education is usually meant to develop students’ basic knowledge, skills, and scientific attitudes as stated in many countries’ curriculum documents, with little consideration of what backgrounds students bring into the classroom. A cultural approach to education has challenged this universal goal of science education. This paper provides a cultural analysis of conceptual change and recommends an argument approach to teaching for conceptual advancement. It argues that the outcome of classroom discourse cannot be oriented to be a replacement of students’ intuitive conceptions with scientific notions, rather coexistence between scientific understanding and culture/experience-based views is considered to be a more reasonable and realistic goal.
A Rechtslehre e a Filosofia da história, de Kant
Authors: Martins Clélia Aparecida
Published: September 2012

O texto é dividido em duas etapas. Na primeira, constituída de três partes, são considerados os principais conceitos da Doutrina do direito de Kant, numa abordagem abrangente relativa: ao problema das relações entre o direito natural e o direito positivo, problema estreitamente conectado com o das relações entre estado de natureza e estado civil, direito privado e direito público; à doutrina da propriedade e sua conexão com o direito político. Ao tratar do direito nos seus diversos tipos tenciona-se indicar a razão prática como pano de fundo da Doutrina. Numa segunda etapa, concernente à última parte, a consideração da presença da razão prática no direito é colocada perante algumas especificidades da filosofia da história de Kant, com o intento de estabelecer a possível relação entre a Rechtslehre e aquela filosofia.
Knockdown of Cdc6 Inhibits Proliferation of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tca8113 Cells
Authors: Feng Chong-Jin , Lu Xiao-Wei , Luo Dong-Yuan , Li Hui-Jun , Guo Jun-Bing
Published: September 2012

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of Cdc6 downregulation on the proliferation of Tca8113 cells. Two lentiviral vectors (KD1 and KD2) expression cdc6 siRNA were constructed and then infected into Tca8113 cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Cdc6. MTT assays were employed to delineate the growth curves, and flow cytometry was performed to assess cell-cycle progression and apoptosis in Tca8113 cells. Following infection with the lentiviral vectors, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that Cdc6 expression was markedly suppressed in Tca8113 cells. When compared with the negative control group, the mRNA expression of Cdc6 was reduced by 50% and 65% and the protein expression by 65.87% and 79.38% in cells harboring KD1 or KD2, respectively. Cell growth was slowed, and the growth inhibition rate was 25.84% and 30.34% in Tca8113 cells following infection with KD1 or KD2, respectively. In addition, cell-cycle progression was altered. In KD- infected Tca8113 cells, the proportion of cells in the S phase was markedly reduced, but the proportion in the G1 phase was significantly increased; this was accompanied by an increase in cell apoptosis. Downregulation of Cdc6 effectively inhibited the proliferation of Tca8113 cells.
Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Patients with Unresectable Glomus Jugulare Tumors
Authors: Hurmuz P. , Cengiz M. , Ozyigit G. , Yazici G. , Akyol F. , Yildiz F. , Gurkaynak M. , Zorlu F.
Published: September 2012

We evaluated the treatment results of robotic stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in our patients with unresectable glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs). The medical charts of fourteen patients with GJT, who were treated with robotic SRS, were retrospectively evaluated. The gross tumor volume was described as the clinical target volume. The median dose to the tumor was 25 Gy in median 5 fractions. The dose was normalized to 80% isodose line. All patients were evaluated for tumor growth and clinical outcome every 6 months in the first 2 years and then annually. Median follow-up was 39 months (range, 7–60 months). Lesions were stable in 8 patients, and tumor regression was observed in 6 patients. We did not observe any treatment related toxicity in our patients. In conclusion, according to our early experience, robotic SRS seems to be successful treatment option in the management of unresectable GJTs.
SDS‐Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE)
Authors: Gallagher Sean R.
Published: September 2012

Electrophoresis is used to separate complex mixtures of proteins (e.g., from cells, subcellular fractions, column fractions, or immunoprecipitates), investigate subunit compositions, verify homogeneity of protein samples, and purify proteins for use in further applications. In polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, proteins migrate in response to an electrical field through pores in a polyacrylamide gel matrix; pore size decreases with increasing acrylamide concentration. The combination of pore size and protein charge, size, and shape determines the migration rate of the protein. In this unit, the standard Laemmli method is described for discontinuous gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, i.e., in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Support protocols cover the casting of gels, calculation of molecular mass using the electrophoretic mobility of a protein, and purification of SDS by recrystallization. Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 6:7.3.1‐7.3.28. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dietary Flexibility of the Brown Howler Monkey Throughout Its Geographic Distribution
Authors: CHAVES ÓSCAR M. , CÉSAR BICCA‐MARQUES JÚLIO
Published: September 2012

Habitat loss and fragmentation constrain the survival of most forest‐living mammals, particularly strictly arboreal primates. Because fragment size directly affects food availability, primate survival in small fragments may depend on dietary flexibility. Here, we review the literature on the diet of 29 wild groups ofAlouatta guariba clamitansinhabiting forest fragments inBrazil andArgentina. We identify general feeding patterns and analyze the influence of fragment size and latitude on diet composition. Brown howlers presented a diet composed of 402 plant species belonging to 227 genera and 80 families. Rarefaction curves suggest that the richness of top food species is similar among groups living in larger (>100 ha), medium (11–100 ha) or small (1–10 ha) fragments. On average, only 12% of the plant species used as food sources by a given group was also consumed by groups from other sites. The shorter the distance between sites, the higher the diet similarity among groups. Despite their diet flexibility, brown howlers spent >80% of the total feeding records on 6–24 species belonging to genera such asFicus,Zanthoxylum, andEugenia. Leaves and fruits were the plant items most consumed (65% and 22% of the total feeding records, respectively). Leaf consumption was not affected by fragment size, but it was inversely related to latitude, which may be linked to an increase in the concentration of secondary metabolites in leaves at higher latitudes. We suggest that the ability of brown howlers to exploit a large number of plant food species, including native and exotic trees, shrubs, vines, and lianas, is an important trait that contributes to their survival in highly fragmented habitats along theAtlantic forest. Similar meta‐analyses of data from other howler species are necessary to test whether such dietary flexibility is a genus‐wide pattern. Am. J. Primatol. 75:16‐29, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Poly(silyl ether)s by Rhodium(I)–NHC Catalyzed Hydrosilylation: Homogeneous versus Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Lázaro Guillermo , Iglesias Manuel , Fernández‐Alvarez Francisco J. , Sanz Miguel Pablo J. , Pérez‐Torrente Jesús J. , Oro Luis A.
Published: September 2012

The preparation of 1‐(3‐triisopropoxysilylpropyl)‐3‐(2‐methoxyethyl)‐imidazolium bromide or chloride salts and their reaction with [Rh(COD)(μ‐OMe)]2 (COD=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) to afford the corresponding [Rh(COD)(NHC)X] (X=Br, Cl; NHC=1‐(3‐triisopropoxysilylpropyl)‐3‐(2‐methoxyethyl)‐2‐ilydene‐imidazol) species is described. These new compounds were used as catalyst precursors for acetophenone hydrosilylation. The higher activity of the rhodium‐chlorido complex evidences a clear halide effect in the activation of the catalyst. Immobilization of the catalytic precursor [Rh(COD)(NHC)Cl] on mobile crystalline material 41 (MCM‐41) allows for the preparation of the corresponding heterogeneous catalyst. Reduction of acetophenone to PhMeCH‐O‐SiMe(OSiMe3)2 by hydrosilylation with 1,1,1,3,5,5,5‐heptamethyltrisiloxane is effectively catalyzed by both the homogeneous and the heterogeneous catalysts, in which the homogeneous system is the more active. Interestingly, the heterogeneous catalyst is reusable. Both homo‐ and heterogeneous catalysts are also effective for the copolymerization of terephthalaldehyde and 1,1,3,3,5,5‐hexamethyltrisiloxane, which affords the corresponding poly(silyl ether). The catalyst yields the heterogeneous system polymers with higher molecular weights (Mw=94 000 g mol−1) and a narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI=1.5–1.7).
Regioselectivity in the Intramolecular Heck Reaction of a Series of Cyclic Sulfonamides: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Geoghegan Kimberly , Evans Paul , Rozas Isabel , Alkorta Ibon
Published: September 2012

Regioselectivity in the intramolecular Heck reaction of a series of N‐sulfonyl‐2,5‐dihydro‐3‐substituted pyrroles was studied. These substrates are unbiased in terms of the formed ring size of the new heterocycle. Results indicate that high levels of regioselectivity are observed under a range of conditions, and that there is an underlying propensity for carbon–carbon bond formation at the most hindered end of the alkene. For two examples (3‐Me and 3‐tBu), DFT calculations were performed and indicate that in both cases, the modelled transition state for carbopalladation is energetically lower for the experimentally preferred isomer.
Nondestructive Photoluminescence Read‐Out by Intramolecular Electron Transfer in a Perylene Bisimide‐Diarylethene Dyad
Authors: Berberich Martin , Natali Mirco , Spenst Peter , Chiorboli Claudio , Scandola Franco , Würthner Frank
Published: September 2012

A novel, highly stable photochromic dyad 3 based on a perylene bisimide (PBI) fluorophore and a diarylethene (DAE) photochrome was synthesized and the optical and photophysical properties of this dyad were studied in detail by steady‐state and time‐resolved ultrafast spectroscopy. This photochromic dyad can be switched reversibly by UV‐light irradiation of its ring‐open form 3 o leading to the ring‐closed form 3 c, and back reaction of 3 c to 3 o by irradiation with visible light. Solvent‐dependent fluorescence studies revealed that the emission of ring‐closed form 3 c is drastically quenched in solvents of medium (e.g., chloroform) to high (e.g., acetone) polarities, while the emission of the ring‐open form 3 o is appreciably quenched only in highly polar solvents like DMF. The strong fluorescence quenching of 3 c is attributed to a photoinduced electron‐transfer (PET) process from the excited PBI unit to ring‐closed DAE moiety, as this process is thermodynamically highly favorable with a Gibbs free energy value of −0.34 eV in dichloromethane. The electron‐transfer mechanism for the fluorescence quenching of ring‐closed 3 c is substantiated by ultrafast transient measurements in dichloromethane and acetone, revealing stabilization of charge‐separated states of 3 c in these solvents. Our results reported here show that the new photochromic dyad 3 has potential for nondestructive read‐out in write/read/erase fluorescent memory systems.
Heat‐Induced Morphological Transformation of Supramolecular Nanostructures by Retro‐Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Ikeda Masato , Ochi Rika , Kurita Yu‐shi , Pochan Darrin J. , Hamachi Itaru
Published: September 2012

Controlling the morphology of supramolecular nanostructures in response to external stimuli is an important challenge in the development of functional soft materials. Here we show that a morphological transformation from 2D nanosheets to a network of 1D nanofibers is triggered by heating, which induces molecular conversion of a bolaamphiphile to a hydrogelator by means of a retro‐Diels–Alder reaction, thereby producing a new heat‐set supramolecular hydrogel. We anticipate that our design will be a starting point for more sophisticated supramolecular systems that integrate the thermodynamics of molecular assembly and the kinetics of chemical reactions to create complex supramolecular nanostructures.
KRAS p.G13D mutation and codon 12 mutations are not created equal in predicting clinical outcomes of cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Mao Chen , Huang Ya‐Fang , Yang Zu‐Yao , Zheng Da‐Yong , Chen Jin‐Zhang , Tang Jin‐Ling
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

The authors conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine whether patients who had metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with the v‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) p.G13D mutation (an amino acid substitution at position 13 in KRAS from a glycine to an aspartic acid) and received cetuximab treatment had better clinical outcomes than patients who had mCRC tumors with KRAS codon 12 mutations.

METHODS:

Relevant studies were identified by a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Database, and Wan Fang Digital Journals from inception to October 2011. The primary clinical outcomes included the objective response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The pooled relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) was estimated by using fixed‐effects or random‐effects models according to heterogeneity between studies.

RESULTS:

Ten studies were considered eligible that included 1487 patients with mCRC. Patients who had tumors with the KRAS p.G13D mutation had a significantly higher ORR (10 studies; RR, 1.642; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.131‐2.384), longer PFS (1 study; HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36‐0.81), and longer OS (1 study; HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33‐0.80) than patients who had tumors with KRAS codon 12 mutations. Compared with patients who had KRAS wild‐type tumors, patients with the p.G13D mutation had a significantly lower ORR (9 studies; RR, 0.540; 95% CI, 0.381‐0.765) and nonsignificantly shorter PFS (1 study; HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.68‐1.45) and OS (1 study; HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.66‐1.54).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients who had mCRC with the KRAS p.G13D mutation appeared to benefit more from cetuximab than patients who had tumors with KRAS codon 12 mutations. However, because of the limited sample sizes in the current meta‐analysis, these results should be interpreted with caution. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Analysis of Ki‐67 expression with neoadjuvant anastrozole or tamoxifen in patients receiving goserelin for premenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Iwata Hiroji , Masuda Norikazu , Sagara Yasuaki , Kinoshita Takayuki , Nakamura Seigo , Yanagita Yasuhiro , Nishimura Reiki , Iwase Hirotaka , Kamigaki Shunji , Takei Hiroyuki , Tsuda Hitoshi , Hayashi Nobuya , Noguchi Shinzaburo
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

The increasing costs associated with large‐scale adjuvant trials mean that the prognostic value of biologic markers is increasingly important. The expression of nuclear antigen Ki‐67, a marker of cell proliferation, has been correlated with treatment efficacy and is being investigated for its value as a predictive marker of therapeutic response. In the current study, the authors explored correlations between Ki‐67 expression and tumor response, estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PgR) status, and histopathologic response from the STAGE study (S_tudy of T_amoxifen or A_rimidex, combined with G_oserelin acetate to compare E_fficacy and safety).

METHODS:

In a phase 3, double‐blind, randomized trial (National Clinical Trials identifier NCT00605267), premenopausal women with ER‐positive, early stage breast cancer received either anastrozole plus goserelin or tamoxifen plus goserelin for 24 weeks before surgery. The Ki‐67 index, hormone receptor (ER and PgR) status, and histopathologic responses were determined from histopathologic samples that were obtained from core‐needle biopsies at baseline and at surgery. Tumor response was determined by using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.

RESULTS:

In total, 197 patients were randomized to receive either anastrozole plus goserelin (n = 98) or tamoxifen plus goserelin (n = 99). The best overall tumor response was better for the anastrozole group compared with the tamoxifen group both among patients who had a baseline Ki‐67 index ≥20% and among those who had a baseline Ki‐67 index <20%. There was no apparent correlation between baseline ER status and the Ki‐67 index in either group. Positive PgR status was reduced from baseline to week 24 in the anastrozole group.

CONCLUSIONS:

In premenopausal women with ER‐positive breast cancer, anastrozole produced a greater best overall tumor response compared with tamoxifen regardless of the baseline Ki‐67 index. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Hydrogenated TiO2 Nanotube Arrays as High‐Rate Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Microbatteries
Authors: Lu Zhouguang , Yip Cho‐Tong , Wang Liping , Huang Haitao , Zhou Limin
Published: September 2012

A simple method has been developed to substantially improve the high‐rate capability of electrochemically anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays targeted for use as anode material in lithium‐ion microbatteries by annealing in a reducing atmosphere (5 % H2 and 95 % Ar). A series of complementary techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectrometry (Raman), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), galvanostatic measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) have been employed to investigate the structural and morphological changes as well as the electrochemical performance enhancement resulting from hydrogenation treatment of the TiO2 nanotube arrays. The results reveal that improvement of the rate capability is mainly attributed to the electronic conductivity increase of the bulk TiO2 nanotubes rather than conductive characteristics of the surface coating because hydrogenation treatment produces a high number of oxygen vacancies inside the crystal lattices that makes the TiO2 nanotube arrays favor a bulk n‐type conductor. Furthermore, the high‐rate capability of other kinds of TiO2 nanomaterials, including rutile TiO2 nanowire arrays and anatase TiO2 nanoparticles, can also be considerably improved by similar H2 treatment. Therefore, the current H2 treatment method is proved to be a general and facile technique to improve the power density of TiO2 anode materials for next‐generation, high‐power lithium‐ion batteries.
Molecular studies on the roles of Runx2 and Twist1 in regulating FGF signaling
Authors: Lu Yongbo , Li Yucheng , Cavender Adriana C. , Wang Suzhen , Mansukhani Alka , D'Souza Rena N.
Published: September 2012

Background: Supernumerary teeth are often observed in patients suffering from cleidocranial dysplasia due to a mutation in Runx2 that results in haploinsufficiency. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly defined. In this study, we assessed the roles of Runx2 and its functional antagonist Twist1 in regulating fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling using in vitro biochemical approaches. Results: We showed that Twist1 stimulated Fgfr2 and Fgf10 expression in a mesenchymal cell line and that it formed heterodimers with ubiquitously expressed E12 (together with E47 encoded by E2A gene) and upregulated Fgfr2 and Fgf10 promoter activities in a dental mesenchyme‐derived cell line. We further demonstrated that the bHLH domain of Twist1 was essential for its synergistic activation of Fgfr2 promoter with E12 and that the binding of E12 stabilized Twist1 by preventing it from undergoing lysosomal degradation. Although Runx2 had no apparent effects on Fgfr2 and Fgf10 promoter activities, it inhibited the stimulatory activity of Twist1 on Fgfr2 promoter. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Runx2 haploinsufficiency might result in excessive unbound Twist1 that can freely bind to E12 and enhance FGF signaling, thereby promoting the formation of extra teeth. Developmental Dynamics 241:1708–1715, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.