bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construção e validação de uma escala de extroversão no modelo dos Cinco Grandes Fatores de Personalidade
Authors: Nunes Carlos Henrique Sancineto da Silva , Hutz Cláudio Simon
Published: October 2011

O presente estudo visou a construção e validação de construto de uma escala para a mensuração de extroversão no modelo dos Cinco Grandes Fatores de Personalidade. Nesse modelo, extroversão engloba traços que descrevem nível de comunicação, assertividade, gregariedade, busca por diversão, ente outros. A validade de construto da Escala Fatorial de Extroversão (EFE) contou com uma amostra de 1.084 pessoas de cinco estados brasileiros, de ambos os sexos, com nível de escolarização médio ou superior. Foram realizadas análises fatoriais para a verificação da dimensionalidade da EFE, sendo a solução de quatro fatores considerada a mais adequada. Os fatores extraídos foram denominados comunicação, altivez, assertividade e interações sociais, com alfas de Cronbach de 0,90; 0,78; 0,78 e 0,83, respectivamente. A escala geral apresentou uma consistência interna de 0,91.
Adaptação e validação de construto da Escala de Satisfação no Trabalho
Authors: Martins Maria do Carmo Fernandes , Santos Gisele Emídio
Published: October 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar, validar e apurar a fidedignidade da Escala de Satisfação no Trabalho, composta por 116 itens agrupados em 14 fatores válidos com fidedignidade insatisfatória. A revisão semântica manteve 113 itens, aplicados a 600 trabalhadores-estudantes, sendo 51% mulheres, com nível de escolaridade média e superior, com idade média de 26 anos. Análises dos componentes principais e scree plot indicavam haver 7 a 12 componentes. A fatoração dos eixos principais com rotações Varimax e Promax reduziu a escala para 45 itens agrupados em seis fatores: "satisfação com suporte organizacional", "satisfação com utilidade social da organização e do trabalho", "satisfação com relacionamento afetivo no trabalho", "satisfação com reconhecimento profissional", "insatisfação com inadequação da chefia e falta de oportunidades" e "insatisfação com sobrecarga de trabalho" com alfas de 0,86, 0,81, 0,80, 0,82, 0,85 e 0,81. A estrutura do construto confirmou-se afetiva e multideterminada. Esta conclusão corroborou achados da área.
Inventário de Depressão de Beck - BDI: validação fatorial para mulheres com câncer
Authors: Gandini Rita de Cássia , Martins Maria do Carmo Fernandes , Ribeiro Marjorie de Paula , Santos Daniela Torres Gonçalves
Published: October 2011

Este estudo teve por objetivo validar fatorialmente o Inventário de Depressão de Beck - BDI para uma amostra de 208 mulheres com câncer. A validação fatorial do BDI foi realizada por meio da análise fatorial, método de extração dos componentes principais e rotação oblimin, tendo sido identificadas duas soluções fatoriais, uma bifatorial - sendo F1 composto por 8 itens (a = 0,82) denominado "visão negativa de si mesmo", explicando 32,4% da variância e F2 com 5 itens (a = 0,77) denominado "função física", explicando 8% da variância - e outra unifatorial com 13 itens, com fidedignidade altamente satisfatória (a = 0,86) denominada "depressão", explicando 38% da variância total.
Tradução, adaptação e validação preliminar do Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ)
Authors: Benites Daniela , Gomes William B.
Published: October 2011

Falhas de memória são comuns no cotidiano. Contudo, elas podem indicar ocorrências de problemas cognitivos, principalmente entre idosos. O artigo traz a tradução e a adaptação do Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). O instrumento, no original constituído de 16 itens, avalia auto-relatos de falhas de memória prospectiva e retrospectiva. O estudo contou com 642 participantes, com idade variando entre 16 e 81 anos, recrutados em uma universidade e em grupos comunitários. A análise fatorial exploratória dos dados do PRMQ apontou a validade de construto apenas para oito itens. Então, optou-se por reconsiderar mais dois itens que apresentaram carga fatorial aceitável e compor uma escala de 10 itens, sendo cinco para cada dimensão da memória. A correlação para validade convergente e discriminante foi realizada com o Questionário de Percepção Subjetiva de Queixas de Memória para idosos (MAC-Q), em uma amostra de 38 participantes idosos, com idade média de 69 anos. O PRMQ-10 apresentou validade e confiabilidade (a = 0,80), com boas perspectivas para uso em pesquisa.
Relação conjugal na transição para a parentalidade: gestação até dezoito meses do bebê
Authors: Menezes Clarissa Corrêa , Lopes Rita de Cássia Sobreira
Published: October 2011

No presente estudo objetivou-se analisar a relação conjugal, durante a transição para a parentalidade, sob dois enfoques: a avaliação que cada casal faz de sua relação e a interação comunicacional que estabelece nos diferentes momentos da transição. Foi realizado um estudo de caso coletivo, longitudinal, que abrangeu cinco etapas: o último trimestre de gestação e o terceiro, o oitavo, o décimo-segundo e o décimo-oitavo mês de vida dos bebês. A amostra foi composta por quatro casais adultos, com idades entre 20-30 anos, que esperavam seu primeiro filho e que foram recrutados em grupos de preparação para gestantes em hospitais de Porto Alegre. Em cada uma das etapas consideradas, os casais foram contatados e entrevistados conjuntamente, com base em entrevistas semi-estruturadas. A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir das análises qualitativa e quantitativa de conteúdo. Os resultados deste estudo apontam que um fator central para a compreensão da conjugalidade na transição para a parentalidade é a qualidade da relação conjugal estabelecida antes da transição.
Escala de Preferência Musical: construção e comprovação da sua estrutura fatorial
Authors: Pimentel Carlos Eduardo , Gouveia Valdiney V. , Pessoa Viviany Silva
Published: October 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi construir e conhecer os parâmetros psicométricos de uma escala para medir a preferência musical de jovens. Participaram da pesquisa 480 estudantes do ensino médio, majoritariamente do sexo feminino (55,1%) e solteiros (95,8%), com idades variando de 13 a 28 anos (M=16,2; DP=1,60). Estes responderam à Escala de Preferência Musical, além de perguntas demográficas. A amostra foi dividida aleatoriamente em duas de igual tamanho, procurando conhecer a estrutura fatorial da escala (n1) e logo testá-la (n2). Os resultados de uma análise de componentes principais com a primeira amostra revelaram uma estrutura multifatorial, composta por quatro componentes de estilos musicais: música de massa, música alternativa, música refinada e música convencional, com índices de precisão satisfatórios e explicando mais da metade da variância total. Uma análise fatorial confirmatória (ML) foi realizada com a segunda amostra, testando a estrutura previamente observada. Os resultados razoavelmente apóiam tal estrutura. Conclui-se que esta é uma medida adequada para fins de pesquisa, sendo útil quando o propósito for conhecer a preferência musical dos adolescentes. Por outro lado, apontam-se limitações e sugestões para melhorar os parâmetros dessa medida.
Discutindo procedimentos psicométricos a partir da análise de um instrumento de avaliação neuropsicológica breve
Authors: Pawlowski Josiane , Trentini Clarissa Marceli , Bandeira Denise Ruschel
Published: October 2011

A desatualização e a falta de testes psicológicos adequados para uso no Brasil apontam a necessidade de pesquisas sobre validação, fidedignidade, padronização e normatização dos testes. Com relação à avaliação neuropsicológica, existem poucos instrumentos nacionais para avaliar os prejuízos das funções cognitivas causados por lesões/disfunções cerebrais. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir teoricamente o estudo psicométrico de testes neuropsicológicos e exemplificá-lo através das etapas de validação do Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve NEUPSILIN, desenvolvido para avaliar algumas funções cognitivas. Especificamente, serão enfatizadas as dificuldades encontradas no desenvolvimento de métodos psicométricos para a validação do NEUPSILIN e sugeridas soluções para essas dificuldades.
Qualidade do sono e depressão: que relações sintomáticas em crianças de idade escolar
Authors: Serrão Filipa , Klein John Manuel , Gonçalves Alda
Published: October 2011

O sono e a depressão têm sido associados, tendo-se questionado se um padrão de sono deficitário era condição necessária e suficiente para o aparecimento de sintomatologia depressiva. Este estudo procura averiguar a prevalência dos problemas de sono e da depressão em crianças em idade escolar. Foram avaliadas em dois momentos 467 crianças da escola primária, com idades compreendidas entre os 6 e os 11 anos de idade (M=8,70; DP=0,692). Os resultados revelam uma diminuição na prevalência ao longo do ano lectivo nos dois quadros nosológicos, verificando-se também uma relação negativa entre o rendimento académico e a sintomatologia depressiva nos dois momentos de avaliação (T1 rho=-0,349; p=0,000; T2 rho=-0,406; p=0,000). Serão discutidas implicação dos resultados para a avaliação e intervenção das crianças, contemplando a possibilidade de uma intervenção precoce de modo a prevenir o aparecimento de um estado depressivo na infância que venha manter ou agravar os problemas do sono.
Produção científica da revista Psico-USF de 1996 a 2006
Authors: Suehiro Adriana Cristina Boulhoça , Cunha Neide Brito da , Oliveira Evelin Zago , Pacanaro Silvia Verônica
Published: October 2011

O presente estudo investigou a produção científica da revista Psico-USF, entre os anos 1996 e 2006. Foram utilizados 11 volumes, dos quais 188 artigos foram analisados com base nos seguintes critérios: quantidade, média de volumes e artigos publicados por ano, tipo de trabalho, região de origem, natureza da autoria, gênero dos autores, temas de avaliação, palavras do título, amostra e etapa de escolarização. Os dados evidenciaram um aumento das publicações nos últimos seis anos, sendo 2006 o ano com maior número de artigos. Observou-se que o relato de pesquisa foi a forma mais utilizada e o sudeste, a região que mais publicou nesse período. Houve ainda a predominância da autoria múltipla e feminina e, quanto às temáticas, a maioria dos trabalhos se voltou aos fundamentos e medidas em psicologia. Considera-se que o estudo traçou um panorama dos conhecimentos produzidos, identificando carências de temas que podem ser pesquisadas futuramente.
Análise do processo de tomada de consciência de professoras por meio do jogo Traverse
Authors: Fiorot Meire Andersan , Ortega Antonio Carlos , Pessotti Alice Melo , Alves Valdilene Turini
Published: October 2011

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo investigar, em uma perspectiva microgenética, o processo de tomada de consciência de quatro professoras, por meio de um jogo de regras. O procedimento de pesquisa foi organizado em duas fases: de instrução e de experimentação. Em ambas, foi utilizado o jogo Traverse. Vários questionamentos foram propostos de modo que as professoras pudessem refletir sobre as situações vividas no jogo. Os resultados constataram uma evolução nos níveis de compreensão do sistema lógico contido no jogo, com a existência de momentos intermediários que indicaram uma tomada de consciência parcial da ação. A principal dificuldade apresentada, nesse processo, foi a compreensão da dialética intersistêmica existente no jogo. Diante dessa constatação, sugerimos uma reflexão mais ampla sobre os contextos de aprendizagem que têm sido oferecidos aos professores em seus processos de formação, considerando que a profissionalização requer um trabalho de tomada de consciência sobre os próprios processos de aprendizagem.
Perfil de habilidades do desenvolvimento em crianças com holoprosencefalia e holoprosencefalia like
Authors: Cassab Tatiana Vialogo , Lamônica Dionísia Aparecida Cusin , Zorzetto Neivo Luiz , Giacheti Célia Maria
Published: October 2011

OBJETIVO: investigar e comparar o desempenho nas habilidades relacionadas ao desenvolvimento motor, cognitivo, linguístico, de socialização e autocuidados de indivíduos com holoprosencefalia e com holoprosencefalia-like. MÉTODO: participaram deste estudo 20 indivíduos com diagnóstico de holoprosencefalia, na faixa etária de 18 a 72 meses, de ambos os sexos, divididos em 2 grupos. O grupo 1 (G1) composto por 12 indivíduos com sinais clínicos do espectro da holoprosencefalia, e o grupo 2 (G2) com holoprosencefalia-like composto por 8 indivíduos com sinais clínicos do espectro da holoprosencefalia-like. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da aplicação do Inventário Portage Operacionalizado que avalia as áreas alvos deste estudo. Para a análise estatística utilizou-se análise descritiva da mediana e dos valores mínimos e máximos e foi aplicado o teste estatístico de Mann Whitney (< 0,05% para significância). RESULTADOS: os grupos 1 e 2 apresentaram alterações em todas as áreas do desenvolvimento avaliadas. Entretanto, os indivíduos do G1, com holoprosencefalia apresentaram maiores comprometimentos nas habilidades: motora, cognitiva, de linguagem, de socialização e autocuidados, quanto comparados aos indivíduos do G2, com holoprosencefalia-like. CONCLUSÃO: o desempenho nas áreas motoras, cognitivas, de linguagem, de socialização e autocuidados de indivíduos com holoprosencefalia e holoprosencefalia-like foi aquém do esperado, principalmente naqueles indivíduos com holoprosencefalia, que se justifica pelo maior comprometimento no sistema nervoso central. A natureza destas alterações pode estar associada ao universo de alterações neurológicas e craniofaciais descritas nestes quadros clínicos e também à influência do ambiente social.
Inserção de graduados em fonoaudiologia de uma universidade pública em programas de pós-graduação
Authors: Marino Viviane Cristina de Castro , Gimeniz-Paschoal Sandra Regina , Paura Andréa Carla , Guida Heraldo Lorena , Giacheti Célia Maria
Published: October 2011

OBJETIVO: caracterizar a inserção de egressos do Curso de Fonoaudiologia da Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - Marília, em Programas de Pós-Graduação (PPG) Stricto Sensu brasileiros. MÉTODO: foram utilizadas listas de graduados e Curriculum Vitae do egresso e do orientador. RESULTADOS: dos 537 formados, 16,57% cursaram/estavam cursando PPG e destes, 98,88% em mestrado e 37,08% também em doutorado. Na grande área de conhecimento, 50% dos egressos de mestrado vincularam-se predominantemente a programas em Ciências da Saúde, 31,80% em Ciências Humanas e 13,64% em Linguística, Letras e Artes. No doutorado, 33, 33% em Ciências Humanas, 30,30% em Ciências da Saúde e em Linguística, Letras e Artes. Quanto à área de conhecimento, predominou a vinculação, no mestrado, de 30,68% em Fonoaudiologia, 28,41% em Educação, 13,64% em Linguística e 9,09% em Medicina I; e, no doutorado, de 33,33% em Educação, 30,30% em Linguística e 9,09% em Fonoaudiologia; 55,68% dissertações e 51,52% teses focalizaram a linguagem. A UNESP predominou com 39,77% no mestrado e 48,48% no doutorado. Predominou a vinculação a Programas com conceito 4 para 52,27% dos egressos do mestrado e 45,45% do doutorado. Quando constou a informação (55,68%), todos receberam fomento. O Teste de Razão de Verossimilhança não indicou diferenças significativas dos percentuais obtidos entre o mestrado e o doutorado. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados superaram os apresentados para o mesmo Estado, mostraram a característica interdisciplinar da Ciência Fonoaudiológica e o predomínio de temática em linguagem.
Discurso(s) sobre o ensino de língua materna em um curso de formação de professores
Authors: Brito Cristiane Carvalho de Paula
Published: October 2011

Este artigo visa analisar, com base no embate de vozes, as imagens que professores de língua(s) em formação constroem em seu discurso, em relação à gramática e ao ensino de língua materna. Fundamentamo-nos na Análise do Discurso de linha francesa e partimos da hipótese de que o discurso dos sujeitos da pesquisa é constituído por vozes conflitantes, sustentadas por diferentes filiações discursivas, e de que os sujeitos consolidam, independentemente do ano em que estão no curso, concepções homogeneizantes e totalizadoras sobre a língua materna e seu ensino.
Mídia / suporte e hipergênero: os gêneros textuais e suas relações
Authors: Bonini Adair
Published: October 2011

Neste artigo, retomando trabalhos meus anteriores (BONINI, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007), procuro discutir e propor alternativas para as distinções entre suporte, mídia e hipergênero, tendo em conta os conceitos de enunciado (BAKHTIN, 1953), discurso (FAIRCLOUGH, 2003) e gênero (dos estudos retóricos: BAZERMAN, 1994; SWALES, 1990; PARÉ; SMART, 1994). O artigo traz também uma proposta de quadro metodológico para a análise de gêneros, e uma aplicação do conceito de "relação genérica" em termos das mídias televisão e internet.
A parentetização: estratégia de construção textual-interativa do chat educacional
Authors: Barbosa-Paiva Crisciene Lara
Published: October 2011

Este artigo descreve, sob a Perspectiva Textual-Interativa, tal como definida por Jubran (2006a), a parentetização (JUBRAN, 1996, 2006b) em uma conversação síncrona mediada por computador, voltada para a esfera educacional, escrita em espanhol por participantes brasileiros - o chat educacional. Observamos que a parentetização constitui-se como uma das regularidades dos processos de elaboração textual. Trata-se, portanto, de uma estratégia de construção textual do chat educacional bastante produtiva.
A simple mathematical model for the effect of benzoannelation on cyclic conjugation
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Balaban Aexanru
Published: October 2011

In a series of earlier studies, it was established that benzoannelation in
the angular (resp. linear) position relative to a ring R of a polycyclic
conjugated ?-electron system, increases (resp. decreases) the intensity of
the cyclic conjugation in the ring R. Herein, it is shown how this regularity
can be explained by means of a simple, Kekul?-structurebased argument, itself
based on an idea of Randic from the 1970s.
Chemical composition of white currant seed extract
Authors: Godjevac Dejan , Vajs Vlatka , Milosavljevic Slobodan , Djordjevic Boban , Zdunic Gordana , Tesevic Vele
Published: October 2011

From the seeds of white currant (Ribes rubrum, cv. White Champagne), a new
sesquiterpenoid glucoside (1) was isolated, along with two known compounds:
dihydrophaseic acid 3?-O-?-Dglucopyranoside (2), and
3-carboxymethyl-indole-1-N-?-Dglucopyranoside (3). The structure of the new
compound was identified as dihydrophaseic acid
3?-O-?-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-?-D-glucopyranoside, based on extensive NMR and
MS spectral studies.
Zwei Herren von Wädenswil und die Wasserwirtschaft der Mönche von Interlaken | Two lords of Wädenswil and the water resources management of the monks of Interlaken
Authors: Vischer Daniel
Published: October 2011

In 1257 the lords of the castle of Unspunnen granted the monks of Interlaken the right to build protective works against the floods of the torrent Lütschine and to divert some of its water to the monastery. The corresponding charter belies a widespread legend, which attributes to the monks a real correction of the Lütschine.
Les forêts: témoins des besoins du passé et espaces de développement futur | Forests as natural spaces of past needs and future development
Authors: Schmithüsen Franz
Published: October 2011

The spatial distribution of forests and the degree of their transformation by man are the result of natural factors and cultural development processes. The border between forested areas and open spaces, as well as the differences between intensively used forests and those showing little or no trace of human intervention, are determined by social values and needs, economic opportunities and political regulation. Using examples from Switzerland, Germany, Austria and France this paper presents the forests perceived by today's populations as a physical and social space that has been profoundly influenced by timber harvesting and forest management, the social significance of which is still in full evolution.
Das Schweizerische Landesforstinventar aus Sicht einiger Kantone (Essay)
Authors: Häfner Robert , Hug Ulrich , Gordon Riet , Bettelini Davide , Hess Hermann
Published: October 2011

The Swiss National Forest Inventory from the perspective of some cantons (essay)

Politicians and the general public rightfully expect the forest services to be able to provide information about the state of the forest and to base their policies on sound data. Public interest in the forest and expectations that it will provide certain services are today focussing more on superordinate, regional spatial units. Information above the level of the forest enterprise is becoming increasingly more important and the duties of the forest services have expanded beyond those associated with single forest enterprises. The Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI) was set up as a national instrument, but is also relevant for the cantons. So far, three inventories have been carried out and the fourth is underway. The cantonal NFI findings have become more relevant during the past 25 years. But what has the NFI really achieved for the cantons? What are its strengths and weaknesses? What risks does the fourth NFI entail with its new, continuous method of data collection and what opportunities does it offer? These questions are addressed here by the authors, who are responsible for forest planning and for contact with the NFI, in the cantons of Aargau, Bern, the Grisons, Ticino and Zurich. The authors work in cantons that have always made above average use of the NFI. All apart from Ticino have made the NFI sampling grid more dense by adding more sampling plots. For these cantons, the NFI has become an indispensable source of basic information. This article does not, therefore, provide a representative picture of how the cantons make use of the NFI, but rather reflects how the NFI could potentially serve the cantons.
Waldflächenentwicklung der letzten 120 Jahre in der Schweiz
Authors: Ginzler Christian , Brändli Urs-Beat , Hägeli Martin
Published: October 2011

Development of forest area in Switzerland within the last 120 years

Historical maps provide a useful source for spatial landscape analyses as they represent a generalized reflection of geographical reality over large areas at a certain time. Digitization and georeferencing of analog maps help to make such analyses more efficient. In Switzerland, the forest area has grown since the mid 19th century according to statistics of the federal government and the cantons. These statistics, however, provide a limited basis for regional analyses of changes in forest area. In this study, the forest areas in 1880, 1915, 1940 and 2000 were estimated based on analyses of the Topographical Atlas of Switzerland (Siegfried maps [1880Siegfried maps [1915, and 1940]), and of the Topographical Map (2000). Using a sample of 20 638 plots, analogous to the aerial photo-interpretation of the Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI), a forest/non-forest decision was made for each time cutting. Overall, in Switzerland the forest area increased by 21.6% from 1880 to 2000. This is much less than what revealed the analysis of statistical sources due to differences in the methods and forest definitions used. Considerable regional differences could be detected, with one general trend from north to south and another from east to west. In most regions with strong urban development, the forest area is stagnating or has slightly decreased. The increase in forest cover has taken place mainly in the Alps and the Southern Alps.
Influences of Corrosive Sulfur on Copper Wires and Oil-Paper Insulation in Transformers
Authors: Li Jian , He Zhiman , Bao Lianwei , Yang Lijun
Published: October 2011

Oil-impregnated paper is widely used in power transmission equipment as a reliable insulation. However, copper sulphide deposition on oil-paper insulation can lead to insulation failures in power transformers. This paper presents the influences of copper sulfur corrosion and copper sulphide deposition on copper wires and oil-paper insulation in power transformers. Thermal aging tests of paper-wrapped copper wires and bare copper wires in insulating oil were carried out at 130 °C and 150 °C in laboratory. The corrosive characteristics of paper-wrapped copper wires and bare copper wires were analyzed. Dielectric properties of insulation paper and insulating oil were also analyzed at different stages of the thermal aging tests using a broadband dielectric spectrometer. Experiments and analysis results show that copper sulfide deposition on surfaces of copper wires and insulation paper changes the surface structures of copper wires and insulation paper. Copper sulfur corrosion changes the dielectric properties of oil-paper insulation, and the copper sulfide deposition greatly reduces the electrical breakdown strength of oil-paper insulation. Metal passivator is capable of preventing copper wires from sulfur corrosion. The experimental results are helpful for investigations for fault diagnosis of internal insulation in power transformers.
A Set of Novel Microsatellite Markers Developed for a Distylous Species Luculia gratissima (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Zhou Wei , Li Dezhu , Wang Hong
Published: October 2011

Luculia gratissima (Wall.) Sweet (Rubiaceae) is a perennial shrub distributed in the southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau in southwest China and adjacent region of Nepal and Myanmar. The plant is a distylous species with reciprocally placed stigmas and anthers in each floral morph. By using the Fast Isolation by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) of Sequences Containing (FIASCO) repeats protocol, 19 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. Of these primers, 10 displayed polymorphisms and nine were monomorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to five, values for observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.289 to 0.760, with averages of 0.303 and 0.555, respectively. These microsatellite loci will facilitate further studies on breeding system, gene flow patterns, and population structure of L. gratissima and its allied species.
Hyaluronan and Fibrin Biomaterial as Scaffolds for Neuronal Differentiation of Adult Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue and Skin
Authors: Gardin Chiara , Vindigni Vincenzo , Bressan Eriberto , Ferroni Letizia , Nalesso Elisa , Puppa Alessandro Della , D’Avella Domenico , Lops Diego , Pinton Paolo , Zavan Barbara
Published: October 2011

Recently, we have described a simple protocol to obtain an enriched culture of adult stem cells organized in neurospheres from two post-natal tissues: skin and adipose tissue. Due to their possible application in neuronal tissue regeneration, here we tested two kinds of scaffold well known in tissue engineering application: hyaluronan based membranes and fibrin-glue meshes. Neurospheres from skin and adipose tissue were seeded onto two scaffold types: hyaluronan based membrane and fibrin-glue meshes. Neurospheres were then induced to acquire a glial and neuronal-like phenotype. Gene expression, morphological feature and chromosomal imbalance (kariotype) were analyzed and compared. Adipose and skin derived neurospheres are able to grow well and to differentiate into glial/neuron cells without any chromosomal imbalance in both scaffolds. Adult cells are able to express typical cell surface markers such as S100; GFAP; nestin; βIII tubulin; CNPase. In summary, we have demonstrated that neurospheres isolated from skin and adipose tissues are able to differentiate in glial/neuron-like cells, without any chromosomal imbalance in two scaffold types, useful for tissue engineering application: hyaluronan based membrane and fibrin-glue meshes.
A QM/MM–Based Computational Investigation on the Catalytic Mechanism of Saccharopine Reductase
Authors: Almasi Joel N. , Bushnell Eric A.C. , Gauld James W.
Published: October 2011

Saccharopine reductase from Magnaporthe grisea, an NADPH-containing enzyme in the α-aminoadipate pathway, catalyses the formation of saccharopine, a precursor to L-lysine, from the substrates glutamate and α-aminoadipate-δ-semialdehyde. Its catalytic mechanism has been investigated using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) ONIOM-based approaches. In particular, the overall catalytic pathway has been elucidated and the effects of electron correlation and the anisotropic polar protein environment have been examined via the use of the ONIOM(HF/6-31G(d):AMBER94) and ONIOM(MP2/6-31G(d)//HF/6-31G(d):AMBER94) methods within the mechanical embedding formulism and ONIOM(MP2/6-31G(d)//HF/6-31G(d):AMBER94) and ONIOM(MP2/6-311G(d,p)//HF/6-31G(d):AMBER94) within the electronic embedding formulism. The results of the present study suggest that saccharopine reductase utilises a substrate-assisted catalytic pathway in which acid/base groups within the cosubstrates themselves facilitate the mechanistically required proton transfers. Thus, the enzyme appears to act most likely by binding the three required reactant molecules glutamate, α-aminoadipate-δ-semialdehyde and NADPH in a manner and polar environment conducive to reaction.
Antioxidant Potential of Polyphenols and Tannins from Burs of Castanea mollissima Blume
Authors: Zhao Shan , Liu Jie Yuan , Chen Si Yu , Shi Ling Ling , Liu Yu Jun , Ma Chao
Published: October 2011

Spiny burs of Castanea mollissima Blume (Chinese chestnut) are usually discarded as industrial waste during post-harvesting processing. The objective of this study was to establish an extraction and isolation procedure for tannins from chestnut burs, and to assess their potential antioxidant activity. Aqueous ethanol solution was used as extraction solvent, and HPD 100 macroporous resin column was applied for isolation. The influence of solvent concentration in the extraction and elution process on extraction yield, tannins and polyphenols content, as well as antioxidant potential, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability, reducing power ability and cellular antioxidant ability were assessed. In both the extraction and isolation process, 50% aqueous ethanol led to superior total tannins and polyphenols content as well as significantly higher antioxidant activity. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the total tannins content in extracts and fractions had a positive linear correlation, and the predominant components responsible for antioxidant activities were characterized as hydrolysable tannins. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the enrichment of tannins from burs of C. mollissim using macroporous resin chromatography, and to assess the cellular antioxidant activity of them.
The Protective Effects of Silymarin against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Rašković Aleksandar , Stilinović Nebojša , Kolarović Jovanka , Vasović Velibor , Vukmirović Saša , Mikov Momir
Published: October 2011

Silymarin is a complex of five major compounds, and silibinin is the most biologically active component of the complex. The aim of this study was to investigate, evaluate and confirm the potential cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects of administration of silymarin, rich in silibinin, at a dose of 60 mg/kg orally for a time-span of 12 days on doxorubicin induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. The in vivo model was used to explore whether silymarin could prevent damage of liver and heart tissue induced by doxorubicin administered every other day at dose of 1.66 mg/kg intraperitoneally for twelve days. In the study the change of body weight, ECG changes, biochemical parameters of oxidative stress, serum activity of alanine and aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and histological preparations of heart and liver samples of treated animals were examined. According to physiological, pharmacological, microscopic and biochemical results, we confirmed that at the examined dose, silymarin exhibits a protective influence on the heart and liver tissue against toxicity induced by doxorubicin.
Regeneration Approaches for Dental Pulp and Periapical Tissues with Growth Factors, Biomaterials, and Laser Irradiation
Authors: Kitamura Chiaki , Nishihara Tatsuji , Terashita Masamichi , Tabata Yasuhiko , Jimi Eijiro , Washio Ayako , Hirata Shizu
Published: October 2011

In current dental practice, restorative and endodontic procedures have been developed in an attempt to preserve the vitality of dental pulp after exposure to external stimuli such as caries infection. When damage to dental pulp is reversible, pulp wound healing can proceed, whereas irreversible damage induces pathological changes in dental pulp, eventually requiring its removal. Furthermore, dentists sometimes extract non-vital teeth because of severe caries progression, critical size of periapical lesion, and tooth fracture. To overcome the limitations of presently available therapies, it is important to develop regeneration therapy for dental pulp and periapical tissues. In this review, we focus on the regeneration of dental pulp and periapical tissues by application of exogenous growth factors and scaffolds, as well as low-intensity laser irradiation as an auxiliary therapy for regeneration therapy.
Adaptive Road Crack Detection System by Pavement Classification
Authors: Gavilán Miguel , Balcones David , Marcos Oscar , Llorca David F. , Sotelo Miguel A. , Parra Ignacio , Ocaña Manuel , Aliseda Pedro , Yarza Pedro , Amírola Alejandro
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a road distress detection system involving the phases needed to properly deal with fully automatic road distress assessment. A vehicle equipped with line scan cameras, laser illumination and acquisition HW-SW is used to storage the digital images that will be further processed to identify road cracks. Pre-processing is firstly carried out to both smooth the texture and enhance the linear features. Non-crack features detection is then applied to mask areas of the images with joints, sealed cracks and white painting, that usually generate false positive cracking. A seed-based approach is proposed to deal with road crack detection, combining Multiple Directional Non-Minimum Suppression (MDNMS) with a symmetry check. Seeds are linked by computing the paths with the lowest cost that meet the symmetry restrictions. The whole detection process involves the use of several parameters. A correct setting becomes essential to get optimal results without manual intervention. A fully automatic approach by means of a linear SVM-based classifier ensemble able to distinguish between up to 10 different types of pavement that appear in the Spanish roads is proposed. The optimal feature vector includes different texture-based features. The parameters are then tuned depending on the output provided by the classifier. Regarding non-crack features detection, results show that the introduction of such module reduces the impact of false positives due to non-crack features up to a factor of 2. In addition, the observed performance of the crack detection system is significantly boosted by adapting the parameters to the type of pavement.
Sustainability Science: Sustainable Energy for Mobility and Its Use in Policy Making
Authors: Orecchini Fabio , Santiangeli Adriano , Valitutti Valeria
Published: October 2011

Since the 1980s sustainability has clearly become the challenge of the 21st century. In a process toward a sustainable society it is crucial that different stakeholders start collaboration and exchange ideas with technicians and academics. To finalize the policy decisions on important issues such as energy sustainability, collaboration between policy makers, academia and the private sector is important. This work intends to give Italian policy makers concrete advice and solutions to develop energy systems for mobility. The analysis proceeds from the context of Sustainability Science, a new science, which has emerged as one of the most important disciplines of international scientific research. Using a new approach, trans-disciplinary and integrated, this research is oriented to study and understand the complexity of the interactions between economy, society and nature. This broad approach permits proposing concrete solutions to complex problems locally and globally. We propose a scheme of definition of Sustainability Energy, defining five pillars of reference, and we redefine the energy systems for mobility in the context of Sustainability Science. In this paper, we start from the idea that we are living in a crucial passage, we are moving from the era of petroleum to the era of energy vectors. Energy systems, including mobility, should be redefined within this new approach.
Sur quelques écrits d'un jeune psychiatre, Jacques Lacan
Authors: Kaltenbeck Franz
Published: October 2011

Résumé À la relecture de la thèse et des premiers écrits de Jacques Lacan, on découvre d’abord une écriture et une pensée appliquées à expliquer la psychose paranoïaque telle qu’elle se présente chez sa malade Aimée et d’autres patientes. Connaissant parfaitement la vaste et riche littérature psychiatrique française et allemande de son époque sur ce sujet, le jeune psychiatre se montre pourtant libre par rapport aux jugements de ses pairs, mais aussi vis-à-vis du freudisme dont il deviendra néanmoins le défenseur le plus fervent. Sa liberté lui permet de jeter quelques bases à son œuvre ultérieure. Sans encore disposer de la théorie du signifiant mais fort de ses lectures et fréquentations des surréalistes, il est tôt averti du problème du style dans la production littéraire d’Aimée et d’autres patientes, ce qui lui permet de tisser déjà à l’époque des liens denses entre le symptôme et l’écriture. Son intérêt pour le passage à l’acte criminel trouve sa prolongation dans ses écrits criminologiques, mais aussi dans son séminaire L’éthique de la psychanalyse . Sa prise en compte de la situation sociale de ses malades lui vaut, de la part des intellectuels communistes, le compliment d’être matérialiste. Dans un certain sens, il l’est resté.
Clinique et cruauté
Authors: Müller Christian
Published: October 2011

Résumé Le projet d’une « nouvelle gouvernance hospitalière » est au risque de disqualification de la psychiatrie, et notamment dans sa dimension hospitalière. Ne vise-t-il pas à dissoudre notre discipline dans le concept de santé mentale, branche de la santé publique ? La logique à l’œuvre actuellement semble moins relever du registre de la qualité des soins que de celui de la réduction du sujet à son cerveau et à ses droits, réduction favorisée par l’instrumentalisation des progrès des neurosciences. Il s’agirait de modifier ici ou là notre pratique, sans tenir compte de la nécessité d’avoir du temps pour les soins, ni de la complexité d’une néoclinique psychosociale.
Psychiatrie communautaire et psychanalyse
Authors: Weil Benjamin
Published: October 2011

Résumé Poursuivant un mouvement qui la mène à se ranger aux côtés des autres disciplines médicales, la psychiatrie connaît une évolution vers plus de technique, plus de protocoles. Celle-ci s’accompagne d’une discrétisation des signes à visée de standardisation qui, inévitablement, appauvrit la relation intersubjective.
« Pèse-moi », ou de l'étrange désir d'être évalué
Authors: Vidaillet Bénédicte
Published: October 2011

Résumé Le développement systématique de l’évaluation dans de nombreuses organisations a des conséquences désastreuses : inhibition du travail en équipe, compétition stérile, intensification du travail, contre-performances, etc. La plupart des personnes s’en plaignent. Pourtant, force est de constater que ces méthodes ne cessent de se développer. Notre hypothèse est que ce développement fulgurant n’est rendu possible que grâce au consentement, plus ou moins caché sinon inconscient, des salariés eux-mêmes. Ceux-ci ne sont pas simplement victimes d’un système ; ils y participent activement. À quelle demande inconsciente correspond le désir d’être évalué ? À qui cette demande s’adresse-t-elle et que met-elle en jeu ?
Au travail, on doit obéir : « C'est mon chef ! Elle est plus sensée que moi ! »
Authors: Vanneufville Monique
Published: October 2011

Résumé Comment reconstruire une histoire à partir du vide, puisque « ça ne voulait pas entrer » ? En fait, il s’agit, pour ce patient, de « faire le vide », soit, comme il dit, de « vider la cocotte » qui se remplit des expressions des autres. Du vide ressort ainsi le rapport persécutif à l’autre, notamment aux chefs et aux collègues, au point de s’exclure par une tentative de suicide, qui ne peut avoir lieu, dira-t-il, que là où « je passe le plus de temps », soit sur le lieu de travail.
The Transition of Poised RNA Polymerase II to an Actively Elongating State Is a “Complex” Affair
Authors: Yearling Marie N. , Radebaugh Catherine A. , Stargell Laurie A.
Published: October 2011

The initial discovery of the occupancy of RNA polymerase II at certain genespriorto their transcriptional activation occurred a quarter century ago inDrosophila. The preloading of these poised complexes in this inactive state is now apparent in many different organisms across the evolutionary spectrum and occurs at a broad and diverse set of genes. In this paper, we discuss the genetic and biochemical efforts inS. cerevisiaeto describe the conversion of these poised transcription complexes to the active state for productive elongation. The accumulated evidence demonstrates that a multitude of coactivators and chromatin remodeling complexes are essential for this transition.
Evaluation of Sentinel Node Biopsy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Who Become Clinically Node-Negative after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Thomas Shaji , Prakash Apurva , Goyal Vinay , Popli Manju Bala , Agarwal Shilpi , Choudhury Monisha
Published: October 2011

Introduction. Controversy continues over the appropriate timing of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of SLN biopsy in LABC patients with cytology-proven axillary nodal metastasis who become clinically node-negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Materials. 30 consecutive patients with LABC, who had become clinically node-negative after 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were included in the study. They were then subjected to SLN biopsy, axillary lymph node dissection, and breast surgery.Results. Sentinel nodes were successfully identified in 26 of the 30 patients, resulting in an identification rate of 86.67%, sensitivity of 83.33%, false negative rate of 20%, negative predictive value of 72.73%, and an overall accuracy of 88.46%. No complications were observed as a result of dye injection.Conclusions. SLN biopsy is feasible and safe in LABC patients with cytology-positive nodes who become clinically node-negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our accuracy rate, identification rate, and false negative rate are comparable to those in node-negative LABC patients. SLN biopsy as a therapeutic option in LABC after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a promising option which should be further investigated.
Nevirapine nanosuspension: comparative investigation of production methods
Authors: Shegokar Ranjita , Singh Kamalinder K. , Mueller Rainer H.
Published: October 2011

Increasing number of antiretroviral drugs coming from high throughput screening besides their high dose has poor solubility profile. Formulation development of these drugs is a major obstacle to their clinical application. To overcome extremely low water solubility and associated poor bioavailability they can be formulated as nanosuspensions. This paper is not only focuses on production of parenteral nevirapine nanosuspensions but also on scaling up of formulations for clinical use. Lab scale (APV LAB 40, 40 mL) and medium scale (Avestin C50, 2 kg) production was performed using piston gap high pressure homogenization (HPH), while the feasibility for pilot scale up was checked using a bead milling technique in continuous mode (PM, Bühler PML-2). Nanosuspension was characterized for particle sizes, zeta potential, crystallanity and stability. The mean particle sizes for lab scale, medium scale and pilot scale production obtained were 481 nm, 429 nm and 211 nm, respectively. Independent of the production method (lab and pilot scale) all processed formulations showed more or less similar zeta potential (~15 mV) in conductivity adjusted water. Long term stability over 1 year showed significant increase in particle size at all storage conditions for lab scale and medium scale production (high energy size reduction) whereas they remained physically stable (with negligible increase) for the milled product (low energy size reduction). As the technology has been scaled up successfully for nevirapine nanosuspension, the product can be considered for commercial exploitation. The prepared nevirapine nanosuspensions can be administered for parenteral or oral use.
Protozoa and digestive tract parameters of the impala
Authors: Booyse Dirk , Dehority Burk A.
Published: October 2011

Intestinal contents were collected from eight impala at three different localities during the winter hunting season (2005–2009), as well as from another 24 animals from a one-year trial at a game farm called Ditholo (2003–2004). Gas production, protozoa counts and several other physiological parameters were measured from both rumen and caecum or colon contents. Only higher ophryoscolecid and Isotrichidae species of protozoa were counted and identified. Ostracodinium gracile was present in all 32 impala. Eudiplodinium maggii was present in 31 animals and Eudiplodinium impalae and Epidinium (either ecaudatum or caudatum) in 30 animals. Dasytricha ruminantium was present in only 11 of the impala. Concentrations of protozoa were correlated with the season of sample collection and highly correlated with the animals living on the game farm. Gas production (mL/g of wet rumen ingesta) was weakly correlated with protozoa concentration but not with the season of collection.
Karabo ya kereke mabapi le dit�hiwana le bana bao ba lego kotsing ka lebaka la HIV AIDS: Maikutlo a sedumedi sa ka pebeleng
Authors: Mahlangu Elijah
Published: October 2011

The church�s response towards orphans and vulnerable children as a result of HIV AIDS: A theological biblical perspective By its very nature the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) should invoke response and challenge from all sectors of society, including the church and the academia (theological practitioners). However, in the early years of HIV and AIDS, more or less 30 years ago, the church has been apathetic in its response and engagement with issues relating to HIV and AIDS. Due to the fact that the HIvirus and the AIDS disease raises moral, ethical, gender, cultural, sexual and spiritual matters, it took a considerable long time for the church to become involved. In theological practice the response and involvement in HIV and AIDS matters was also initially characterised by theological impotency.This article therefore, provides a philosophical, theological and biblical basis and reflection to the church especially, in Africa, to effectively respond to the plight, crisis and scourge of HIV and AIDS and its impact to orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC). The effects and repercussions of this pandemic are everywhere glaring, especially in developing nations. This worldwide epidemiology of HIV and AIDS has evoked resources from many national governments (particularly in developing countries), the United Nations bodies, Non-Profit Organisations, etcetra. Indeed, the bone-chilling statistics emanate from the World Health Organisation, AIDS conferences and newspaper articles The latest statistics on people infected with HIV and people living with AIDS, including the OVC, sends shock waves throughout the world. The apathetic and largely disengagement by the church towards the OVC, paucity and dearth of theological publications in current times on this subject and topic indicate that the church in Africa needs to come to terms with her theological and biblical mandate to care for the OVC. This article therefore provides a synopsis and survey of how God�s people (Israel in the Old Testament and the Church in the New Testament) were commanded by God to care for OVC. Based on the biblical text, the contemporary church in Africa should break the vicious and dangerous cycle of silence, apathy and disengagement and start alleviating the plight of OVC.