bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency Spectrum Neutrality Tests: One for All and All for One
Authors: Achaz Guillaume
Published: June 2009

Neutrality tests based on the frequency spectrum (e.g., Tajima's D or Fu and Li's F) are commonly used by population geneticists as routine tests to assess the goodness-of-fit of the standard neutral model on their data sets. Here, I show that these neutrality tests are specific instances of a general model that encompasses them all. I illustrate how this general framework can be taken advantage of to devise new more powerful tests that better detect deviations from the standard model. Finally, I exemplify the usefulness of the framework on SNP data by showing how it supports the selection hypothesis in the lactase human gene by overcoming the ascertainment bias. The framework presented here paves the way for constructing novel tests optimized for specific violations of the standard model that ultimately will help to unravel scenarios of evolution.
Mosaic Genetic Screen for Suppressors of the de2f1 Mutant Phenotype in Drosophila
Authors: Ambrus Aaron M , Rasheva Vanya I , Nicolay Brandon N , Frolov Maxim V
Published: June 2009

The growth suppressive function of the retinoblastoma (pRB) tumor suppressor family is largely attributed to its ability to negatively regulate the family of E2F transcriptional factors and, as a result, to repress E2F-dependent transcription. Deregulation of the pRB pathway is thought to be an obligatory event in most types of cancers. The large number of mammalian E2F proteins is one of the major obstacles that complicate their genetic analysis. In Drosophila, the E2F family consists of only two members. They are classified as an activator (dE2F1) and a repressor (dE2F2). It has been previously shown that proliferation of de2f1 mutant cells is severely reduced due to unchecked activity of the repressor dE2F2 in these cells. We report here a mosaic screen utilizing the de2f1 mutant phenotype to identify suppressors that overcome the dE2F2/RBF-dependent proliferation block. We have isolated l(3)mbt and B52, which are known to be required for dE2F2 function, as well as genes that were not previously linked to the E2F/pRB pathway such as Doa, gfzf, and CG31133. Inactivation of gfzf, Doa, or CG31133 does not relieve repression by dE2F2. We have shown that gfzf and CG31133 potentiate E2F-dependent activation and synergize with inactivation of RBF, suggesting that they may act in parallel to dE2F. Thus, our results demonstrate the efficacy of the described screening strategy for studying regulation of the dE2F/RBF pathway in vivo.
Fork Stalling and Template Switching As a Mechanism for Polyalanine Tract Expansion Affecting the DYC Mutant of HOXD13, a New Murine Model of Synpolydactyly
Authors: Cocquempot Olivier , Brault Véronique , Babinet Charles , Herault Yann
Published: June 2009

Polyalanine expansion diseases are proposed to result from unequal crossover of sister chromatids that increases the number of repeats. In this report we suggest an alternative mechanism we put forward while we investigated a new spontaneous mutant that we named “Dyc” for “Digit in Y and Carpe” phenotype. Phenotypic analysis revealed an abnormal limb patterning similar to that of the human inherited congenital disease synpolydactyly (SPD) and to the mouse mutant model Spdh. Both human SPD and mouse Spdh mutations affect the Hoxd13 gene within a 15-residue polyalanine-encoding repeat in the first exon of the gene, leading to a dominant negative HOXD13. Genetic analysis of the Dyc mutant revealed a trinucleotide expansion in the polyalanine-encoding region of the Hoxd13 gene resulting in a 7-alanine expansion. However, unlike the Spdh mutation, this expansion cannot result from a simple duplication of a short segment. Instead, we propose the fork stalling and template switching (FosTeS) described for generation of nonrecurrent genomic rearrangements as a possible mechanism for the Dyc polyalanine extension, as well as for other polyalanine expansions described in the literature and that could not be explained by unequal crossing over.
Percutaneous transhepatic metallic stent placement for the treatment of post-transplantation portal vein stenosis
Authors: Doros Attila , Nemes Balázs , Fehérvári Imre , Görög Dénes , Gerlei Zsuzsa , Németh Andrea , Hartmann Erika , Deák Pál , Fazakas János , Tóth Szabolcs , Kóbori László
Published: June 2009

A májátültetés rutinszerűen, jó eredménnyel alkalmazott eljárás a végstádiumú májelégtelenség kezelésében. A transzplantáció után kialakuló éreredetű szövődmények közül a legritkább a májkapuér-szűkület. Ennek intervenciós radiológiai megoldását mutatjuk be három eset kapcsán.
Célkitűzés:
A portalis véna szűkületének sebészi kezelése kockázatos, különösen a korai poszttranszplantációs időszakban. Az intervenciós radiológiai beavatkozások általában kis megterheléssel, kevés szövődménnyel alkalmazhatók. Célunk bemutatni a percutan transhepaticus fémstentbehelyezés biztonságosságát, eredményességét.
Módszer:
Háromszázkilencvenhat májátültetés után összesen három esetben (0,07%) észleltük az anasztomózis korai beszűkülését. Ezekben az esetekben ultrahangvezérelt percutan transhepaticus venaportae-punkciót végeztünk vékony tűvel, majd koaxiális tágítókatétert alkalmazva stent behelyezésére alkalmas introducert vezettünk át a májszöveten. A szűk anasztomózisba nitinol (2 esetben), illetve acél (1 esetben) öntáguló fémstentet helyeztünk. Az introducer eltávolítása közben a parenchymás járatot egy alkalommal embolizációs spirállal, egyszer pedig sebészi szivacsrészecskékkel embolizáltuk. A harmadik esetben embolizáció nem történt.
Eredmények:
A kezelés mindhárom esetben sikeres volt. A beavatkozással kapcsolatban szövődményt nem észleltünk. Két esetben az indikációt jelentő hasi folyadék mennyiségének csökkenése, egy esetben a nyelőcső-varicositas visszafejlődése jelentette a klinikai kép javulását. Mindhárom esetben ultrahangos és komputeres rétegvizsgálat is igazolta a szűkületek sikeres kezelését. Két beteg a beavatkozás után 10, illetve 39 hónappal jól van. Egy beteget a beavatkozás után egy hónappal többszervi elégtelenség miatt elvesztettünk.
Következtetés:
A venaportae-anasztomózis szűkületeinek kezelésére a percutan transhepaticus kanülálás és öntáguló fémstent behelyezése biztonságosan és sikeresen alkalmazható.
Impact of lipid lowering therapy on liver function
Authors: Paragh György , Fülöp Péter
Published: June 2009

A cardiovascularis megbetegedések hazánkban is vezetik a morbiditási és mortalitási statisztikákat. Ezen betegségek kialakulásában jelentős szerepet játszik a hyperlipidaemia. A korábbi nagy prospektív multicentrikus tanulmányok azt igazolták, hogy a hatékony lipidcsökkentő kezelés jelentős mértékű cardiovascularis halálozás-összhalálozás csökkenést eredményez. Ez a hatás függ az LDL-C-csökkentés mértékétől, amely gyakran csak a nagy dózisban alkalmazott statinkészítményekkel éri el a kívánt szintet. A nagy dózisban alkalmazott statinok a betegek körülbelül 3%-ában hozhatnak létre májkárosító hatást. A szerzők jelen munkájukban röviden ismertetik a lipidcsökkentő gyógyszerek hatásait, azokat a mechanizmusokat, amelyek a szerek potenciális májkárosító hatásának hátterében állhatnak. Felhívják a figyelmet arra, hogy a korábbi gyakorlattól eltérően, emelkedett transzaminázszintek esetén, sőt, bizonyos májbetegségekben is biztonságosan alkalmazhatóak a lipidcsökkentő készítmények. Természetesen akkor, ha megfelelő dózisban vagy kombinációban alkalmazzuk a gyógyszereket, és figyelemmel vagyunk azon tényezőkre, amelyek fokozhatják a nem kívánt mellékhatásokat. Ezen szempontok betartása mellett magas cardiovascularis rizikójú, egyébként krónikus májbetegségben szenvedők számára is biztosíthatjuk a lipidcsökkentők nyújtotta kedvező hatásokat anélkül, hogy fokoznánk a máj károsodását.
Seleção de linhagens experimentais de soja para características agronômicas e tolerância a insetos
Authors: Maia Maria Clideana Cabral , Vello Natal Antonio , Rocha Maurisrael de Moura , Fonseca Júnior Nelson Silva da , Lavorante Osmir José , Pinheiro José Baldin , Dias Carlos Tadeu dos Santos , Assis Giselle Mariano Lessa de
Published: June 2009

Esta pesquisa visou avaliar linhagens experimentais de soja, com a finalidade de identificar genótipos que reúnam características de alta produtividade e tolerância a insetos. O material foi composto por três populações obtidas de um dialelo parcial 4 x 4 envolvendo quatro genitores tolerantes a insetos e quatro cultivares de elevada produtividade. Foram conduzidos 24 experimentos no delineamento aleatório, em blocos com duas repetições subdivididas em conjuntos experimentais com testemunhas comuns, combinando as três populações e oito ambientes. Com base na produtividade de grãos, concluiu-se que: existe variabilidade genética remanescente entre as linhagens nas três populações; o manejo diferenciado com controle intensivo de insetos e controle ecológico de insetos (CII vs. CEI) é um representante eficiente de ambientes diversos; o local Anhembi destacou-se como de alta produtividade em todas as situações; para a capacidade de gerar linhagens superiores, sobressaíram-se os genitores IAC-100, D72-9601-1, BR-6, Davis e IAS-5; destaques especiais envolveram os cruzamentos do genitor IAC-100 com IAS-5, Davis, OCEPAR-4 e BR-6.
Imagem radiográfica da cavidade torácica de cães Golden Retriever acometidos pela distrofia muscular
Authors: Alves Flávio R. , Feitosa Matheus L.T. , Gatti André , Fadel Leandro , Unruh Silvana M. , Ambrósio Carlos E. , Sterman Franklin A. , Pinto Ana C.B.C.F. , Miglino Maria A.
Published: June 2009

A distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma doença de origem genética, cuja principal manifestação clínica é enfraquecimento e atrofia progressiva dos músculos. Os cães da raça Golden Retriever podem apresentar distrofia muscular, com características genotípicas e fenotípicas muito próximas à distrofia muscular humana, sendo considerado o modelo animal mais apropriado para o estudo da DMD. Foram realizadas radiografias torácicas látero-laterais e dorsoventrais de 10 cães Golden Retriever afetados pela distrofia muscular, com o objetivo de relatar as alterações radiográficas associadas a essa patologia. O exame radiográfico da cavidade torácica evidenciou: (a) padrão pulmonar intersticial e alveolar predominante, (b) um quadro de pneumonia e edema pulmonar em fase inicial, (c) a cardiomegalia como o principal achado de comprometimento circulatório na cavidade torácica, (d) O megaesôfago torácico foi observado deslocando a traquéia e silhueta cardíaca ventralmente e, (e) a cúpula diafragmática apresentou modificação morfológica, mostrando protrusão para o interior da cavidade torácica e hérnia hiatal, com deslocamento do estômago para o espaço mediastino caudal. Os achados de necropsia evidenciaram efusão pleural e enfisema pulmonar e lesões compatíveis com processos degenerativos e metaplásicos da musculatura diafragmática e intercostal. A avaliação radiográfica constituiu-se como um meio diagnóstico auxiliar essencial na identificação de doença cardíaca e respiratória em cães Golden Retriever acometidos pela Distrofia Muscular, capaz de identificar processos pneumônicos primários, permitindo o estabelecimento de terapêutica adequada de tratamento, com prognóstico reservado nos estágios mais avançados desta alteração.
Effects of task repetition on L2 oral performance
Authors: Finardi Kyria Rebeca
Published: June 2009

This study departs from the assumption that speaking an L2 is a complex cognitive ability (FORTKAMP, 2000) whose execution seems to involve tradeoff effects among the different goals of speech production, mainly among fluency, accuracy and complexity (BYGATE, 1998, 1999, 2001b; FOSTER e SKEHAN, 1996; SKEHAN e FOSTER, 1995, 2001; SKEHAN, 1998). Bygate (2001b) studied the effects of task familiarity on L2 speech performance. He found that in repeating a narrative task there were gains in terms of complexity of speech and these gains were achieved at the cost of a loss especially in accuracy. The present study investigated whether the results reported in Bygate (2001b) would be similar in the case of a repetition of a picture description task. According to Robinson (2001), a description is less complex than a narrative task. Four measures of speech performance were calculated following Fortkamp (2000): fluency, accuracy, complexity and lexical density. Results indicate gains in complexity and these gains seem to have been paid, especially by gains in accuracy, thus corroborating Bygate´s (2001b) findings for this task condition.
Texto visual, estereótipos de gênero e o livro didático de língua estrangeira
Authors: Oliveira Sara
Published: June 2009

Este trabalho, recorte de pesquisa mais ampla, em andamento, objetiva descrever os resultados preliminares sobre a presença de estereótipos de gênero nos textos visuais de materiais didáticos, utilizados no ensino de línguas estrangeiras em escolas brasileiras de nível fundamental e médio. Nesse contexto, uma abordagem crítica serve como pano de fundo adequado para fundamentar a pesquisa. Embora a pesquisa como um todo tenha incluído cinco línguas estrangeiras, este trabalho relata apenas os resultados referentes aos livros-texto de inglês e francês (28 livros). A análise qualitativa dos materiais aleatoriamente selecionados demonstra que ainda é bastante estereotipada a representação de homens e mulheres no que diz respeito ao papel profissional, econômico e às relações afetivas apontadas para cada um.
Relatório de estágio supervisionado como gênero discursivo mediador da formação do professor de língua materna
Authors: Silva Wagner Rodrigues , Melo Lívia Chaves de
Published: June 2009

Este trabalho se propõe a investigar o processo de formação do professor e a construção de objetos de ensino, em disciplinas de estágio supervisionado de ensino de língua materna. A investigação é realizada por meio da análise documental dos relatórios finais, produzidos pelos professores em formação, nas disciplinas mencionadas. Os relatórios são configurados como um gênero discursivo bastante instável e complexo, o que é desencadeado pela mobilização de diferentes saberes docentes orientadores da prática profissional do professor em formação inicial. Os resultados mostram a necessidade da constante investigação ou reflexão sobre a ação docente. A perspectiva transdisciplinar da lingüística aplicada é assumida neste trabalho.
Do patológico ao cultural na surdez: para além de um e de outro ou para uma reflexão crítica dos paradigmas
Authors: Gesser Audrei
Published: June 2009

Este artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma discussão relacionada a dois paradigmas ideológicos na educação dos surdos, a saber, o patológico e o cultural. Para abordar esta questão, aponto a importância de discutir conceitos-termos como deficiente-auditivo, surdo-mudo, e mudo com o intuito de desconstruir as conotações negativas que esses nomes implicam na representação social e na identidade cultural dos indivíduos surdos. Além disso, será mostrado como tais visões estão presentes nos ambientes sociais, especialmente na interação de sala de aula entre professores surdos e alunos ouvintes. Os registros são gerados e analisados através de perspectivas etnográficas em contextos de ensino de Língua Brasileira de Sinais.
Reflexos da evolução do ensino de línguas na lexicografia bilíngüe
Authors: Duran Magali Sanches , Xatara Claudia Maria
Published: June 2009

O dicionário bilíngüe e o aprendizado de línguas estrangeiras sempre estiveram associados. Este artigo procura evidenciar como o papel do dicionário bilíngüe foi se alterando com as mudanças no ensino de línguas estrangeiras e como isso pode estar relacionado ao movimento de evolução da lexicografia bilíngüe no sentido de tornar os dicionários mais adequados às necessidades dos aprendizes de línguas estrangeiras.
A dicotomia tradutor/autor na leitura de "a tarefa do tradutor", de Benjamin, por Derrida
Authors: Santana Vanete Dutra
Published: June 2009

O presente artigo analisa a dicotomia entre tradutor/tradução (texto de chegada) e autor/original (texto de partida), considerando a postura da crítica tradicional, representada aqui pela apreciação de Maurício Santana Dias à tradução de A Divina Comédia, de Dante Alighieri, empreendida por Italo Eugênio Mauro e de Carlos Heitor Cony e Ivo Barroso a traduções do poema O Corvo, de Edgar Allan Poe; alguns casos exemplares em que tradução e original se confundem, como a tradução que Charles Baudelaire fez dos contos de Edgard Allan Poe e a obra de Daniel Gagnon, Une fille a marie e The daughter to marriage, uma mesma história escrita pelo mesmo autor em duas línguas diferentes; a questão dos direitos autorais e a discussão de Jacques Derrida sobre tradução e original e a tarefa do tradutor, contida em "Des Tours de Babel", texto em que retoma o clássico "A tarefa do tradutor" (Die Aufgabe des Übersetzers), de Walter Benjamin. Partindo da análise de discurso, da desconstrução e dos conceitos pós-coloniais de tradução, nosso objetivo foi demonstrar que as obras traduzidas não se encontram, necessariamente, em patamar inferior, em termos de qualidade literária, em relação à obra de partida, ressaltando que, em muitos casos, quando não se dispõe do que chamamos "elementos formais de distinção", não é possível distinguir original de tradução. Logo, concluímos, partir do pressuposto de que inferioridade literária seria característica de tradução premissa em que a crítica tradicional tem se apoiado para justificar suas avaliações negativas das traduções não faz sentido algum.
O tripé identidade, língua e nação nas falas de jovens brasileiros imigrantes nos Estados Unidos
Authors: Mota Katia Maria dos Santos
Published: June 2009

O texto pretende trazer as vozes dos brasileiros, crianças e adolescentes, que acompanham seus pais na jornada migratória para os Estados Unidos. Ressalta-se a vida entre lugares e os impactos da interculturalidade no processo de socialização no país hospedeiro. Em um primeiro momento, as representações que o grupo traz sobre o Brasil em oposição à vida nos Estados Unidos são apresentadas; em seguida, discuto os conflitos e acomodações de pertencimento presentes na definição da identidade nacional; na terceira parte do texto, o enfoque se dá no valor social que a língua assegura nos jogos de poder que se configuram a partir da escolha lingüística, e, na última parte, focalizo os diálogos que circulam entre os desejos e motivações de optar por residência em um dos países em foco.
Molecular characterization of novel germline deletions affecting SDHD and SDHC in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma patients
Authors: Bayley Jean-Pierre , Weiss Marjan M , Grimbergen Anneliese , van Brussel Bernadette T J , Hes Frederik J , Jansen Jeroen C , Verhoef Senno , Devilee Peter , Corssmit Eleonora P , Vriends Annette H J T
Published: June 2009

A major cause of paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma is germline mutation of the tumor suppressor genes SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD, encoding subunits of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). While many SDH missense/nonsense mutations have been identified, few large deletions have been described. We performed multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification deletion analysis in 126 point mutation-negative patients, and here we describe four novel deletions of SDHD and SDHC. Long-range PCR was used for the fine mapping of deletions. One patient had a 10 kb AluSg–AluSx-mediated deletion including SDHD exons 1 and 2, the entire TIMM8B gene, and deletion of exons of C11orf57. A second patient had a deletion of SDHD exons 1 and 2 and exon 1 of the TIMM8B gene. A third patient showed a deletion of exon 2 of SDHD, together with a 235 bp MIRb–Tensin gene insertion. In a fourth patient, a deletion of exons 5 and 6 of the SDHC gene was found, only the second SDHC deletion currently known. The deletions of the TIMM8B and C11orf57 genes are the first to be described, but do not appear to result in an additional phenotype in these patients. Four of the eight breakpoints occurred in Alu sequences and all three SDHD deletions showed an intron 2 breakpoint. This study underlines the fact that clinically relevant deletions may encompass neighboring genes, with the potential to modify phenotype. Gene deletions of SDHD and SDHC represent a substantial proportion of all mutations, and must be considered in paraganglioma patients shown to be negative for mutations by sequencing.
Integrative molecular bioinformatics study of human adrenocortical tumors: microRNA, tissue-specific target prediction, and pathway analysis
Authors: Tömböl Zsófia , Szabó Peter M , Molnár Viktor , Wiener Zoltán , Tölgyesi Gergely , Horányi János , Riesz Peter , Reismann Peter , Patócs Attila , Likó István , Gaillard Rolf-Christian , Falus András , Rácz Károly , Igaz Peter
Published: June 2009

MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of several neoplasms; however, there are no data on their expression patterns and possible roles in adrenocortical tumors. Our objective was to study adrenocortical tumors by an integrative bioinformatics analysis involving miR and transcriptomics profiling, pathway analysis, and a novel, tissue-specific miR target prediction approach. Thirty-six tissue samples including normal adrenocortical tissues, benign adenomas, and adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) were studied by simultaneous miR and mRNA profiling. A novel data-processing software was used to identify all predicted miR–mRNA interactions retrieved from PicTar, TargetScan, and miRBase. Tissue-specific target prediction was achieved by filtering out mRNAs with undetectable expression and searching for mRNA targets with inverse expression alterations as their regulatory miRs. Target sets and significant microarray data were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Six miRs with significantly different expression were found. miR-184 and miR-503 showed significantly higher, whereas miR-511 and miR-214 showed significantly lower expression in ACCs than in other groups. Expression of miR-210 was significantly lower in cortisol-secreting adenomas than in ACCs. By calculating the difference between dCTmiR-511 and dCTmiR-503 (delta cycle threshold), ACCs could be distinguished from benign adenomas with high sensitivity and specificity. Pathway analysis revealed the possible involvement of G2/M checkpoint damage in ACC pathogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing miR expression patterns and pathway analysis in sporadic adrenocortical tumors. miR biomarkers may be helpful for the diagnosis of adrenocortical malignancy. This tissue-specific target prediction approach may be used in other tumors too.
Content Analysis of Local Newspaper Coverage of the Microbicide Trials in South Africa
Authors: Cooper Sara , Anafi Patricia , Sun Christina , Naidoo Nasheen , Reddy Priscilla , Buchanan David
Published: June 2009

Based on a content analysis using framing theory, this article examines how the microbicide trials for HIV/AIDS prevention were portrayed in local newspapers in South Africa. Twenty-nine newspaper articles on microbicide research in South Africa appeared between 2004 and 2007 in 8 major South African newspapers; 13 had extended discussions of the microbicide trials while the remainder only mentioned them in passing. Six major topics were identified in these articles: participants; consequences of microbicide use; quality of the research design; research ethics; the stopping process (i.e. the way in which the microbicide trials were halted); and “villains” and “heroes.” These topics were then inductively related to three emergent categories, named by the researchers as the: malicious microbicide trial, which characterizes the trials in highly negative, and disapproving ways; the marvelous microbicide trial, which frames the trials in highly positive and approving ways; and finally the multifaceted microbicide trial, which attempts to shed light on the complexities of the issues, rather than portraying them in one-sided terms. The report concludes with a discussion of the implications of the different media portrayals for public health in South Africa.
Community Views on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Istalif, Afghanistan: Implications for Treatment and Prevention
Authors: Stewart Carree Coffee , Brieger William R.
Published: June 2009

Afghanistan currently has the world's largest outbreak of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with more than 9% of the population (270,000) of Kabul affected. Transmitted through the bite of a sandfly, this disfiguring skin disease causes ulcerous lesions and permanent scarring. Physical, social, and economic consequences of the disease among those affected, their families, and communities are severe. Current control programs consist of both treatment and prevention. A clear understanding of the underlying factors influencing people's treatment-seeking behavior and utilization of prevention methods is critical for program success. However, these factors have not been well established. This article investigates illness recognition and treatment-seeking behavior, beliefs about etiology and transmission of the disease, and views of prevention and protection among the population of Istalif, a district in the Kabul Province. The knowledge, attitudes, and preferences of participants in the focus groups highlight barriers to current control efforts, as well as opportunities for behavior change. An intervention strategy is proposed based on the analysis of these factors and includes an attack phase of treatment to reduce the infective human reservoir, lower morbidity, and distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets to interrupt the transmission cycle. This is followed by a maintenance phase of treatment, vector control, individual protection, health education, promotion, and community mobilization.
Sex Preference and Contraceptive Norms among Regions in Bangladesh
Authors: Kawsar L. A. , Kabir Ahmad , Islam M. A.
Published: June 2009

Using data derived from the 2004 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS, 2004) the present study examines the effect of sex preference on contraceptive use among different regions in Bangladesh. The study also investigates the impact of some selected socio-economic and demographic variables on the use of contraceptive methods. The result shows that sex preference has a significant effect on the use of contraceptive methods. The families who have one child of each sex are most satisfied with their current family composition. The result reveals a huge unmet need for contraception in the eastern part of Bangladesh. The study confirms that sex preference may be a constraint in the acceptance of contraceptive methods in Bangladesh. The demand for large families and sex preference can be reduced through affirmative social and economic policies. It was also observed that female education has a positive effect on contraceptive use among almost all regions.
Perceived Importance of Church-Based Assets to HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control in a Nigerian City
Authors: Aja Godwin N. , Modeste Naomi N. , Lee Jerry W. , Montgomery Susanne , Belliard Juan C.
Published: June 2009

This study explored the extent to which church members thought the assets they might have to engage in HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities were important. Eight hundred and thirty members from 83 Christian churches in Aba, Nigeria completed a multi-item survey questionnaire designed to obtain information on the importance they attached to church-based assets relevant to HIV/AIDS prevention and control. The rating of importance of assets was on a scale of 1 to 5. Rating on the importance of assets was highest in the spiritual asset category (mean = 4.20), followed by health education (4.02), capacity building (4.01), social (3.62), and financial assets (3.54). Among the denominational assets, free HIV/AIDS drug donation was rated higher (4.10) than other assets in the subcategories. This study demonstrates the usefulness of ascertaining members' perspectives on the importance of church-based assets and provides a basis for recommendation to health education administrators.
A Population Approach to the Middle Atlantic Archaic
Authors: Wholey Heather A.
Published: June 2009

Population studies should provide a context with which hypotheses concerning the complex and dynamic relationships between population, subsistence, settlement, and social organization may be formulated and tested. Associations between these variables are, however, innately complex, particularly among hunter-gatherers, and thus population accounts tend to be largely detached from those correlates. This article implements an approach grounded in population ecology and settlement demography to evaluate some longstanding impressions regarding the population history of the Middle Atlantic Archaic. It further provides an interpretive context that considers factors such as population density and growth, social organization, and patterns of mobility and land use.
Paleoindian and Early Archaic Organic Technologies: A Review and Analysis
Authors: Moore Christopher R. , Schmidt Christopher W.
Published: June 2009

A literature review indicates that many Paleoindian and Early Archaic bone, antler, and ivory implements have been recovered from sites across North America. Unfortunately, few of these early organic objects have been described with the detail necessary for comparative analyses of tool functions and manufacturing trajectories. This article represents an attempt to stimulate the reporting of such detailed microtrace data by presenting the results of a study of a transitional Paleoindian/Early Archaic bone pointed implement from the Flora Mastodon site in Carroll County, Indiana. Given appropriate attention, organic implements can provide a more than adequate means of developing and testing hypotheses concerning prehistoric technological organization, social interaction, and settlement distributions.
Hydro-Thermo-Mechanical Model for Highly Deformable Product during Convective Drying
Authors: Hassini Lamine , Peczalski Roman , Azzouz Soufien , Belghith Ali
Published: June 2009

The aim of this work was to simulate in 1D, the spatio-temporal evolution of the moisture content, the temperature and the mechanical stress within a highly deformable and saturated product during convective drying. The hydro-thermal model, written in a fixed coordinate system, consisted of solid mass balance equation, moisture transfer diffusion/advection equation and heat transfer conduction/advection equation. These equations were coupled by the solid phase velocity terms due to hydric shrinkage. Convective boundary conditions completed this set of equations. The hydro-thermal model had been merged with a static mechanical model which was based on the hypothesis of an elastic behavior, of a plane deformation and of an ideal shrinkage. The hydro-thermo-mechanical model had been applied to a parallelepipedical potato sample. Its thickness was small compared to the other dimensions, in order to observe an unidirectional drying and a negligible shear stress case. The transport and equilibrium properties of the product required for the modelling were determined from previous experiments which were independent of the drying trials.
A Sequencing Method Applied to the Solution of a Linear Model of an Adsorption Column
Authors: Cuel Maressa , Barboza Marlei , Hokka Carlos , Kwong Wu
Published: June 2009

This paper discusses the application of a new transient simulation method, called the sequencing method, to solve a model representing a fixed bed adsorption column. In each time step, convection and mass transfer are applied successively on the column's mesh. Numerical simulations are given for linear adsorption isotherms. These results are compared with the traditional finite difference method. The results show that the sequencing method yields excellent fluid and solid concentration profiles along the column's length and a more accurate prediction of breakthrough time than the finite difference method.
Numerical Simulation of Supercritical Extraction Processes
Authors: Silva Carlos Manuel , Passos Claudia P , Coimbra Manuel A. , Da Silva F. Francisco A.
Published: June 2009

A mathematical model with two different methods to represent the mass transfer in the biomass matrix, (series and parallel) is proposed to simulate a supercritical extraction unit. The model is solved using the method of lines and finite differences with flow correction. Using experimental extraction curves, both models were fitted fairly well, with equivalent accuracy. Two operating regimes were detected in the selected experimental conditions: equilibrium and mass transfer controlled. The last one is more difficult to simulate, requiring specific mass transfer parameters for series and parallel alternatives, for its accurate representation.
Using Neural Network Predictive Control for Riser-Slugging Suppression
Authors: Eslamloueyan Reza , Hosseinzadeh Elham
Published: June 2009

Riser-slugging is a flow regime that can occur in multiphase pipeline-riser systems, and is characterized by severe flow and pressure oscillations. Reducing undesired slugging effects can have great economic benefits. Recently, control methods have been proposed to conquer slugging flow problems in pipeline risers. The advantages of using a control system are that it can be installed on existing oil and gas production facilities with no need for expensive equipment and no significant pressure drop is imposed to the system.In this work, a predictive control system based on Neural Network (NN) model of process is developed for handling and suppressing riser-slugging. An ANN model of the plant is used to predict future response of the nonlinear process. Storkaas dynamic model (Storkaas and Skogestad,2002) is employed for the process simulation. Comparing the results of this research to that of others, indicates that the proposed neural model predictive controller makes a significant improvement in the setpoint tracking especially for higher step change in the setpoint value.
Vertical Differentiation, Social Networks and Compatibility Decisions
Authors: Ghazzai Hend , Lahmandi-Ayed Rim
Published: June 2009

This paper considers a vertical differentiation model with positive network effects. It is based on the assumption that consumers belong to the same network if they buy products exhibiting close characteristics. Thus, the network has two characteristics: its intensity and its selectivity. The higher the network intensity, the more positively affected the consumer is by the network size. The network selectivity corresponds to how close the products' characteristics should be to be perceived by consumers as compatible. The closer two compatible products are in the product space, the more selective the network.We analyze the strategic behavior in terms of prices and qualities of two firms: an incumbent and a potential entrant. By choosing its quality the entrant chooses at the same time to be compatible or not.We show that if the network intensity is moderate, it is always profitable for the entrant to enter the market. In this case the entrant is compatible with the incumbent when the network is not very selective and is incompatible when the network is selective. If the network intensity is strong, we prove that it acts as a barrier to entry under incompatibility. The equilibrium outcomes in this case are either no entry or compatible.
Ketoacidosis at Diabetes Onset Is Still Frequent in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Neu Andreas , Hofer Sabine E. , Karges Beate , Oeverink Rudolf , Rosenbauer Joachim , Holl Reinhard W. ,   for the DPV Initiative and the German BMBF Competency Network for Diabetes Mellitus
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at analyzing the frequency, clinical characteristics, and trends associated with the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the onset of type 1 diabetes on the basis of long-term follow-up data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 106 pediatric diabetes centers in Germany and Austria participated in this study. Data from14,664 patients with type 1 diabetes collected between 1995 and 2007 were suitable for evaluation. DKA was defined and classified according to the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes consensus guidelines.

RESULTS

DKA was observed in 21.1% of patients. The frequency of DKA, including the severe form, remained unchanged throughout the 13-year observation period. The frequency of DKA was particularly striking among children <5 years of age (26.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketoacidosis occurring at diabetes onset continues to be a difficult problem. Our data show no significant change in the frequency and magnitude of DKA over the last 13 years.
Dissociative excitation of HD
+, D
2+, and DT
+ by electron impact
Authors: Duca Mariana , Fifirig Magda
Published: June 2009

In the framework of the Multi-Channel Quantum Defect Theory (MQDT), a theoretical study of the dissociative excitation is presented. Numerical results for the dissociative excitation cross sections of HD
+, D
2+, and DT
+ with electrons of energy between 2 and 12 eV are reported. The contribution of the vibrational continua of the two lowest electronic states as explicit ionization channels has been considered. Within a quasi-diabatic representation of the molecular electronic states, the Born expansion of second order is done in the K-matrix evaluation.
Plasma treatment studies of MIS devices
Authors: Basa Deepak
Published: June 2009

Silicon nitride films have emerged as the possible future dielectrics for ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Because the interface state density of silicon nitride/silicon interface in metal insulator semiconductor (MIS) configuration is more than an order of magnitude larger than that of silicon dioxide/silicon interface, plasma treatment studies on silicon nitride films have been undertaken for the possible improvement. Accordingly, silicon nitride films of various composition have been prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system using silane(SiH4) and ammonia(NH3) with nitrogen(N2) as the diluent and MIS devices have been fabricated with as well as without plasma treated silicon nitride as the insulator. A considerable improvement in the silicon nitride/silicon interface is observed on ammonia plasma treatment while nitrous oxide(N2O) plasma treatment studies have resulted in the establishment of a novel plasma oxidation process.
Brain monoamine oxidase A in hyperammonemia is regulated by NMDA receptors
Authors: Kosenko Elena , Kaminsky Yury
Published: June 2009

Mitochondrial enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) generates hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and is up-regulated by Ca2+ and presumably by ammonia. We hypothesized that MAO-A may be under the control of NMDA receptors in hyperammonemia. In this work, the in vivo effects of single dosing with ammonia and NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and the in vitro effect of Ca2+ on MAO-A activity in isolated rat brain mitochondria were studied employing enzymatic procedure. Intraperitoneal injection of rats with ammonia led to an increase in MAO-A activity in mitochondria indicating excessive H2O2 generation. Calcium added to isolated mitochondria stimulated MAO-A activity by as much as 84%. MK-801 prevented the in vivo effect of ammonia, implying that MAO-A activation in hyperammonemia is mediated by NMDA receptors. These data support the conclusion that brain mitochondrial MAO-A is regulated by the function of NMDA receptors. The enzyme can contribute to the oxidative stress associated with hyperammonemic conditions such as encephalopathy and Alzheimer’s disease. The attenuation of the oxidative stress highlights MAO-A inactivation and NMDA receptor antagonists as sources of novel avenues in the treatment of mental disorders.
New approach in studies of microalgal cell lysis
Authors: Berden-Zrimec Maja , Logar Jasmina , Zrimec Alexis , Drinovec Luka , Franko Mladen , Malej Alenka
Published: June 2009

A new approach to the studies of the microalgal cell lysis by utilizing a combination of two complementary methods is presented. Delayed fluorescence (DF) is a measure of the living algal biomass, detecting only cells with active photosynthesis. Thermal lens spectrometry (TLS) detects the total pigment amount released from lysed cells. Both methods select for photosynthetic organisms, reducing possible background from other sources (e.g. heterotrophic bacteria, zooplankton, and abiotic substances). The DF/TLS method was tested with a laboratory Skeletonema costatum culture exposed to a geometric dilution series of the lysing factor poly- APS. The exposure resulted in similar EC50 values for DF intensity, TLS and dissolved esterase activity of 0.8±0.2, 1.77±0.35, and 1.25±0.1 mg poly-APS l−1, respectively. The combined DF/TLS method enabled a rapid evaluation of the living vs. dead cells without any sample pretreatment or manipulation.
The transcriptional regulation of Podocin (NPHS2) by Lmx1b and a promoter single nucleotide polymorphism
Authors: Harendza Sigrid , Stahl Rolf , Schneider André
Published: June 2009

Podocin (NPHS2) is a component of the glomerular slit membrane with major regulatory functions in the renal permeability of proteins. A loss of podocin and a decrease in its resynthesis can influence the outcome of renal diseases with nephrotic syndrome, such as minimal change glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and membranous nephropathy. The transcriptional regulation of podocin may play a major role in these processes. We defined the transcriptional regulation of the human podocin gene and the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within its promoter region in the podocytes using reporter gene constructs and gel shift analysis. In addition, we took genomic DNA from healthy Caucasian blood donors and from biopsies of kidneys with defined renal diseases and screened it for podocin promoter SNPs. Our data shows that the transcription of podocin is mainly regulated by the transcription factor Lmx1b, which binds to a FLAT-F element and displays enhancer function. With the SNP variant −116T, there was a significant reduction in luciferase activity, and nuclear protein binding was observed, while the SNP −670C/T did not display functionality. The allelic distribution of −116C/T in patients with kidney diseases leading to nephrotic syndrome was not significantly different from that in the control group. Our data indicates that among other factors, podocin is specifically regulated by the transcription factor Lmx1b and by the functional polymorphism -116C/T. However, there is no association between −116C/T and susceptibility to minimal change glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or membranous nephropathy.
Overexpression of human osteopontin increases cell proliferation and migration in human embryo kidney-293 cells
Authors: Liu Ya-Jun , Zhang Dao-Qiang , Sui Xiu-Mei , Tian Wei
Published: June 2009

Malignant tumors are characterized by dysregulated cell growth and the metastasis of secondary tumors. Numerous studies have documented that osteopontin (OPN) plays a key role in regulating tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we show that the overexpression of OPN in human embryo kidney-293 cells significantly increases both the level of cell proliferation, by provoking the G1/S transition, and the level of cell migration in vitro. These findings suggest that augmented OPN contributes to cell growth and motility. Inhibiting OPN or the pathway it stimulates may therefore represent a novel approach for the treatment of primary tumors and associated metastases.
Molecular characterization of the niaD and pyrG genes from Penicillium camemberti, and their use as transformation markers
Authors: Navarrete Katherinne , Roa Amanda , Vaca Inmaculada , Espinosa Yeison , Navarro Claudio , Chávez Renato
Published: June 2009

Genetic manipulation of the filamentous fungus Penicillium camemberti has been limited by a lack of suitable genetics tools for this fungus. In particular, there is no available homologous transformation system. In this study, the nitrate reductase (niaD) and orotidine-5′-monophosphate decarboxylase (pyrG) genes from Penicillium camemberti were characterized, and their suitability as metabolic molecular markers for transformation was evaluated. The genes were amplified using PCR-related techniques, and sequenced. The niaD gene is flanked by the nitrite reductase (niiA) gene in a divergent arrangement, being part of the putative nitrate assimilation cluster in P. camemberti. pyrG presents several polymorphisms compared with a previously sequenced pyrG gene from another P. camemberti strain, but almost all are silent mutations. Southern blot assays indicate that one copy of each gene is present in P. camemberti. Northern blot assays showed that the pyrG gene is expressed in minimal and rich media, and the niaD gene is expressed in nitrate, but not in reduced nitrogen sources. The functionality of the two genes as transformation markers was established by transforming A. nidulans pyrG- and niaD-deficient strains. Higher transformation efficiencies were obtained with a pyrG-containing plasmid. This is the first study yielding a molecular and functional characterization of P. camemberti genes that would be useful as molecular markers for transformation, opening the way for the future development of a non-antibiotic genetic transformation system for this fungus.
Upwelling characteristics in the Puck Bay (the Baltic Sea)
Authors: Nowacki Jacek , Matciak Maciej , Szymelfenig Maria , Kowalewski Marek
Published: June 2009

The spatial distributions of basic water parameters in the Puck Bay, a small semi-closed water body located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, were often typical of upwelling phenomenon. In such situations, like those observed in July of 1999, temperature decreased locally and water transparency increased locally. The present study analyzed conditions under which upwelling occurred using maps of horizontal currents at different depths, which were obtained from an operational hydrodynamic model. With north, northwest winds the upwelling in Puck Bay looked like the shallow-water upwelling arising as a direct dynamic response of the water body to the wind direction, without a distinct effect of the Coriolis force. However, upwelling water circulation during other wind directions, i.e. west and northeast winds, did not match this simple scheme and was affected by coastline configuration. The results of many years' measurements pointed at an important role of upwelling in hydrological regime formation in the shallow parts of the Puck Bay.
Centric diatoms (Coscinodiscophyceae) of fresh and brackish water bodies of the southern part of the Russian Far East
Authors: Medvedeva Lubov , Nikulina Tatyana , Genkal Sergey
Published: June 2009

Anotated list of centric diatoms (Coscinodiscophyceae) of fresh and brackish water bodies of the southern Russian Far East, based on the authors' data, supplemented by the published literature, is given. It includes 143 algae species (including varieties and forms - 159 taxa) representing 38 genera, 22 families and 14 orders.
The food preferences of three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., downstream from a dam reservoir
Authors: Dukowska Małgorzata , Grzybkowska Maria , Marszał Lidia , Zięba Grzegorz
Published: June 2009

Submersed plants appeared in the impounded section of the Warta River as a consequence of low discharge in summer and were colonized by epiphytic fauna dominated by Hydra sp., Simuliidae, and Chironomidae. The three-spined stickleback consumed it voraciously, and their diet composition closely reflected the available food resources. In May their alimentary tracts were filled with Cladocera drifting from the reservoir, and then by the dominant taxa associated with macrophytes, especially chironomid periphyton scrapers. A comparison of dipteran head capsule width in the food resources and in the alimentary tract proved the three-spined stickleback preference for the largest larvae (optimal foraging strategy).