bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Through Participatory Resource Management Programs: Case Studies From Costa Rica
Authors: Sims Laura , Sinclair A. John
Published: January 2008

Based on an ongoing qualitative case study in Costa Rica, this article presents the participatory work that the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is doing with farmers to protect watersheds from erosion and contamination. Specifically, it includes a description of ICE's Watershed Management Agricultural Programme and how farmers participate in it and a qualitative analysis of the kind of learning that participants are experiencing. ICE uses collaborative and hands-on activities to raise awareness and promote alternative environmentally sustainable farming practices and technologies. These activities result in instrumental and communicative learning as found in transformative learning theory. The instrumental learning that occurs includes acquiring skills and information, determining cause–effect relationships, and task-oriented problem solving. The communicative learning that occurs includes understanding values, concepts, and others' points of view. In conclusion, the learning that occurred resulted in transformations in the conditions of life that promoted sustainability.
Subacute Presentation of Propionic Acidemia
Authors: Delgado Carmen , Macías Carlos , de la Sierra García-Valdecasas Maria , Pérez Manuel , del Portal Luis Ruiz , Jiménez Luis Manuel
Published: January 2008

Propionic acidemia is a hereditary metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase, which is involved in the catabolism of ramified amino acids, odd-chain fatty acids, and other metabolites; the deficiency of this enzyme leads to an accumulation of toxic substances in the body. There are various forms of clinical presentation (severe neonatal, chronic intermittent, or slow and gradual). The case presented in this study was of a slow and insidious evolution form that was diagnosed when the child was 9 months old. Intracranial magnetic resonance imaging showed a slight increase in the signal intensity in sequences measured in T2 in addition to a restriction of the diffusion at the level of both putamens, which, together with biochemical and genetic analyses, confirmed the diagnosis of propionic acidemia. After initiating treatment involving a diet that was low in proteins, carnitine, and biotin, and an open-formula diet of ramified amino acids, the patient made progress, showing signs of improved hypotonia and increased weight gain. His vomiting stopped, and ketoacidosis was corrected.
Extremity Shortness in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Lesion and Its Relationship to Root Avulsion
Authors: Uysal Hilmi , Demir Sibel Özbudak , Oktay Fügen , Selcuk Barın , Akyüz Müfit
Published: January 2008

A total of 73 patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy and extremity shortness were evaluated clinically, electrophysiologically, and with cervical magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were separated into groups according to age and the level of lesion. The differences of the length of the humerus, ulna, radius, and the second and fifth metacarpal bones were significant between the involved and uninvolved extremities. The difference in shortness increased in relation to the age of the groups and stabilized to approximately 10% in the groups aged 4 to 8 years and 8+ years. A significant relationship was observed between bone length differences and lesion levels. Differences in bone lengths were statistically significant in patients with avulsion in the group aged 8+ years. Extremity shortness appears to be related to avulsion and the level of lesion. The effect of avulsion on extremity shortness gradually increases with age. Finally, root avulsion can be an important factor in extremity shortness of obstetric brachial plexus palsy patients.
Work—Family Policies and Poverty for Partnered and Single Women in Europe and North America
Authors: Misra Joya , Moller Stephanie , Budig Michelle J.
Published: January 2008

Work—family policy strategies reflect gendered assumptions about the roles of men and women within families and therefore may lead to significantly different outcomes, particularly for families headed by single mothers. The authors argue that welfare states have adopted strategies based on different assumptions about women's and men's roles in society, which then affect women's chances of living in poverty cross-nationally. The authors examine how various strategies are associated with poverty rates across groups of women and also examine more directly the effects of specific work—family policies on poverty rates. They find that while family benefits and child care for young children unequivocally lower poverty rates, particularly for families headed by a single mother, long parental leaves have more ambivalent effects. The findings suggest that it is critical to examine the gendered assumptions underlying work—family policies rather than viewing all work—family policies as the same.
Risky Business: Medical Discourse, Breast Cancer, and Narrative
Authors: Davis Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2008

This study explores the construction of risk and patient identity in medical discourse directed toward women with breast cancer. Eleven documents produced by the National Cancer Institute on the topic of breast cancer are studied using narrative analysis. A distinct patient narrative presents all women as at risk for breast cancer and creates an idealized patient identity that serves a prescriptive function for women. The narrative constructs an early-cancer experience where the patient is treatable and cancer is cured or controlled. There are no significant changes in the narrative after time.
Introduction: Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory Studies of Intimate Adult Relationships
Authors: Rohner Ronald P.
Published: January 2008

The studies in this special issue explore three questions drawn from newly formulated postulates in parental acceptance-rejection theory: (a) To what extent is perceived acceptance or rejection by an intimate partner in adulthood associated with the same form of psychological adjustment or maladjustment that perceived parental acceptance-rejection is known to be in childhood? (b) To what extent do remembrances of maternal or paternal acceptance in childhood mediate or influence in other ways the association between perceived partner acceptance and adults' psychological adjustment? (c) Do statistical relations found in these questions vary by culture, ethnicity, gender of parent, gender of offspring, or other contextual factors? Results of most studies reported here conclude that perceived partner acceptance and remembered parental (both maternal and paternal) acceptance in childhood correlate significantly with men's and women's psychological adjustment. However, gender differences also sometimes appears as significant and independent contributors to the psychological adjustment of men versus that of women.
Intimate Partner Acceptance, Parental Acceptance, Behavioral Control, and Psychological Adjustment Among Finnish Adults in Ongoing Attachment Relationships
Authors: Khaleque Abdul , Rohner Ronald P. , Laukkala Helena
Published: January 2008

This study explored gender differences in relations among perceived parental (maternal and paternal) acceptance and behavioral control, perceived partner acceptance and behavioral control, and psychological adjustment in 166 university students in Finland. Results showed significant positive correlations between men's and women's psychological adjustment and perceived partner acceptance as well as remembrances of both maternal and paternal acceptance in childhood. The single exception to this conclusion was the nonsignificant correlation between psychological adjustment and men's perceptions of their intimate partners' acceptance. In addition, neither partners' nor parents' behavioral control was significantly correlated with the psychological adjustment of either men or women. Accordingly, behavioral control was dropped from further analyses. Multiple regression analyses showed that only remembrances of fathers' acceptance in childhood were associated significantly with men's psychological adjustment. For women, however, both partner acceptance and remembered paternal acceptance (but not maternal acceptance) were uniquely and independently associated with psychological adjustment.
Intimate Partner Acceptance, Remembered Parental Acceptance in Childhood, and Psychological Adjustment Among Korean College Students in Ongoing Intimate Relationships
Authors: Chyung Yun-Joo , Lee Julie
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to explore gender differences in relationships between perceived partner acceptance and psychological adjustment in relation to remembered parental acceptance in childhood. One hundred thirty-three college students in Korea participated in the study. Data were collected via questionnaires and were analyzed using correlations and regression. Results showed that respondents' perceptions of their intimate partners' acceptance were positively correlated with their psychological adjustment. Results also showed that there were gender differences in the relationships between perceived partner acceptance and psychological adjustment. Gender differences were also found in the relationship between remembered parental acceptance in childhood and psychological adjustment.
Concordance Between Adolescent Reports of Childhood Abuse and Child Protective Service Determinations in an At-Risk Sample of Young Adolescents
Authors: Everson Mark D. , Smith Jamie B. , Hussey Jon M. , English Diana , Litrownik Alan J. , Dubowitz Howard , Thompson Richard , Dawes Knight Elizabeth , Runyan Desmond K.
Published: January 2008

This study examines the concordance between adolescent reports of abuse and abuse determinations from Child Protective Service (CPS) agencies. It also compares the utility of adolescent reports of abuse, relative to CPS determinations in predicting adolescent psychological adjustment. The sample included 350 early adolescents, ages 12 to 13 years, who were initially identified prior to age 2 years as being at elevated risk of maltreatment. An Audio-Computer Assisted Self Interview (A-CASI) was used to assess lifetime experiences of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. The A-CASI interview elicited prevalence rates of abuse 4 to 6 times higher than those found in CPS records. However, 20 of 45 adolescents with CPS determinations of abuse failed to report abuse during the study interview. Adolescent psychological adjustment was more strongly associated with self-reports than with CPS determinations. The implications of these findings are discussed for validity of adolescent self-reports of childhood abuse and for the ongoing debate about disclosure patterns among victims of child sexual abuse.
Mandatory Reporting Legislation in the United States, Canada, and Australia: A Cross-Jurisdictional Review of Key Features, Differences, and Issues
Authors: Mathews Ben , Kenny Maureen C.
Published: January 2008

Mandatory child abuse reporting laws have developed in particular detail in the United States, Canada, and Australia as a central part of the governments' strategy to detect cases of abuse and neglect at an early stage, protect children, and facilitate the provision of services to children and families. However, the terms of these laws differ in significant ways, both within and between these nations, with the differences tending to broaden or narrow the scope of cases required to be reported and by whom. The purpose of this article is to provide a current and systematic review of mandatory reporting legislation in the 3 countries that have invested most heavily in them to date. A comparison of key elements of these laws is conducted, disclosing significant differences and illuminating the issues facing legislatures and policymaking bodies in countries already having the laws. These findings will also be instructive to those jurisdictions still developing their laws and to those that may, in the future, choose to design a system of mandatory reporting.
Cell cycle–dependent chromatin loading of the Fanconi anemia core complex by FANCM/FAAP24
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Kee Younghoon , Gurtan Allan , D'Andrea Alan D.
Published: January 2008

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disease characterized by congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and cancer susceptibility. A total of 13 FA proteins are involved in regulating genome surveillance and chromosomal stability. The FA core complex, consisting of 8 FA proteins (A/B/C/E/F/G/L/M), is essential for the monoubiquitination of FANCD2 and FANCI. FANCM is a human ortholog of the archaeal DNA repair protein Hef, and it contains a DEAH helicase and a nuclease domain. Here, we examined the effect of FANCM expression on the integrity and localization of the FA core complex. FANCM was exclusively localized to chromatin fractions and underwent cell cycle–dependent phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. FANCM-depleted HeLa cells had an intact FA core complex but were defective in chromatin localization of the complex. Moreover, depletion of the FANCM binding partner, FAAP24, disrupted the chromatin association of FANCM and destabilized FANCM, leading to defective recruitment of the FA core complex to chromatin. Our results suggest that FANCM is an anchor required for recruitment of the FA core complex to chromatin, and that the FANCM/FAAP24 interaction is essential for this chromatin-loading activity. Dysregulated loading of the FA core complex accounts, at least in part, for the characteristic cellular and developmental abnormalities in FA.
Elevated expressions of survivin and VEGF protein are strong independent predictors of survival in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Yu-Hong , Hu Chun-Fang , Shao Qiong , Huang Ma-Yan , Hou Jing-Hui , Xie Dan , Zeng Yi-Xin , Shao Jian-Yong
Published: January 2008

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignancies in southern China. The China 1992 TNM staging system has been widely used for prognosis prediction of NPC patients in China. Although NPC patients can be classified according to their clinical stage in this system, their prognosis may vary significantly.

Method

280 cases of NPC with clinical follow-up data were collected and expressions of survivin and VEGF in tumor tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Apoptosis index (AI) in 100 cases of NPC was detected by the TUNEL method.

Results

Expression of survivin and VEGF were significantly associated with TNM stage, T-stage and metastasis of NPC. The patients with survivin and VEGF over-expression presented lower 5-year survival rate, as compared to those of low-expression (42.32% vs. 70.54%, 40.1% vs. 67.8%, respectively, P < 0.05), especially in advanced stage patients (36.51% vs. 73.41%, 35.03% vs. 65.22%, respectively, P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate in NPC patients with survivin and VEGF dual over-expression was significantly lower than that of patients with dual low-expression (18.22% vs. 73.54%, respectively; P = 0.0003). Multivariate analysis indicated that both survivin and VEGF over-expression in NPC tumor tissues were strong independent factors of poor prognosis in NPC patients. The mean AI in the 39 survivin low-expression cases was 144.7 ± 39.9, which was significantly higher than that in 61 survivin over-expression cases (111.6 ± 39.8) (T test, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Survivin and VEGF over-expression are independent prognostic factors for the patients with NPC. These results also suggest that tumor survivin and VEGF expressions are valuable prognostic markers for prognosis prediction in NPC patients.
Fibrinogen decreases cardiomyocyte contractility through an ICAM-1-dependent mechanism
Authors: Boyd John H , Chau Edmond H , Tokunanga Chiho , Bateman Ryon M , Haljan Greg , Davani Ehsan Y , Wang Yinjin , Walley Keith R
Published: January 2008

Introduction

Cardiomyocytes exposed to inflammatory processes express intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). We investigated whether fibrinogen and fibrinogen degradation products, including D-dimer, could alter cardiomyocyte contractile function through interaction with ICAM-1 found on inflamed cardiomyocytes.

Methods

In vivo, rats were injected with endotoxin to model systemic inflammation, whereas isolated rat cardiomyocytes were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha to model the inflammatory environment seen following exposure to bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide.

Results

In vivo, endotoxin administration profoundly decreased cardiac contractile function associated with a large increase in intracardiac ICAM-1 and perivascular fibrinogen. Confocal microscopy with double-staining of isolated rat cardiomyocytes demonstrated colocalization of ICAM-1 and fibrinogen. This interaction was disrupted through pre-treatment of the cells with an ICAM-1-blocking antibody. Functionally, isolated rat cardiomyocyte preparations exhibited decreased fractional shortening when incubated with fibrinogen, and through the use of synthetic peptides, we determined that residues 117–133 of the fibrinogen gamma chain are responsible for this interaction with ICAM-1. Despite having crosslinked gamma chains, D-dimer retained the ability to decrease cardiomyocyte contractility.

Conclusion

Site 117–133 of the fibrinogen gamma chain is able to depress cardiomyocyte contractility through binding ICAM-1.
High-resolution analysis of condition-specific regulatory modules in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lee Hun-Goo , Lee Hyo-Soo , Jeon Sang-Hoon , Chung Tae-Hoon , Lim Young-Sung , Huh Won-Ki
Published: January 2008

We present an approach for identifying condition-specific regulatory modules by using separate units of gene expression profiles along with ChIP-chip and motif data from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By investigating the unique and common features of the obtained condition-specific modules, we detected several important properties of transcriptional network reorganization. Our approach reveals the functionally distinct coregulated submodules embedded in a coexpressed gene module and provides an effective method for identifying various condition-specific regulatory events at high resolution.
Late-life depression and mortality: influence of gender and
antidepressant use
Authors: Ryan Joanne , Carriere Isabelle , Ritchie Karen , Stewart Robert , Toulemonde Gwladys , Dartigues Jean-François , Tzourio Christophe , Ancelin Marie-Laure
Published: January 2008

Background

Depression may increase the risk of mortality among certain subgroups of
older people, but the part played by antidepressants in this association
has not been thoroughly explored.

Aims

To identify the characteristics of older populations who are most at risk
of dying, as a function of depressive symptoms, gender and antidepressant
use.

Method

Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the
association between depression and/or antidepressant use and 4-year
survival of 7363 community-dwelling elderly people. Major depressive
disorder was evaluated using a standardised psychiatric examination based
on DSM-IV criteria and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center
for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale.

Results

Depressed men using antidepressants had the greatest risk of dying, with
increasing depression severity corresponding to a higher hazard risk.
Among women, only severe depression in the absence of treatment was
significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions

The association between depression and mortality is gender-dependent and
varies according to symptom load and antidepressant use.
Facial affect recognition in individuals at clinical high risk
for psychosis
Authors: Addington Jean , Penn David , Woods Scott W. , Addington Donald , Perkins Diana O.
Published: January 2008

Facial affect discrimination and identification were assessed in 86 clinical
high-risk individuals and compared with 50 individuals with first-episode
psychosis, 53 with multiepisode schizophrenia and 55 non-psychiatric
controls. On the identification task the non-psychiatric controls performed
significantly better than all other groups, and on discrimination
significantly better than both patient groups. Deficits in facial affect
recognition appear to be present before the onset of psychosis and may be a
vulnerability marker.
Short-Term Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy and External-Beam Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Results of RTOG 8610
Authors: Roach Mack , Bae Kyounghwa , Speight Joycelyn , Wolkov Harvey B. , Rubin Phillip , Lee R. Jeffrey , Lawton Colleen , Valicenti Richard , Grignon David , Pilepich Miljenko V.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 8610 was the first phase III randomized trial to evaluate neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in combination with external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in men with locally advanced prostate cancer. This report summarizes long-term follow-up results.

Materials and Methods

Between 1987 and 1991, 456 assessable patients (median age, 70 years) were enrolled. Eligible patients had bulky (5 × 5 cm) tumors (T2-4) with or without pelvic lymph node involvement according to the 1988 American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system. Patients received combined ADT that consisted of goserelin 3.6 mg every 4 weeks and flutamide 250 mg tid for 2 months before and concurrent with EBRT, or they received EBRT alone. Study end points included overall survival (OS), disease-specific mortality (DSM), distant metastasis (DM), disease-free survival (DFS), and biochemical failure (BF).

Results

Ten-year OS estimates (43% v 34%) and median survival times (8.7 v 7.3 years) favored ADT and EBRT, respectively; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance (P = .12). There was a statistically significant improvement in 10-year DSM (23% v 36%; P = .01), DM (35% v 47%; P = .006), DFS (11% v 3%; P < .0001), and BF (65% v 80%; P < .0001) with the addition of ADT, but no differences were observed in the risk of fatal cardiac events.

Conclusion

The addition of 4 months of ADT to EBRT appears to have a dramatic impact on clinically meaningful end points in men with locally advanced disease with no statistically significant impact on the risk of fatal cardiac events.
Jak/Stat signalling in niche support cells regulatesdpptranscription to control germline stem cell maintenance in theDrosophilaovary
Authors: López-Onieva Lourdes , Fernández-Miñán Ana , González-Reyes Acaimo
Published: January 2008

The existence of specialised regulatory microenvironments or niches that sustain stable stem cell populations is well documented in many tissues. However, the specific mechanisms by which niche support (or stromal) cells govern stem cell maintenance remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that removal of the Jak/Stat pathway in support cells of the Drosophilaovarian niche leads to germline stem cell loss by differentiation. Conversely,ectopic Jak/Stat activation in support cells induces stem cell tumours,implying the presence of a signal relay between the stromal compartment and the stem cell population. We further show that ectopic Jak/Stat signalling in support cells augments dpp mRNA levels and increases the range of Dpp signalling, a Bmp2 orthologue known to act as a niche extrinsic factor required for female germline stem cell survival and division. Our results provide strong evidence for a model in which Jak/Stat signalling in somatic support cells regulates dpp transcription to define niche size and to maintain the adjacent germline stem cells in an undifferentiated state.
Optimal two-dimensional warranty repair strategy
Authors: Chukova S , Hayakawa Y , Johnston M. R.
Published: January 2008

For repairable products, the warrantor has options in choosing the type of repair performed to an item that fails within the warranty period. The focus is on a particular warranty repair strategy, related to the degree of the warranty repair, under a non-renewing two-dimensional warranty policy that is free of charge to the consumer. A rectangular warranty region, as in the automotive industry, is considered and partitioned into disjoint subregions. Each of these subregions has a preassigned degree of repair for a faulty item. First, for a partition of size n, an expression is derived for the associated expected warranty servicing cost per item sold. Second, using an example, for a given discretization of the warranty period, the way in which the number of subregions and their shape can be determined, so that the expected warranty servicing cost per item sold is minimum, is demonstrated.
Effects of Simulated Blasting on Mortality of Rainbow Trout Eggs
Authors: Faulkner Sean G. , Welz Marek , Tonn William M. , Schmitt Douglas R.
Published: January 2008

Blasting in or near water can negatively affect fish. In Canada, there are maximum allowable limits for blasting‐induced overpressure (100 kPa) and peak particle velocity (PPV; 13 mm/s) to protect fish and their incubating eggs, respectively. No studies, however, have related PPVs from blasting to egg mortality. To address this information gap, we developed a laboratory blast simulation procedure for relating egg mortality to different levels of PPV exposure. Eggs of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were subjected to PPVs of up to 245.4 mm/s during six sensitive developmental stages. Eggs also were exposed to a previously described drop height method, in which the final velocity of the eggs is used to estimate PPV exposure; we tested both the original out‐of‐water treatment and an in‐water drop height treatment. Using blast simulation, egg mortality increased at only one developmental stage and only from exposures greater than 132.3 mm/s. Mortality was greater when eggs were placed in spawning gravel versus free in containers, although mortality generally increased at the same PPV level for both treatments. In the drop height method, eggs held out of water were more sensitive to a given exposure level than were eggs held in water. The drop height method may not provide an accurate assessment of blasting‐induced PPVs, especially when eggs are out of water, but should be suitable for comparing the egg sensitivity of different species or development stages. Our controlled, laboratory‐based results indicate that the Canadian PPV guidelines provide ample protection for rainbow trout eggs within spawning beds.
Uso do plasma suíno ultrafiltrado na recuperação de leitões com sinais clínicos de circovirose
Authors: Morés N. , Amaral A.L. , Zanella J.R.C. , Cordebella A. , Bordin L.C. , Oliveira S. , Gava D. , Rangel L.F.S.
Published: January 2008

Testou-se o efeito do plasma suíno ultrafiltrado spray-dried, associado a um acidificante comercial na água de bebida para a recuperação de leitões com sinais clínicos da síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento dos suínos (SMDS). Utilizaram-se 40 leitões com sinais clínicos da SMDS, selecionados 20 dias após o alojamento em uma unidade de terminação, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos (T) de 10 leitões cada. No T1, os animais receberam água clorada à vontade (controle); no T2, solução com 2,5% do plasma sangüíneo diluído em água; no T3, acidificante (Selko®) diluído em água na dosagem de 12ml/10l e, no T4, solução com 2,5% do plasma sangüíneo e o acidificante na dose de 12ml/10l, diluídos em água. Os leitões não foram medicados e foram sacrificados aos 28 ou 40 dias de experimento para avaliação sorológica e patológica. Não houve diferença no ganho de peso e na situação clínica-patológica entre os tratamentos. Entretanto, os leitões do T4 estavam em melhor situação clínica-patológica. Os leitões dos quatro tratamentos tiveram boa recuperação, sem terem sido medicados. Observou-se alta freqüência de lesões compatíveis com a SMDS nos pulmões, rins e linfonodos. Concluiu-se que o plasma spray dried associado ao ácido não melhoraram o desempenho e a situação clínica-patológica de leitões com sintomas da SMDS.
Sclerocorneal limbal stem cell autograft transplantation in dogs
Authors: Brunelli A.T.J. , Vicente F.A.M. , Chahud F. , Oriá A.P. , Bolzan A.A. , Campos C.F. , Doria Neto F.A. , Laus J.L.
Published: January 2008

The effects of sclerocorneal limbal stem cell autograft transplantation in dogs with corneal wounds were studied. Eighteen dogs were divided in two groups (GI and GII). The animals of GI (n=12) underwent limbal transplantation 30 days after the destruction of limbal stem cells. The dogs of GII (n=6) only underwent destruction of stem cells (control group). Light microscopy examination of the right eye was performed on days 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 120 after limbal transplantation (GI), and on days 33, 37, 44, 60, 90, and 150 after limbal destruction (GII). Results showed a complete destruction of limbal stem cells with loss of corneal transparency. Limbal transplantation prevented conjunctivalization in grafted area. Corneal vascularization and a 360º corneal conjunctivalization were noted in the control dogs (GII). Corneal transparency was restored from day 60th after surgery. Histological examination did not distinguish the transition between the graft and the normal corneal epithelium at anytime. Goblet cells were found in control animals (GII) on 33, 37, 60, and 150 days, whereas a single grafted dog (GI) presented a few goblet cells on day 60th post-transplantation. Limbal autograft transplantation was effective in restoring corneal clarity with no development of ocular complications.
As pesquisas sobre o efeito das escolas: contribuições metodológicas para a sociologia da educação
Authors: Alves Maria Teresa Gonzaga , Soares José Francisco
Published: January 2008

Este artigo apresenta as metodologias de análise utilizadas em uma pesquisa longitudinal, cujo objetivo foi medir o efeito das escolas de sete estabelecimentos de ensino públicos localizados em uma mesma região da cidade de Belo Horizonte, MG. As pesquisas sobre o efeito das escolas constituem uma área específica no campo da Sociologia da Educação, que investiga o impacto das escolas para desempenho acadêmico dos alunos, após o controle das características de origem social dos alunos e do contexto das escolas. Durante dois anos letivos, foram coletados dados quantitativos, através de testes e questionários respondidos pelos alunos das escolas selecionadas, e dados qualitativos, através entrevistas com familiares de alunos e profissionais das escolas. Para a análise desses dados foram incorporadas novas técnicas estatísticas. Os modelos da Teoria da Resposta ao Item (TRI) foram utilizados para estimar os escores longitudinais dos alunos e os seus respectivos níveis socioeconômicos; e os modelos de regressão multiníveis, para a análise de dados longitudinais e com diferentes níveis de agregação. Os dados qualitativos foram analisados em conjunto com os resultados quantitativos, o que foi facilitado pelo uso de uma ferramenta que possibilitou a integração de dados textuais e atributos numéricos. Os resultados mostraram que a análise do efeito das escolas através de dados longitudinais é ser mais justa para as escolas, porque mostra o seu impacto no processo de aprendizagem dos alunos. A análise dos dados qualitativos mostrou fatores escolares e familiares que impactam os resultados dos alunos e que contribuem para a estratificação escolar. Considerando o potencial que as pesquisas educacionais podem ter para as políticas públicas, o artigo conclui sobre a importância da escolha de modelos de análise adequados para a análise do efeito das escolas. Além disso, a pesquisa mostrou a viabilidade do uso integrado de dados obtidos através de metodologias quantitativa e qualitativa, paradigmas usualmente tratados como se fossem necessariamente opostos, e a relevância desse procedimento para a compreensão dos resultados gerais.
Seletividade de herbicidas aplicados em pós-emergência sobre capim-braquiária
Authors: Martins Dagoberto , Triguero Luciana Rodrigues Cardoso , Domingos Vanessa David , Martins Cibele Chalita , Marchi Sidney Roberto de , Costa Neomárico Vilanova da
Published: January 2008

O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a seletividade de alguns herbicidas inibidores de ALS e FS II aplicados em pós-emergência em plantas de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu e Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk em condições de campo e seu efeito na qualidade das sementes. Os herbicidas testados (em g/ha) foram: imazethapyr a 100; chlorimuronethyl a 15; nicosulfuron a 50; bentazon a 720; e atrazine a 3.000, além de uma testemunha, sem aplicação de herbicidas. Dois experimentos em campo foram instalados em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e os ensaios de laboratório em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 16 repetições. Todos os herbicidas testados tiveram algum efeito de fitointoxicação visual aos cultivares avaliados. O nicosulfuron foi o herbicida que visualmente proporcionou os níveis mais elevados de injúrias às plantas de B. decumbens e B. brizantha. A produção de MS de B. brizantha nos estádios iniciais de crescimento foi reduzida pelos herbicidas nicosulfuron e atrazine, enquanto, em B. decumbens, apenas o herbicida nicosulfuron ocasionou redução da produção de MS. A qualidade das sementes de ambos os cultivares foi afetada pelo nicosulfuron, que induziu a dormência em sementes de B. decumbens, reduziu a porcentagem de sementes normais e, assim como o atrazine, aumentou a porcentagem de sementes mortas.
Composição em ácidos graxos dos tecidos de frangos de corte alimentados com subprodutos de maracujá
Authors: Togashi Cristina Kimie , Fonseca José Brandão , Soares Rita da Trindade Ribeiro Nobre , Gaspar Arlene , Detmann Edenio
Published: January 2008

A composição em ácidos graxos de tecidos de frangos de corte foi avaliada utilizando-se 200 pintos machos Cobb criados a partir dos 22 dias de idade com rações experimentais compostas de milho e farelo de soja suplementadas com 4 ou 8% de casca de maracujá e 4 ou 8% de semente de maracujá. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em modelo fatorial 2 × 2 com um tratamento adicional (controle, 0% de subproduto de maracujá), com quatro repetições e dez aves por unidade experimental. Foram utilizados contrastes ortogonais com dois níveis de suplementação e dois tipos de subproduto. As aves foram abatidas aos 42 dias de idade para análises da composição em ácidos graxos. A utilização de semente de maracujá reduziu o conteúdo de ácidos palmítico C16:0, esteárico C18:0 e docosahexaenóico C22:6 do peito. Na perna, os subprodutos de maracujá aumentaram o teor de ácido linoléico C18:2, linolênico C18:3 e palmítico C16:0 e reduziram o de C18:0, ácido esteárico.
Tipologia de sistemas de produção bovina com ênfase na ocorrência de ectoparasitoses
Authors: Teixeira José Roberto Funck , Silva Marcelo Abreu da
Published: January 2008

Este estudo foi realizado para identificar, por meio da utilização de procedimentos de pesquisa diagnóstica, características dos sistemas de produção relacionadas à ocorrência de ectoparasitos. Foram aplicadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas em 62 propriedades, cujos dados foram analisados por procedimentos estatísticos multivariados. Observou-se maior importância da área das propriedades, do manejo de pastagens e da freqüência de visitas do proprietário ao seu estabelecimento. O método utilizado, a época e a freqüência das aplicações de carrapaticidas destacaram-se entre as medidas de controle de ectoparasitoses. Os resultados reafirmaram a importância dos procedimentos de pesquisa diagnóstica como ferramenta de identificação de problemas técnicos e econômicos de sistemas de produção e de representação de sua diversidade, subsídios indispensáveis para o desenvolvimento de trabalhos experimentais mais coerentes com a realidade produtiva do estado.
Kryptolebias, a substitute name for Cryptolebias Costa, 2004 and Kryptolebiatinae, a substitute name for Cryptolebiatinae Costa, 2004 (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)
Authors: Costa Wilson J. E. M.
Published: January 2008

Kryptolebias, new name, is proposed to replace Cryptolebias Costa, 2004, preoccupied by Cryptolebias Gaudant, 1978, a monotypic genus of European fossil fish. As a consequence, Kryptolebiatinae is erected, substituting Cryptolebiatinae Costa.
Cytogenetical and morphological features reveal significant differences among Venezuelan and Brazilian samples of Mugil curema (Teleostei: Mugilidae)
Authors: Nirchio Mauro , Cipriano Roger , Cestari Margarete , Fenocchio Alberto
Published: January 2008

Karyotype of M. curema from the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil have been reported as possessing chromosome complement with 2n=28 and FN=48, whereas specimens from Venezuela has been reported as possessing a diploid number 2n=24 and a conserved FN (48). Although at first sight this variation suggests the presence of a chromosomal intraspecific (interpopulational) variability, the possibility that we are dealing with two different species was examined. This work revisit the karyotypes of M. curema from Venezuela and Brazil, including new data on C-banding, and NOR localization, and compares morphologic characteristics of samples from both localities. Thus, besides diploid number, the constitutive heterochromatin distribution and NORs location, mark other differences between M. curema Cytotype 1 (2n=28; FN=48) and Cytotype 2 (2n=24; NF=48). Moreover, morphologic comparison revealed differences in the scale counts and pectoral fin rays: 35 scales in the middle body line and 15 pectoral fin rays in specimens possessing the karyotype 2n=28, compared with 37-39 scales in the middle body line and 17 pectoral fin rays in specimens with the karyotype 2n=24. These differences lead us to suggest that both cytotypes are not related merely to geographic polytipic variations but could correspond to different species.
The Law (and Politics) of Safe Injection Facilities in the United States
Authors: Beletsky Leo , Davis Corey S. , Anderson Evan , Burris Scott
Published: January 2008

Safe injection facilities (SIFs) have shown promise in reducing harms and social costs associated with injection drug use. Favorable evaluations elsewhere have raised the issue of their implementation in the United States.

Recognizing that laws shape health interventions targeting drug users, we analyzed the legal environment for publicly authorized SIFs in the United States. Although states and some municipalities have the power to authorize SIFs under state law, federal authorities could still interfere with these facilities under the Controlled Substances Act. A state- or locally-authorized SIF could proceed free of legal uncertainty only if federal authorities explicitly authorized it or decided not to interfere.

Given legal uncertainty, and the similar experience with syringe exchange programs, we recommend a process of sustained health research, strategic advocacy, and political deliberation.
Smoking Cessation Rates in the United States: A Comparison of Young Adult and Older Smokers
Authors: Messer Karen , Trinidad Dennis R. , Al-Delaimy Wael K. , Pierce John P.
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We compared smoking quit rates by age in a nationally representative sample to determine differences in cessation rates among younger and older adults.

Methods. We used data on recent dependent smokers aged 18 to 64 years from the 2003 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (n=31625).

Results. Young adults (aged 18–24 years) were more likely than were older adults (aged 35–64 years) to report having seriously tried to quit (84% vs 66%, P<.01) and to have quit for 6 months or longer (8.5% vs 5.0%, P<.01). Among those who seriously tried to quit, a smoke-free home was associated with quitting for 6 months or longer (odds ratio [OR]=4.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.25, 5.26). Compared with older smokers, young adults were more likely to have smoke-free homes (43% vs 30%, P<.01), were less likely to use pharmaceutical aids (9.8% vs 23.7%, P<.01), and smoked fewer cigarettes per day (13.2% vs 17.4%, P<.01).

Conclusions. Young adults were more likely than were older adults to quit smoking successfully. This could be explained partly by young adults, more widespread interest in quitting, higher prevalence of smoke-free homes, and lower levels of dependence. High cessation rates among young adults may also reflect changing social norms.
Measuring the Performance of Telephone-Based Disease Surveillance Systems in Local Health Departments
Authors: Dausey David J. , Chandra Anita , Schaefer Agnes G. , Bahney Ben , Haviland Amelia , Zakowski Sarah , Lurie Nicole
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We tested telephone-based disease surveillance systems in local health departments to identify system characteristics associated with consistent and timely responses to urgent case reports.

Methods. We identified a stratified random sample of 74 health departments and conducted a series of unannounced tests of their telephone-based surveillance systems. We used regression analyses to identify system characteristics that predicted fast connection with an action officer (an appropriate public health professional).

Results. Optimal performance in consistently connecting callers with an action officer in 30 minutes or less was achieved by 31% of participating health departments. Reaching a live person upon dialing, regardless of who that person was, was the strongest predictor of optimal performance both in being connected with an action officer and in consistency of connection times.

Conclusions. Health departments can achieve optimal performance in consistently connecting a caller with an action officer in 30 minutes or less and may improve performance by using a telephone-based disease surveillance system in which the phone is answered by a live person at all times.
Barroom Aggression in Hoboken, New Jersey: Don't Blame the Bouncers!
Authors: Roberts James C.
Published: January 2008

Relying on a structured observation guide listing a large number of variables shown to be good predictors of aggression in bars by past researchers, trained observers spent a total of 444 hours collecting data in 25 licensed drinking establishments in Hoboken, New Jersey. Observations took place at two separate time periods, 7:30pm-10:30pm and 11:00pm-2:00am, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Logistic regression analyses revealed the absence of bouncers and doormen as the strongest predictor of aggression in Hoboken barrooms. This is a particularly important finding considering the frequency with which bouncers and doormen are vilified in the available research on barroom aggression. Several practical prevention strategies aimed at reducing aggression in bars are proposed.
On the Visual Cues Contributing to Pictorial Depth Perception
Authors: Cook Norman D. , Yutsudo Asami , Fujimoto Naoki , Murata Mayu
Published: January 2008

From study of the depth inversion in the “reverse perspective” illusion, we found that the depiction of at least three objects consistent with linear perspective is essential for inducing the false motion effects. In experiments on the perception of 3D depth in 2D images, we have confirmed that the presence of three independent pictorial cues is crucial for the illusion of depth, in general. On the basis of these findings, we argue that the characteristically human ability to perceive depth in flat visual stimuli using pictorial cues is an example of “triadic cognition”—i.e., cognition that relies on the perception of the relationships among a minimum of three distinct cues. Findings are discussed in terms of how pictorial cues influence our perception of 3D depth in 2D paintings and drawings.
The Structure of Artistic and Aesthetic Abilities in School Children
Authors: Smith Jeffrey K. , Smith Lisa F.
Published: January 2008

The structure of children's responses to art and efforts in making art were examined on a random sample of New Zealand schoolchildren, ages 8-9 and 12-13. Participants completed a set of 6 performance assessment tasks in aesthetic perception and artistic production. Factor analysis and multivariate analysis of variance were used to investigate the underlying structure among the tasks, and to look at the relationships among the factors of aesthetic perception and artistic production, with age, gender, and socio-economic status. Results indicated that a 2 factor solution was robust over age and gender combinations. Also, gender, age, and socio-economic status were all related to both production and perception factors.
Change in Depression of Spousal Caregivers of Dementia Patients Following Patient's Death
Authors: Tweedy Maureen P. , Guarnaccia Charles A.
Published: January 2008

Caring for an elderly spouse with dementia places a heavy burden on spousal caregivers and often results in chronic depression. Little has been written about change in depression caregivers experience from before to after the death of the spouse with dementia. This longitudinal study examines change in depression of spousal caregivers that occurs following death of the dementia patient. Two theoretical models, the Relief and Stress Models, are discussed in terms of caregiver depression after the death of the dementia-patient care-recipient spouse. These two theoretical models were tested using longitudinal data from the National Institute on Aging sponsored Health and Retirement Study. Both male and female spousal caregivers report an increase in depression after the death of the dementia-patient care-recipient spouse. As time passed following the spouse's death, the conjugally bereaved husbands showed a decrease in depression while the conjugally bereaved wives continued to report increased depression.
Older Poor Parents who Lost an Adult Child to Aids in Togo, West Africa: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Moore Ami R.
Published: January 2008

This study analyzes the difficulties that poor parents faced when they lost an adult child to AIDS in Togo. The death of a child is believed to be more distressful to parents compared to the death of a spouse. Evidence also suggests that parental grief is more lasting and may be the most complicated form of grief. Furthermore, the roles played by the deceased child in the lives of the parents also affect the parental grieving process. For instance, in low income regions where parents tend to be socio-economically challenged and where filial obligations are culturally expected, losing an adult child who provided material and financial assistance to parents will be more disastrous. Four kinds of difficulties were identified: financial and social difficulty, psychological difficulty, caregiving difficulty, and disclosure difficulty. The socioeconomic status of the parents made these issues all the more taxing, as respondents were grieving not only the loss of their children to AIDS but also the loss of financial providers. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.
On minimal residuated bounded mappings in atomistic lattices
Authors: Niederle Josef
Published: January 2008

Relationship between automorphisms and residuated bounded mappings in atomistic lattices is studied.
Understanding Aging and Disability Perspectives on Home Care: Uncovering Facts and Values in Public-Policy Narratives and Discourse
Authors: Clark Phillip G.
Published: January 2008

Every public-policy problem can be defined in terms of its empirical (“facts”) and normative (“values”) dimensions and the interrelationship between them. An understanding of the connection between facts and values at the foundation of the home care policy debate in the Canadian health-care system is developed through the application of an analytical framework based on the concept of “narrative frame” analysis. The literature on home care policy reports and recommendations is examined within this conceptual structure – including especially publications and reports from the federal government, national organizations, and the aging and disability communities. Finally, observations and conclusions about the significance of home care policy discourse, and of the differences between the aging and disability constituencies in this debate, are offered as a guide for deconstructing the public-policy process.