bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Condicionantes socioeconômicos e geográficos do acesso à mamografia no Brasil, 2003-2008
Authors: Oliveira Evangelina Xavier Gouveia de , Pinheiro Rejane Sobrino , Melo Enirtes Caetano Praates , Carvalho Marilia Sá
Published: October 2011

Este estudo examinou os efeitos de características da população e geográficas na chance de mamografia, no Brasil em 2003 e 2008. A partir do Suplemento Saúde da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios, foram analisados os padrões de mamografia em mulheres com 25 anos ou mais, por meio de razão de prevalências, e em mulheres com 40 anos ou mais, por meio de regressão logística multivariada, incluindo o local de residência e a distribuição geográfica da oferta. Entre as mulheres com 50-69 anos, 54,6% relataram ter feito mamografia, em 2003, e 71,5%, em 2008. A chance de realização do exame é maior entre as de 50 a 69 anos, aumenta com a renda familiar e escolaridade, dentre as casadas, para as que consultaram médico e têm plano de saúde. Residir em área metropolitana triplica a chance de mamografia. Comparado com a região Norte, residentes das demais regiões têm chances maiores e a distância influencia negativamente a realização do exame. No período, a cobertura aumentou na faixa etária alvo da política nacional, com redução das desigualdades de renda e de escolaridade. A ampliação do acesso parece mais ligada às políticas de aumento de renda e inclusão social, e à ampliação da oferta de exames na rede pública e conveniada, do que ao aumento do número de mamógrafos.
Assistência Farmacêutica no Programa Saúde da Família: encontros e desencontros do processo de organização
Authors: Alencar Tatiane de Oliveira Silva , Nascimento Maria Angela Alves do
Published: October 2011

Estudo sobre a organização da Assistência Farmacêutica no Programa Saúde da Família (PSF). Tem-se como objetivo discutir a organização da Assistência Farmacêutica no PSF. Pesquisa qualitativa, numa perspectiva crítico-analítica, tendo como campo de investigação as Unidades de Saúde da Família de um município da Bahia. As técnicas de produção dos dados foram observação sistemática, entrevista semi-estruturada e análise de documentos. O método de análise foi o hermenêutico-dialético. A organização da Assistência Farmacêutica, demarcada pelas ações de seleção, programação, aquisição, armazenagem, distribuição e dispensação, apresentou-se como uma realidade ainda em construção, que se dá de modo centralizado e desarticulado das demais ações de saúde, divergindo da proposta de trabalho em equipe; excesso de atividades realizadas pelos trabalhadores de saúde; e a ausência de uma política de educação permanente para os trabalhadores. Para a transformação dessa realidade, de modo a assegurar a organização da Assistência Farmacêutica com qualidade e integralidade, faz-se necessário uma reconstrução do modo de pensar e fazer dos sujeitos (gestores, trabalhadores e usuários) que participam diretamente da organização, rompendo as práticas impessoais, burocráticas e pouco comunicativas que as caracterizam.
A linguagem utilizada na evidenciação contábil: uma análise de sua compreensibilidade à luz da teoria da comunicação
Authors: Dias Filho José Maria
Published: October 2011

Este artigo procura discutir até que ponto a linguagem utilizada pela Contabilidade é compreendida pelos usuários das informações contábeis. A hipótese subjacente é a de que as demonstrações financeiras empregam uma terminologia complexa e pouco acessível à maioria dos usuários. Nesse caso, adota-se a premissa de que elas deixariam de ser utilizadas adequadamente no processo decisório ou seriam tratadas como elemento pouco relevante. Os referenciais teóricos pesquisados enfatizam que a compreensibilidade das informações geradas pela Contabilidade é um dos requisitos necessários para que ela cumpra bem a sua missão. Por isso, recomenda-se o uso de uma linguagem inteligível, que permita ao usuário assimilar o seu conteúdo. Da análise efetuada, conclui-se que o usuário médio das informações contábeis realmente não consegue compreender perfeitamente o significado de muitos termos utilizados pela Contabilidade. Diante disso, propõe-se a realização de pesquisas periódicas no sentido de identificar as dificuldades predominantes, para que a linguagem contábil se ajuste à sua capacidade de compreensão. Além disso, considerando a contribuição que a Teoria Matemática da Comunicação tem oferecido ao desenvolvimento de diversos ramos do conhecimento humano, sugere-se que se apliquem os seus conceitos, com maior intensidade, no processo de avaliação e aperfeiçoamento da comunicação contábil.
Atividade antifúngica de extratos de Momordica charantia L. sobre Colletotrichum musae
Authors: Celoto M.I.B. , Papa M.F.S. , Sacramento L.V.S. , Celoto F.J.
Published: October 2011

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avaliar os efeitos de extratos de Momordica charantia sobre o crescimento micelial e a germinação de conídios de Colletotrichum musae, e a eficiência destes extratos no controle da antracnose, causada por C. musae, em bananas. Extratos aquoso e hidroetanólico, obtidos de folhas e ramos, na concentração de 50% em relação ao volume adicionado, em meio sólido, proporcionaram 71 e 65% de inibição do crescimento micelial, respectivamente, enquanto que em meio líquido, a inibição do crescimento micelial foi de 86 e 81%, respectivamente. Somente o extrato aquoso e o tiofanato metílico, nas concentrações de 50% e 1000 µg mL-1 respectivamente, proporcionaram 100% de inibição da germinação de esporos de C. musae. Os extratos metanólico e aquoso inibiram em 80 e 70%, respectivamente, o desenvolvimento das lesões em bananas, quando aplicados até dois dias antes da inoculação do fungo. Estes resultados foram semelhantes ao tratamento com tiofanato metílico, que inibiu 80% do desenvolvimento das lesões. Confirma-se a presença de substância antifúngica nos extratos de M. charantia e outros estudos devem ser realizados para viabilizar seu uso no controle da antracnose da banana.
Variation in the Vernalization Response of a Geographically Diverse Collection of Timothy Genotypes
Authors: Fiil Alice , Jensen Louise Bach , Fjellheim Siri , Lübberstedt Thomas , Andersen Jeppe Reitan
Published: October 2011

Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) has earlier been characterized as a long‐day plant, which neither requires vernalization to induce flowering nor shows a vernalization response. Variation in flowering time of timothy has thus been ascribed to differences in critical photoperiods. We studied vernalization response in a geographically diverse collection of timothy and found that vernalization accelerates heading in all 38 genotypes included in this study. In addition, considerable variation in vernalization response, ranging from 711 to >1400 growing degree days, was observed between genotypes, and a vernalization requirement to induce flowering was indicated for five genotypes of Nordic origin. While heading time, irrespective of vernalization treatment, was found to be correlated to geographic origin of genotypes, a strong vernalization response was identified in genotypes of different geographic origin. Genotypes of non‐Nordic origin with a strong vernalization response were either di‐ or tetraploid, whereas respective Nordic genotypes were hexaploid. The ploidy level in relation to vernalization response is discussed. This study clearly demonstrates the presence of considerable genetic variation for vernalization response within timothy, and future studies will elucidate the underlying causative genetic variation.
Stand Maintenance and Genetic Diversity of Bermudagrass Pastures under Different Grazing Management Strategies during a 38‐Year Period
Authors: Rouquette Francis M. , Anderson William F. , Harris‐Shultz Karen R. , Smith Gerald R.
Published: October 2011

Stocking rate can affect production and persistence of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pastures. ‘Coastal’ and common bermudagrass pastures were grazed at different stocking rates to maintain specific low, medium, and high herbage mass (HM) during a 38‐yr period. From 1969 to 1984, pastures received identical fertilization, and from 1985 to 2005, regimens of N plus annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) vs. no N plus clover (Trifolium spp.) were superimposed on each bermudagrass × HM. Stand of both Coastal and common bermudagrass was negatively affected by decreasing HM and no N fertilizer. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) was the primary non‐bermudagrass invasive species on no‐N pastures. Invasive bermudagrass ecotypes were more abundant at 73 to 86% on low HM Coastal with clover or ryegrass, respectively. On common bermudagrass, ecotypes were present at about 25 and 40%, respectively, on clover and ryegrass but not affected by HM. During October 2005, 125 whole plant‐root core ecotypes were collected and fingerprinted using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, analyzed via coefficient of genetic similarity matrix, and clustered in genetically related groups. Four groups were identified in Coastal and five in common bermudagrass. The Coastal and Coastal‐similar ecotypes were different from common bermudagrass and common bermudagrass‐similar ecotypes in plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf coarseness. Plant inflorescence characteristics of ecotype ranked similar to those of growth traits. The bermudagrass were most sustainable under moderate to high HM and with N fertilization.
Salinity Tolerance of Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars and Selections Using an Overhead Irrigated Screening Technique
Authors: Koch Matthew J. , Huang Bingru , Bonos Stacy A.
Published: October 2011

An increasing amount of reclaimed water is being used in turfgrass management; however, reclaimed water is often high in total dissolved salts and can result in salt stress injury and poor turf quality. The objective of this study was to use an overhead irrigated greenhouse screening technique to identify Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars with increased salinity tolerance, using growth parameters and physiological measurements. Salt treatments were applied using an overhead sprinkler system. Twenty‐four Kentucky bluegrasses and Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.) × Kentucky bluegrass hybrids were established in 100% sand tanks and evaluated at a control (1 dS m−1) and three salinity concentrations (3, 6, and 9 dS m−1) for a total of 10 wk. Plants were arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Percent green ratings and digital images were collected weekly and clipping weights were collected biweekly. Root and shoot weights were taken at the end of the study. Significant differences were observed between salinity treatments and cultivars. The cultivars Eagleton, Moonshadow, Fairfax, Cabernet, and Liberator exhibited the most salt tolerance, having the least decrease in growth parameters compared to the control plants (1 dS m−1), while cultivars Baron, A03‐84, and A03‐TB246 were the most salt sensitive when compared to control plants. Relative water content and photochemical efficiency were useful to quantify physiological differences between tolerant and susceptible cultivars.
Flaccidgrass Forage Mass and Canopy Characteristics Related to Steer Digesta Kinetics and Intake
Authors: Burns J.C. , Fisher D.S. , Pond K.R.
Published: October 2011

‘Carostan’ flaccidgrass (Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.) has potential as a perennial, warm‐season grass for pastures. This 2‐yr study examined digesta kinetics, dry matter intake (DMI), and diet of steers as related to canopy characteristics. Steers (Bos taurus L.) were continuously and variably stocked at canopy heights of Short (15 to 20 cm), Medium (30 to 40 cm), and Tall (45 to 55 cm) with forage mass (FM) of 1245, 2600, and 3585 kg ha−1, respectively (linear; p < 0.01). Neither mean retention time nor passage rate of either liquid or digesta phases were altered by FM. Fecal output increased linearly (p = 0.04) from Short to Tall (0.643 to 0.739 kg 100 −1 kg body weight [BW]) indicating a possible variation in DMI. However, DMI and digestible DMI (based on leaf in vitro dry matter disappearance [IVDMD]) were similar among FM (mean = 1.99 and 1.29 kg 100−1 kg BW). Leaf composed 24.3% of the three canopies and was not altered by FM. Stem increased linearly (p = 0.01) from 40.1 to 53.1% with height whereas dead tissue declined linearly (p = 0.06) from 34.8 to 23.4%. Steers selected diets (1 yr data), regardless of FM, similar in IVDMD (mean = 713 g kg−1) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (mean = 486 g kg−1). In general, steer digesta kinetics were not influenced by FM as animals adjusted grazing behavior to result in similar responses. Flaccidgrass canopies were flexible and no particular optimum FM was detecting for an optimum diet. The influence of FM on pasture productivity (regrowth after defoliation) requires additional study.
Radioactivity of some building and raw materials used in Croatia
Authors: Sofilić Tahir , Barišić Delko , Sofilić Una , Đuroković Marija
Published: October 2011

Radioactivity of some building and raw materials used in Croatia

In the present study, the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K in some building and raw materials used in Croatia were measured by using a gamma-ray spectrometer with the HPGe detector. The average activity concentrations of the studied different building and raw materials ranged from 11.6 ± 1.7 (concrete) to 251.2 ± 25.7 Bqkg-1 (GBFS), 14.0 ± 2.7 (concrete) to 54.4 ± 8.3 (coal fly ash) and 147.2 ± 19.0 (concrete) to 773.7 ± 82.0 Bqkg-1 (tuff) for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. Radium equivalent activity, activity concentration index, absorbed gamma dose rate indoor due to the external exposure and corresponding annual effective dose were determined to estimate the exposure risk arising due to the use of these building and raw materials.
High-resolution ammonite, belemnite and stable isotope record from the most complete Upper Jurassic section of the Bakony Mts (Transdanubian Range, Hungary)
Authors: Főzy István , Janssen Nico , Price Gregory
Published: October 2011

High-resolution ammonite, belemnite and stable isotope record from the most complete Upper Jurassic section of the Bakony Mts (Transdanubian Range, Hungary)

This research focuses on the cephalopod fauna and biostratigraphy of the latest Jurassic succession of the Lókút Hill (Bakony Mts, Transdanubia, Hungary). Fossils were collected bed-by-bed from Ammonitico Rosso facies and from the subsequent Biancone type rock. The poorly preserved cephalopods from the lowermost part of the profile, immediately above the radiolarite, may represent a part of the Oxfordian stage. The rich Kimmeridgian ammonite fauna is published for the first time while the formerly illustrated Tithonian fauna is revised. All the successive Kimmeridgian and Early Tithonian Mediterranean ammonite zones can be traced. The highest documented ammonite zone is the Late Tithonian Microcanthum Zone. The beds above yielded no cephalopods. Particular attention was paid to the belemnite fauna of over 120 specimens collected under strict ammonite control. Among the belemnite faunas an Early Tithonian, an early middle Tithonian, a late middle Tithonian, and a latest Tithonian assemblage can be distinguished. Thereby, an association is distinguished in the middle Late Kimmeridgian and one that characterizes the Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian boundary beds. The main difference from previously published belemnite data appears to be that the Hungarian assemblages are impoverished with respect to contemporary faunas from Italy and Spain (Mediterranean Province). An isotopic analysis of the belemnites show that the carbon-isotope data are consistent with carbon-isotope stratigraphies of the Western Tethys and show a decrease in values towards the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary.
Upper Cretaceous volcanoclastic-sedimentary formations in the Timok Eruptive Area (eastern Serbia): new biostratigraphic data from planktonic foraminifera
Authors: Ljubović-Obradović Darivojka , Carević Ivana , Mirković Monika , Protić Nenad
Published: October 2011

Upper Cretaceous volcanoclastic-sedimentary formations in the Timok Eruptive Area (eastern Serbia): new biostratigraphic data from planktonic foraminifera

The biostratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous volcanoclastic-sedimentary formations cropping out in the Timok Eruptive Area of the eastern Serbian Carpatho-Balkanides is presented. Four lithostratigraphic units of formation rank are recognized in the Timok area: Stublica Clastics (Upper Albian/Cenomanian), Oštrelj (Lower Turonian/Santonian), Bor Clastics (Campanian/Maastrichtian) and Bukovo (Campanian/?Maastrichtian). Forty two species of planktonic foraminifera have been determined in the studied area. Eight planktonic foraminiferal zones of Middle Cenomanian through Middle Campanian age have been recognized. These are:Thalmanninella reicheliInterval Zone (Middle Cenomanian),Rotalipora cushmaniTaxon Range Zone (Upper Cenomanian),Helvetoglobotruncana helveticaTaxon Range Zone (Lower Turonian),Marginotruncana sigali-Dicarinella primitivaInterval Zone (Upper Turonian to lowermost Coniacian),Dicarinella concavataInterval Zone (Lower Coniacian to lowermost Santonian),Dicarinella asymetricaTaxon Range Zone (Santonian),Globotruncanita elevataInterval Zone (Lower Campanian) and theGlobotruncana ventricosaInterval Zone (Middle Campanian). The scarcity or lack of zonal species in the Lower Cenomanian and Upper Campanian/Maastrichtian strata prevents recognition of the nominal zones. The Upper Cretaceous planktonic foraminiferal zones from the Timok Eruptive Area are correlated with coeval zones from adjacent regions of Bulgaria and Romania and from other Tethyan regions.
Nest-site characteristics and breeding density of Magpie Pica pica in Sombor (NW Serbia)
Authors: Mérő Thomas , Žuljević Antun , Varga Katalin
Published: October 2011

Nest-site characteristics and breeding density of Magpie Pica pica in Sombor (NW Serbia)

In March 2009, active Magpie Pica pica nests were censused in the town of Sombor (Vojvodina, NW Serbia) to study nest-site characteristics, breeding density and spatial distribution. The area of the town can be divided into two parts according to different urban landscapes, i.e. the town centre (150 ha) and the residential area (2,224 ha). In total, 222 Magpie nests were found and their height, tree species and nest-site type determined. Nests were found in 25 tree and two shrub species, the most of them (31.1%) being placed in the commonest tree species in the town, the Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis. The majority of the nests were found in tree avenues (39.6%) and groups of trees (31.5%). Nests in the town centre with a mean height (± SD) of 15.2 ± 4.05 m were significantly higher than those in the residential area with a mean height (± SD) of 11.4 ± 5.13 m. The mean distance of nests from the top of the canopy (± SD) was 1.5 ± 1.33 m, demonstrating the Magpie's tendency to place its nests in the very tops of trees in the urban areas. In the residential area, nests were present in every height class, while in the town centre they were not found lower than 5 m. This difference can be explained by denser human population in the town centre and hence greater disturbance (e.g. pedestrians), as found in several other studies, but also by the negative effect of high buildings that prevail there. Thus, the height of surrounding buildings, too, might play an important role in nest-site selection in Magpies breeding in urban habitats, especially in densely built-up areas. Breeding density of Magpie in Sombor was 0.94 pairs/10 ha, with almost twice as high in the town centre as in the residential area. The findings of this study are compared to those obtained in other studies in Serbia and abroad.
The distribution of breeding birds in the Küçük Menderes Delta in western Turkey
Authors: Bengil Fethi , Uzilday Bariş , Siki Mehmet
Published: October 2011

The distribution of breeding birds in the Küçük Menderes Delta in western Turkey

Between 3 and 18 May, 2008, the status and distribution of breeding birds in Küçük Menderes Delta on the coast of the Aegean Sea in western Turkey was investigated. The 49 km2large study area was divided into 49 1 × 1 km UTM squares. In all squares, 2-3 point counts, i.e. a total of 139 counts, were conducted. From a total of 54 bird species for which breeding evidence was obtained, 19 species (35%) were classified as possible breeding and 23 (43%) as probably breeding birds, while for 12 species (22%) breeding was confirmed. The current distribution of all breeding species is presented in maps. Crested LarkGalerida cristata, Cetti's WarblerCettia cetti, House SparrowPasser domesticusand Olivaceous WarblerHippolais pallidawere found in > 50% of all squares. More than 10 breeding species were found in squares containing different aquatic and seasonally flooded habitats along the shore-line of the Aegean Sea and in the surroundings of brackish and freshwater lakes, while in many squares, which contain large portions of agriculturally used land and salt mud-flats, less than 10 breeding species were recorded. Low numbers of breeding waterbirds in the Delta are attributed to the burning of reedbeds during the nesting season and human disturbances, like recreation activities and illegal bird shooting.
An iterative method for time optimal control of dynamic systems
Authors: Kashiri Navvab , Ghasemi Mohammad , Dardel Morteza
Published: October 2011

An iterative method for time optimal control of dynamic systems

An iterative method for time optimal control of a general type of dynamic systems is proposed, subject to limited control inputs. This method uses the indirect solution of open-loop optimal control problem. The necessary conditions for optimality are derived from Pontryagin's minimum principle and the obtained equations lead to a nonlinear two point boundary value problem (TPBVP). Since there are many difficulties in finding the switching points and in solving the resulted TPBVP, a simple iterative method based on solving the minimum energy solution is proposed. The method does not need finding the switching point so that the resulted TPBVP can be solved by usual algorithms such as shooting and collocation. Also, since the solution of TPBVPs is sensitive to initial guess, a short procedure for making the proper initial guess is introduced. To this end, the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated using time optimal solution of some systems: harmonic oscillator, robotic arm, double spring-mass problem with coulomb friction and F-8 aircraft.
Stability of continuous-discrete linear systems with delays in state vector
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz , Sajewski Łukasz
Published: October 2011

Stability of continuous-discrete linear systems with delays in state vector

A new class of positive continuous-discrete linear systems with delays in state vector described by the model based on 2D general model is addressed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity and asymptotic stability of this class of linear systems are established. A procedure for checking the asymptotic stability is proposed. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated on a numerical example.
Fahr’s Disease: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Sharma Om Prakash , Shanmugam Senthil
Published: October 2011

Two cases of Fahr’s disease (one female and one male) are reported here. One is young and symptomatic with neuropsychiatric disturbances. The second case is old and asymptomatic, detected incidentally on CT scan when he presented with cerebrovascular accident. Both of them had intracranial calcifications in bilateral basal ganglia and cerebral hemispheres. CT scan helped in establishing the diagnosis. Key Words: Fahr’s disease; Fahr’s syndrome; Bilateral striopallido dentate calcifications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.3207 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 120-123
Dietary Diversity is Associated with Nutrient Intakes and Nutritional Status of Children in Ghana
Authors: Nti Chistina Antwiwaa
Published: October 2011

Objective: The study was conducted with the objective of assessing the possible associations between dietary diversity, nutrient intakes and young child nutritional status in Ghana. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving one hundred mothers with young children between the ages of 6 and 18 months was conducted using a combination of methods. Structured interview using questionnaire, dietary assessment and anthropometry were used to collect the data. Dietary diversity was assessed by using food group count. The WHO (1998) recommended daily nutrient needs from complementary foods for infants receiving average breast milk intakes were used to assess the energy and nutrient content of the diets consumed by the children. The WHO (1983) reference was used to assess child nutritional status. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 in Windows. Results: About 16% of the study children were underweight whiles 8% were both stunted and wasted. The mean dietary diversity score was 4.6. Significant differences were observed between dietary diversity groupings and energy/nutrient intakes of the children. Generally, as dietary diversity improved, energy and nutrients intakes also in-creased. Again, dietary diversity was significantly associated with weight-for-age, length-for-age and weight-for-length. As dietary diversity increased, child nutritional status also improved. Children who had low dietary diversity exhibited low scores in terms of weight for age, length for age and weight for length. Conclusion: High dietary diversity improves energy and nutrients intakes, and hence dietary adequacy, as well as child growth and nutrition. Key Words: Dietary Diversity; Nutrient Intakes; Child Nutritional Status DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.4179 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 105-109
Characterization of Terpenoids from the Root of Ceriops tagal with Antifouling Activity
Authors: Chen Jun-De , Yi Rui-Zao , Lin Yi-Ming , Feng Dan-Qing , Zhou Hai-Chao , Wang Zhan-Chang
Published: October 2011

One new dimeric diterpenoid, 8(14)-enyl-pimar-2'(3')-en-4'(18')-en-15'(16')-en-dolabr-16,15,2',3'-oxoan-16-one (1) and five known terpenoids: Tagalsin C (2), Tagalsin I (3), lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol (4), 3-oxolup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (5) and 28-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-one (6) were isolated from the roots of the mangrove plant Ceriops tagal. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated by means of extensive NMR, IR and MS analysis. The antifouling activity against larval settlement of the barnacle Balanus albicostatus were evaluated using capsaicin as a positive control. All these terpenoids exhibited antifouling activity against cyprid larvae of the barnacle without significant toxicity. The structure-activity relationship results demonstrated that the order of antifouling activity was diterpenoid (Compound 2) > triterpenoid (Compounds 4, 5 and 6) > dimeric diterpenoid (Compounds 1 and 3). The functional groups on the C-28 position of lupane triterpenoid significantly affect the antifouling activity. The diterpenoid dimmer with two identical diterpenoid subunits might display more potent antifouling activity than one with two different diterpenoid subunits. The stability test showed that Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 6 remained stable over 2-month exposure under filtered seawater.
ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Factors and Their Roles in Affecting Nucleosome Fiber Composition
Authors: Piatti Paolo , Zeilner Anette , Lusser Alexandra
Published: October 2011

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors of the SNF2 family are key components of the cellular machineries that shape and regulate chromatin structure and function. Members of this group of proteins have broad and heterogeneous functions ranging from controlling gene activity, facilitating DNA damage repair, promoting homologous recombination to maintaining genomic stability. Several chromatin remodeling factors are critical components of nucleosome assembly processes, and recent reports have identified specific functions of distinct chromatin remodeling factors in the assembly of variant histones into chromatin. In this review we will discuss the specific roles of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors in determining nucleosome composition and, thus, chromatin fiber properties.
Polyacylurethanes as Novel Degradable Cell Carrier Materials for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Jovanovic Danijela , Roukes Frans V. , Löber Andrea , Engels Gerwin E. , Oeveren Willem van , Seijen Xavier J. Gallego van , Luyn Marja J.A. van , Harmsen Martin C. , Schouten Arend Jan
Published: October 2011

Polycaprolactone (PCL) polyester and segmented aliphatic polyester urethanes based on PCL soft segment have been thoroughly investigated as biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering. Although proven beneficial as long term implants, these materials degrade very slowly and are therefore not suitable in applications in which scaffold support is needed for a shorter time. A recently developed class of polyacylurethanes (PAUs) is expected to fulfill such requirements. Our aim was to assess in vitro the degradation of PAUs and evaluate their suitability as temporary scaffold materials to support soft tissue repair. With both a mass loss of 2.5–3.0% and a decrease in molar mass of approx. 35% over a period of 80 days, PAUs were shown to degrade via both bulk and surface erosion mechanisms. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopy was successfully applied to study the extent of PAUs microphase separation during in vitro degradation. The microphase separated morphology of PAU1000 (molar mass of the oligocaprolactone soft segment = 1000 g/mol) provided this polymer with mechano-physical characteristics that would render it a suitable material for constructs and devices. PAU1000 exhibited excellent haemocompatibility in vitro. In addition, PAU1000 supported both adhesion and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and this could be further enhanced by pre-coating of PAU1000 with fibronectin (Fn). The contact angle of PAU1000 decreased both with in vitro degradation and by incubation in biological fluids. In endothelial cell culture medium the contact angle reached 60°, which is optimal for cell adhesion. Taken together, these results support the application of PAU1000 in the field of soft tissue repair as a temporary degradable scaffold.
Crop Breeding for Low Input Agriculture: A Sustainable Response to Feed a Growing World Population
Authors: Fess Tiffany L. , Kotcon James B. , Benedito Vagner A.
Published: October 2011

World population is projected to reach its maximum (~10 billion people) by the year 2050. This 45% increase of the current world population (approaching seven billion people) will boost the demand for food and raw materials. However, we live in a historical moment when supply of phosphate, water, and oil are at their peaks. Modern agriculture is fundamentally based on varieties bred for high performance under high input systems (fertilizers, water, oil, pesticides), which generally do not perform well under low-input situations. We propose a shift of research goals and plant breeding objectives from high-performance agriculture at high-energy input to those with an improved rationalization between yield and energy input. Crop breeding programs that are more focused on nutrient economy and local environmental fitness will help reduce energy demands for crop production while still providing adequate amounts of high quality food as global resources decline and population is projected to increase.
Lampes d'Algérie. [I. Lampes à canal courbe de Maurétanie césarienne]
Authors: Bussière Jean
Published: October 2011

Although lamps bearing inscriptions such as : "EMITELVCERNAS-COLATASABASSE" have for long drawn the attention of archaeologists, no comprehensive survey has been made. This is the purpose of the present work which records more than two thousand items forming a homogeneous type which will be called : lamps with a curved channel.

The author takes stock of the origin and the chronology of this local African production and includes a map of the findings.

The comparative study of the various inscriptions favours the interpretation of the group of letters : "ABASSE" as being the name of a potter rather than the price of the object.

Apart from the neighbouring provinces where it was exported this type of lamps is not actually found in the rest of the Roman world except in Asia Minor where it belongs to a well established stylistic tradition.

The abundant documentation about articles all originating from the same place enables the author moreover to make a few observations concerning moulding techniques particularly the process of moulding from existing lamps (surmoulage).
Surgical decompression of a caudal vertebral disc extrusion by dorsal laminectomy
Authors: Grange A. , Casale S. A. , Potanas C. P.
Published: October 2011

A 3.5-year-old female spayed Beagle cross was presented to our emergency and referral facility for the complaint of acute onset paralysis of the tail. A full physical and neurological examination was performed which confirmed the absence of motor function in the tail. Signs of superficial and deep pain sensation to the tail remained intact. Orthogonal view survey radiographs identified mineralization superimposed over the intervertebral foramen of the first and second caudal vertebrae. A dorsal laminectomy was performed for surgical decompression of the caudal nerve roots. On the fourth postoperative day, the patient exhibited good motor function of the tail. Neurological improvement continued and 11 days postoperatively the patient demonstrated normal neurological function, free range-of-motion of the tail, and it did not exhibit any signs of pain. Follow-up examination was performed 76 days after surgery, at which time the patient exhibited normal neurological function and signs of a pain-free range-of-motion on manipulation of its tail.
Thirteen microsatellites developed by SSR‐enriched pyrosequencing for Solanum rostratum (Solanaceae) and related species
Authors: Vallejo‐Marín Mario , Solis‐Montero Lislie , Bacles Cecile F. E. , Lepais Olivier
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed using second‐generation sequencing in Solanum rostratum as a tool to study the reproductive biology and genetic structure of this invasive species.

• Methods and Results: Thirteen microsatellites were successfully discovered and amplified in a single multiplexed PCR. All loci showed genetic variation in S. rostratum. Cross‐amplification in five closely related taxa was successful for a subset of loci.

• Conclusions: The set of 13 microsatellite markers developed here provides a time‐effective and cost‐effective genetic tool to study the reproductive biology of S. rostratum. The demonstrated transferability of the PCR multiplex to related taxa also highlights its usefulness for evolutionary studies across Solanum sect. Androceras.
Ética civil y ética religiosa en España
Authors: Alaminos Chica Antonio , Penalva Verdú Clemente
Published: October 2011

Se muestra la existencia en España de una ética civil, coherente con el proceso de secularización y modernización experimentado por las sociedades europeas. tras una exposición de las bases conceptuales de lo que se considera “ética civil”, y empleando los datos de la encuesta internacional Pew Global Attitudes Project, se contrastan un conjunto de hipótesis para España relativas al peso de factores estructurales (sexo, edad, educación e ideología) en la aceptación de una ética cívica o religiosa, y la influencia de esta en opiniones, actitudes y comportamientos relacionados con la religión en la vida pública. el contraste empírico de las hipótesis especificadas revela la influencia que tiene la opción ética en la opinión pública referida al estado, la sociedad y la religión. los resultados son acordes con los expuestos por investigaciones anteriores, validándolos, al emplear expresiones alternativas y permitiendo un análisis novedoso de la ética civil y religiosa en la sociedad española.
Bone Mineral Density Changes in Patients with Recent-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hafez Eman A. , Mansour Howaida E. , Hamza Sherin H. , Moftah Sherine George , Younes Takwa Badr , Ismail Mona Ahmed
Published: October 2011

Background

Osteoporosis and related fragility fractures are one of the most common complications seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dramatically affect quality of life.

Objective

To evaluate changes in bone mineral density in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis (< 1 year) and its correlation if any with a modified DAS-28 score and simple erosion narrowing score (SENS).

Methods

This study included 30 patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis fulfilling the new American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and 20 healthy volunteers as controls. All were subjected to a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, liver function tests, renal function tests, rheumatoid factor, and plain x-rays of the hands and feet. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry DEXA was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) of the left proximal femur, lumbar spine (L1–L4), and lower distal radius at the time of recruitment.

Results

In the RA patients, 13.3% had osteoporosis, 50% had osteopenia, and 36.7% had normal BMD. The most common site of osteoporosis was the lumbar spine (four patients, 13.3%) followed by the femur (two patients, 6.6%), and forearm (only one patient, 3.3%). There was a significantly higher percentage of osteoporosis among RA males than females and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.009). Osteoporosis was more common in patients treated with corticosteroids and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) than in patients treated with only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( P = 0.004). Higher disease activity (DAS-28) was found in RA patients with osteoporosis compared to RA patients with normal BMD or osteopenia, but the difference was not statistically significant. Osteoporotic RA patients were found to have a higher SENS score for radiological damage than nonosteoporotic ones.

Conclusion

BMD changes do occur in patients with early RA, and are not necessarily correlated with disease activity (DAS-28). However, a significant negative correlation was found between BMD and the score of radiological damage (SENS). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is an important investigation to assess BMD in early RA patients.
A long-term care facility pandemic influenza preparedness planning assessment tool
Authors: Smith, MD Philip W. , Hansen, BS Keith , Sayles, MS Harlan , Brodersen Brendan , Medcalf, RN, MEd Sharon
Published: October 2011

Objectives: To assess qualitative aspects of longterm care facility (LTCF) preparedness programs and to test the utility of a LTCF pandemic preparedness Tool.Design: A Tool was developed and weighted with input from various subject matter experts.Setting: LTCFs.Participants: LTCF preparedness programs.Interventions: A 61-question Tool was used in facilities.Main outcome measures: Prevalence of pandemic preparedness elements was assessed, and total Tool scores were calculated and graphed.Results: The Tool results were used to assess overall preparedness and specific preparedness measures in LTCFs. Results suggested that LTCFs that are engaged in planning are addressing many but not all key plan details. LTCFs scored better on plan elements rated as most important (eg, does the LTCF designate an individual in charge during a disaster?) than on all pooled plan elements. The LTCF preparedness Tool score correlated positively with both facility size and whether the facilities had exercised their plan.Conclusions: Most LTCFs had developed a number of aspects of a preparedness program, but additional preparedness measures remain to be implemented. The LTCF should focus on the identified key plan elements and exercise their plan before a disaster occurs.
TransCom continuous experiment: comparison of 222Rn transport at hourly time scales at three stations in Germany
Authors: Taguchi S. , Law R. M. , Rödenbeck C. , Patra P. K. , Maksyutov S. , Zahorowski W. , Sartorius H. , Levin I.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Fourteen global atmospheric transport models were evaluated by comparing the simulation of 222Rn against measurements at three continental stations in Germany: Heidelberg, Freiburg and Schauinsland. Hourly concentrations simulated by the models using a common 222Rn-flux without temporal variations were investigated for 2002 and 2003. We found that the mean simulated concentrations in Heidelberg are related to the diurnal amplitude of boundary layer height in each model. Summer mean concentrations simulated by individual models were negatively correlated with the seasonal mean of diurnal amplitude of boundary layer height, while in winter the correlation was positive. We also found that the correlations between simulated and measured concentrations at Schauinsland were higher when the simulated concentrations were interpolated to the station altitude in most models. Temporal variations of the mismatch between simulated and measured concentrations suggest that there are significant interannual variations in the 222Rn exhalation rate in this region. We found that the local inversion layer during daytime in summer in Freiburg has a significant effect on 222Rn concentrations. We recommend Freiburg concentrations for validation of models that resolve local stable layers and those at Heidelberg for models without this capability.
Cirrus cloud-temperature interactions in the tropical tropopause layer: a case study
Authors: Taylor J. R. , Randel W. J. , Jensen E. J.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Thin cirrus clouds in the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) have important ramifications for radiative transfer, stratospheric humidity, and vertical transport. A horizontally extensive and vertically thin cirrus cloud in the TTL was detected by the Cloud Aerosol LIDAR and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) on 27–29 January 2009 in the Tropical Eastern Pacific region, distant from any regions of deep convection. These observations indicate that the cloud is close to 3000 km in length along the CALIPSO orbit track. Measurements over this three day period indicate that the cloud event extended over a region from approximately 15° S to 10° N and 90° W to 150° W and may be one of the most extensive cirrus events ever observed. Coincident temperature observations from the Constellation of Observing Satellites for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) suggest that the cloud formed in-situ as a result of a cold anomaly arising from a midlatitude intrusion. The event appears to last for up to 2 days and the temperature observations do not show any indication of the expected infrared heating. It is hypothesized that the cloud could be maintained by either nucleation of numerous small ice crystals that don't sediment or by multiple localized ice nucleation events driven by temperature variability at scales smaller than the overall cloud field, producing small ice-crystal sizes which have sufficiently long residence times (≈53 h) to maintain the cloud. It is possible that the residence times are augmented by vertical motion which could also act to offset the expected infrared heating. Further observations of similar events will be required in order to conclusively explain this curious cloud.
Identification and quantification of organic aerosol from cooking and other sources in Barcelona using aerosol mass spectrometer data
Authors: Mohr C. , DeCarlo P. F. , Heringa M. F. , Chirico R. , Slowik J. G. , Richter R. , Reche C. , Alastuey A. , Querol X. , Seco R. , Peñuelas J. , Jiménez J. L. , Crippa M. , Zimmermann R. , Baltensperger U. , Prévôt A. S. H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. PM1 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <1 μm) non-refractory components and black carbon were measured continuously together with additional parameters at an urban background site in Barcelona, Spain, during March 2009 (campaign DAURE, Determination of the sources of atmospheric Aerosols in Urban and Rural Environments in the western Mediterranean). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was conducted on the organic aerosol (OA) data matrix measured by an aerosol mass spectrometer, on both unit mass (UMR) and high resolution (HR) data. Five factors or sources could be identified: LV-OOA (low-volatility oxygenated OA), related to regional, aged secondary OA; SV-OOA (semi-volatile oxygenated OA), a fresher oxygenated OA; HOA (hydrocarbon-like OA, related to traffic emissions); BBOA (biomass burning OA) from domestic heating or agricultural biomass burning activities; and COA (cooking OA). LV-OOA contributed 28% to OA, SV-OOA 27%, COA 17%, HOA 16%, and BBOA 11%. The COA HR spectrum contained substantial signal from oxygenated ions (O/C: 0.21) whereas the HR HOA spectrum had almost exclusively contributions from chemically reduced ions (O/C: 0.03). If we assume that the carbon in HOA is fossil while that in COA and BBOA is modern, primary OA in Barcelona contains a surprisingly high fraction (59%) of non-fossil carbon. This paper presents a method for estimating cooking organic aerosol in ambient datasets based on the fractions of organic mass fragments at m/z 55 and 57: their data points fall into a V-shape in a scatter plot, with strongly influenced HOA data aligned to the right arm and strongly influenced COA data points aligned to the left arm. HR data show that this differentiation is mainly driven by the oxygen-containing ions C3H3O+ and C3H5O+, even though their contributions to m/z 55 and 57 are low compared to the reduced ions C4H7+ and C4H9+. A simple estimation method based on the organic mass fragments at m/z 55, 57, and 44 is developed here and allows for a first-order-estimation of COA in urban air. This study emphasizes the importance of cooking activities for ambient air quality and confirms the importance of chemical composition measurements with a high mass and time resolution.
Bromine and iodine chemistry in a global chemistry-climate model: description and evaluation of very short-lived oceanic sources
Authors: Ordóñez C. , Lamarque J.-F. , Tilmes S. , Kinnison D. E. , Atlas E. L. , Blake D. R. , Sousa Santos G. , Brasseur G. , Saiz-Lopez A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The global chemistry-climate model CAM-Chem has been extended to incorporate an expanded bromine and iodine chemistry scheme that includes natural oceanic sources of very short-lived (VSL) halocarbons, gas-phase photochemistry and heterogeneous reactions on aerosols. Ocean emissions of five VSL bromocarbons (CHBr3, CH2Br2, CH2BrCl, CHBrCl2, CHBr2Cl) and three VSL iodocarbons (CH2ICl, CH2IBr, CH2I2) have been parameterised by a biogenic chlorophyll-a (chl-a) dependent source in the tropical oceans (20° N–20° S) as well as constant oceanic fluxes with a 2.5 coast-to-ocean emission ratio for the extratropics (latitudinal bands 20°–50° and 50°–90° in both hemispheres). Top-down emission estimates of bromocarbons have been derived using available measurements in the troposphere and lower stratosphere, while iodocarbons have been constrained with observations in the marine boundary layer (MBL). Emissions of CH3I are based on a previous inventory and the longer lived CH3Br is set to a lower boundary condition. The global oceanic emissions estimated for the most abundant VSL bromocarbons – 533 Gg yr−1 for CHBr3 and 67.3 Gg yr−1 for CH2Br2 – are within the range of previous estimates. Overall the latitudinal and vertical distributions of modelled bromocarbons are in good agreement with observations. Nevertheless, we identify some issues such as the reduced number of aircraft observations to validate models in the Southern Hemisphere, the overestimation of CH2Br2 in the upper troposphere – lower stratosphere and the underestimation of CH3I in the same region. Despite the difficulties involved in the global modelling of the most short-lived iodocarbons (CH2ICl, CH2IBr, CH2I2), modelled results are in good agreement with published observations in the MBL. Finally, sensitivity simulations show that knowledge of the diurnal emission cycle for these species, in particular for CH2I2, is key to assess their global source strength.