bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Collapse of the Alto Río Building during the 27 February 2010 Maule, Chile, Earthquake
Authors: Song Cheng , Pujol Santiago , Lepage Andrés
Published: September 2012

The Alto Río Building, a 15-story building located in Concepción, Chile, collapsed during the 2010 Maule earthquake. Construction of the building was completed in 2009 following the Chilean building code of 1996. The building was provided with reinforced concrete structural walls (occupying nearly 7% of the floor area) to resist lateral and vertical loads. The walls failed in the first story, causing the overturning of the entire building. This paper provides detailed field observations and discusses plausible causes of the collapse.
Strong Ground Motion Attributes of the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule, Chile, Earthquake
Authors: Boroschek Rubén L. , Contreras Víctor , Kwak Dong Youp , Stewart Jonathan P.
Published: September 2012

The Mw 8.8 Maule, Chile, earthquake produced 31 usable strong motion recordings from currently accessible arrays over a rupture distance range of 30 to 700 km. Site conditions range from firm rock to soft soil but are most often competent soil (NEHRP Category C or C/D). Most of the data were recorded on analogue instruments, which was digitized and processed with low- and high-cut filters designed to maximize the usable frequency range of the signals. The stations closest to the fault plane do not exhibit evidence of ground motion polarization from rupture directivity. Response spectra of nearby recordings on firm ground and soft soil indicate pronounced site effects, including several cases of resonance at site periods. A prior GMPE for interface subduction events captures well the distance scaling and dispersion of the data, but under-predicts the overall ground motion level, perhaps due to too-weak magnitude scaling.
Damage and Implications for Seismic Design of RC Structural Wall Buildings
Authors: Wallace John W. , Massone Leonardo M. , Bonelli Patricio , Dragovich Jeff , Lagos René , Lüders Carl , Moehle Jack
Published: September 2012

In 1996, Chile adopted NCh433.Of96, which includes seismic design approaches similar to those used in ASCE 7-10 (2010) and a concrete code based on ACI 318-95 (1995) . Since reinforced concrete buildings are the predominant form of construction in Chile for buildings over four stories, the 27 February 2010 earthquake provides an excellent opportunity to assess the performance of reinforced concrete buildings designed using modern codes similar to those used in the United States. A description of observed damage is provided and correlated with a number of factors, including relatively high levels of wall axial load, the lack of well-detailed wall boundaries, and the common usage of flanged walls. Based on a detailed assessment of these issues, potential updates to U.S. codes and recommendations are suggested related to design and detailing of special reinforced concrete shear walls.
Reconnaissance Report of Chilean Industrial Facilities Affected by the 2010 Chile Offshore Bío-Bío Earthquake
Authors: Zareian Farzin , Aguirre Carlos , Beltrán Juan Felipe , Cruz Ernesto , Herrera Ricardo , Leon Roberto , Millan Arturo , Verdugo Alejandro
Published: September 2012

This paper summarizes findings of an EERI reconnaissance team and a group of Chilean experts on damage to industrial facilities caused by the 27 February 2010 Offshore Bío-Bío Earthquake and ensuing tsunami. Chile's industry as a whole was severely affected when major industrial plants such as paper mills, wood mills, thermoelectric power plants, and oil and gas refineries were shut down following the earthquake either in response to the damage sustained or to maintain structural and environmental safety. Damage resulted primarily from ground shaking; however, it was exacerbated by the ensuing tsunami in coastal areas. Important industrial sectors, such as the wine industry and fishing, pulp and paper industries, suffered severely. Observed damage was primarily due to inadequate anchorage of equipment, differential movements between adjacent supports of piping and equipment, foundation displacements, and failure of non-structural elements and equipment.
20-HETE Induces Hyperglycemia through the cAMP/PKA-PhK-GP Pathway
Authors: Lai Guangrui , Wu Jingjing , Liu Xiaoliang , Zhao Yanyan
Published: September 2012

We previously generated cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) transgenic mice and showed high 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) production, which resulted in an elevation of blood pressure. However, it was unclear whether 20-HETE affected glucose metabolism. We measured fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hepatic CYP4F2 expression, and 20-HETE production by hepatic microsomes, and hepatic 20-HETE levels in transgenic mice. We also assessed glycogen phosphorylase (GP) activity and the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-phosphorylase kinase (PhK)-GP pathway, as well as expressions of insulin receptor substrate 1 and glucose transporters in vivo and in vitro. The transgenic mice had overexpressed hepatic CYP4F2, high hepatic 20-HETE and fasting plasma glucose levels but normal insulin level. The GP activity was increased and the cAMP/PKA-PhK-GP pathway was activated in the transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, these alterations were eliminated with the addition of N-hydroxy-N′-(4-butyl-2 methylphenyl) formamidine, which is a selective 20-HETE inhibitor. The results were further validated in Bel7402 cells. In addition, the transgenic mice had functional insulin signaling, and 20-HETE had no effect on insulin signaling in Bel7402 cells, excluding that the observed hyperglycemia in CYP4F2 transgenic mice resulted from insulin dysfunction, because the target tissues were sensitive to insulin. Our study suggested that 20-HETE can induce hyperglycemia, at least in part, through the cAMP/PKA-PhK-GP pathway but not through the insulin-signaling pathway.
Apical Targeting and Endocytosis of the Sialomucin Endolyn are Essential for Establishment of Zebrafish Pronephric Kidney Function
Authors: Mo Di , Ihrke Gudrun , Costa Simone A. , Brilli Lauren , Labilloy Anatália , Halfter Willi , Cosentino Chiara Cianciolo , Hukriede Neil A. , Weisz Ora A.
Published: September 2012

Kidney function requires the appropriate distribution of membrane proteins between the apical and basolateral surfaces along the kidney tubule. Further, the absolute amount of a protein at the cell surface vs. intracellular compartments must be attuned to specific physiological needs. Endolyn (CD164) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed at the brush border and in apical endosomes of the proximal convoluted tubule and in lysosomes of more distal segments. Endolyn has been shown to regulate CXCR4 signaling in hematopoietic precursor cells and myoblasts; however, little is known about endolyn function in adult or developing kidney. Here we identify endolyn as a novel gene important for zebrafish pronephric kidney function. Zebrafish endolyn lacks the amino terminal mucin-like domain of the mammalian protein, but is otherwise highly conserved. Using in situ hybridization we show that endolyn is expressed early during development in zebrafish brain, eye, gut, and pronephric kidney. Embryos injected with a translation inhibiting morpholino targeted against endolyn developed pericardial edema, hydrocephaly, and body curvature. The pronephric kidney appeared normal morphologically, but clearance of fluorescent dextran injected into the common cardinal vein was delayed, consistent with a defect in the regulation of water balance in morphant embryos. Heterologous expression of rat endolyn rescued the morphant phenotypes. Interestingly, rescue experiments using mutant rat endolyn constructs revealed that both apical sorting and endocytic/lysosomal targeting motifs are required for normal pronephric kidney function. This suggests that both polarized targeting and postendocytic trafficking of endolyn are essential for the protein's proper function in mammalian kidney.
DrosophilaCep135/Bld10 maintains proper centriole structure but is dispensable for cartwheel formation
Authors: Roque Hélio , Wainman Alan , Richens Jennifer , Kozyrska Kasia , Franz Anna , Raff Jordan W.
Published: September 2012

Cep135/Bld10 is a conserved centriolar protein required for the formation of the central cartwheel, an early intermediate in centriole assembly. Surprisingly, Cep135/Bld10 is not essential for centriole duplication in Drosophila, suggesting either that Cep135/Bld10 is not essential for cartwheel formation, or that the cartwheel is not essential for centriole assembly in flies. Using electron tomography and super-resolution microscopy we show that centrioles can form a cartwheel in the absence of Cep135/Bld10, but centriole width is increased and the cartwheel appears to disassemble over time. Using 3D structured illumination microscopy we show that Cep135/Bld10 is localized to a region between inner (SAS-6, Ana2) and outer (Asl, DSpd-2 and D-PLP) centriolar components, and the localization of all these component is subtly perturbed in the absence of Cep135/Bld10, although the ninefold symmetry of the centriole is maintained. Thus, in flies, Cep135/Bld10 is not essential for cartwheel assembly or for establishing the ninefold symmetry of centrioles; rather, it appears to stabilize the connection between inner and outer centriole components.
Symbiodinium isolation by NaOH treatment
Authors: Zamoum Thamilla , Furla Paola
Published: September 2012

The presence of photosynthetic zooxanthellae (Dinoflagellates) in the tissue of many cnidarians is the main reason for their ecological success (i.e. coral reefs). It could also be their demise, as worldwide reef building coral bleaching is nothing less than the breakdown of this symbiotic association. The stability of this relationship is then the principal marker for the biomonitoring of the cnidarian health. We have therefore developed a new, simple method to isolate zooxanthellae in few steps using a NaOH solution. The protocol was validated in three symbiotic cnidarian species: a sea anemone, a gorgonian and a coral. Our method allows the isolation of intact and viable zooxanthellae with better yields than classic methods, especially for species with calcareous skeleton. Moreover, the isolated zooxanthellae were free of host contaminants, facilitating subsequent specific molecular analyses.
Muscle function during takeoff and landing flight in the pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: Berg Robertson Angela M. , Biewener Andrew A.
Published: September 2012

This study explored the muscle strain and activation patterns of several key flight muscles of the pigeon (Columba livia) during take-off and landing flight. Using electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle activation, and sonomicrometry to quantify muscle strain, we evaluated the muscle function patterns of the pectoralis, biceps, humerotriceps, and scapulotriceps as pigeons flew between two perches. These recordings were analyzed in the context of three-dimensional wing kinematics. To understand the different requirements of takeoff, midflight, and landing, we compared the activity and strain of these muscles among the three flight modes. The pectoralis and biceps exhibited greater fascicle strain rates during takeoff than during midflight or landing. However, the triceps muscles did not exhibit notable differences in strain among flight modes. All observed strain, activation, and kinematics were consistent with hypothesized muscle functions. The biceps contracted to stabilize and flex the elbow during the downstroke. The humerotriceps contracted to extend the elbow at the upstroke-downstroke transition, followed by scapulotriceps contraction to maintain elbow extension during the downstroke. The scapulotriceps also appeared to contribute to humeral elevation. Greater muscle activation intensity was observed during takeoff, compared to mid-flight and landing, in all muscles except the scapulotriceps. The timing patterns of muscle activation and length change differed among flight modes, yet demonstrated that pigeons do not shift the basic mechanical actions of key flight muscles as they shift from flight activities that demand energy production, such as takeoff and midflight, to maneuvers that require absorbing energy, such as landing. Similarly, joint kinematics were consistent among flight modes. The stereotypy of these neuromuscular and joint kinematic patterns is consistent with previously observed stereotypy of wing kinematics relative to the pigeon's body (in the local body frame) across these flight behaviors. Taken together, these observations suggest that the control of takeoff and landing flight primarily involves modulation of overall body pitch to effect changes in stroke plane angle and resulting wing aerodynamics.
Ant foraging on complex trails: route learning and the role of trail pheromones inLasius niger
Authors: Czaczkes Tomer J. , Grüter Christoph , Ellis Laura , Wood Elisabeth , Ratnieks Francis L. W.
Published: September 2012

Ants are central place foragers and use multiple information sources to navigate between the nest and feeding sites. Individual ants rapidly learn a route, and often prioritize memory over pheromone trails when tested on a simple trail with a single bifurcation. However, in nature ants often forage at locations which are reached via more complex routes with multiple trail bifurcations. Such routes may be more difficult to learn so that ants benefit from additional information. We hypothesized that trail pheromones play a more significant role in ant foraging on complex routes, either by assisting in navigation or route learning or both. We studied Lasius niger workers foraging on a doubly-bifurcating trail with 4 endpoints. Route learning was slower and errors greater on alternating (e.g. left-right) versus repeating routes (e.g. left-left) - error rates 32% and 3%, respectively. However, errors on alternating routes decreased by 30% when trail pheromone was present. Trail pheromones also aid route learning, leading to reduced errors in subsequent journeys without pheromone. If an experienced forager makes an error when returning to a food source, it reacts by increasing pheromone deposition on the return journey. In addition, high levels of trail pheromone suppress further pheromone deposition. This negative feedback mechanism may act to conserve pheromone or to regulate recruitment. Taken together, these results demonstrate further complexity and sophistication in the foraging system of ant colonies, especially in the role of trail pheromones and their relationship with learning and private information in relation to the challenges of foraging in a complex environment.
Micellar Shape Change in Amphiphilic Solution: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Fujiwara Susumu , Hashimoto Masato , Itoh Takashi , Horiuchi Ritoku
Published: September 2012

Micellar shape change in amphiphilic solution after sudden change in the solvophilic interaction is studied by molecular dynamics simulations of coarse-grained, rigid amphiphiles. Our simulations demonstrate that, after sudden increase in intensity of the solvophilicity, the disc micelle transforms into cylindrical or spherical micelles immediately. In contrast, spherical micelles coalesce into a disc micelle in a stepwise manner after sudden decrease in intensity of the solvophilicity.
Technology Growth and Expenditure Growth in Health Care
Authors: Chandra Amitabh , Skinner Jonathan
Published: September 2012

In the United States, health care technology has contributed to rising survival rates, yet health care spending relative to GDP has also grown more rapidly than in any other country. We develop a model of patient demand and supplier behavior to explain these parallel trends in technology growth and cost growth. We show that health care productivity depends on the heterogeneity of treatment effects across patients, the shape of the health production function, and the cost structure of procedures such as MRIs with high fixed costs and low marginal costs. The model implies a typology of medical technology productivity: (I) highly cost-effective “home run” innovations with little chance of overuse, such as anti-retroviral therapy for HIV, (II) treatments highly effective for some but not for all (e.g., stents), and (III) “gray area” treatments with uncertain clinical value such as ICU days among chronically ill patients. Not surprisingly, countries adopting Category I and effective Category II treatments gain the greatest health improvements, while countries adopting ineffective Category II and Category III treatments experience the most rapid cost growth. Ultimately, economic and political resistance in the United States to ever-rising tax rates will likely slow cost growth, with uncertain effects on technology growth. (JEL H51, I11, I18, O31)
The Mirrlees Review
Authors: Feldstein Martin
Published: September 2012

The Mirrlees Review is an ambitious and comprehensive analysis of the British tax system with detailed recommendations for reform. This review essay focuses on those issues that are also likely to be of interest to an American reader. The Review has the technical sophistication that readers would expect from a team of ten economists, chaired by James Mirrlees, the distinguished theorist who received the Nobel Prize for his contributions to the theory of optimal taxation. But it is written for a broader audience, explaining concepts like deadweight loss and the elasticity of tax revenue with respect to tax rates and doing so without any mathematics. (JEL D64, E21, E62, H24, H25)
Flexible Process Compliance with Semantic Constraints Using Mixed-Integer Programming
Authors: Kumar Akhil , Yao Wen , Chu Chao-Hsien
Published: September 2012

An adaptive process management system (APMS) allows for flexible, dynamic, and even ad hoc adaptation of processes based on case data, context, and events. These processes may arise in various domains such as business, healthcare, etc. In knowledge-intensive environments, it is important that APMS technology ensures error-free process execution and compliance with semantic constraints. However, most process design tools handle only syntactic constraints. This restricts their value in real-world applications considerably. This paper proposes a novel approach to check the compliance of process models against semantic constraints and the validity of process change operations using mixed-integer programming (MIP). The MIP formulation allows us to describe existential, dependency, ordering, and various other relationships among tasks along with business policies in a standard way. In addition to incorporating the semantic constraint specifications into an MIP formulation, we introduce three novel ideas in this paper: (1) the notion of degree of compliance of processes to constraints based on a penalty function, (2) the concepts of full and partial validity of change operations, and (3) the idea of compliance by compensation. Thus, compensation operations derived from compliance degree can transform a noncompliant process into a compliant one both at design and execution time. We illustrate our approach in the context of a healthcare workflow as a way to reduce medical errors and argue that it is more elegant and superior to a pure logic-based approach. Complex scenarios with multiple concurrent processes (and constraints across them) for a single patient are also considered.
Potato viruses and resistance genes in potato
Authors: Ahmadvand R. , Takács A. , Taller J. , Wolf I. , Polgár Z.
Published: September 2012

Potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) is the fourth most important food crop in the world. It is the most economically valuable and well-known member of the plant familySolanaceae. Potato is the host of many pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, Phytoplasmas, viruses, viroids and nematodes, which cause reductions in the quantity and quality of yield. Apart from the late blight fungus [Phytophthora infestans(Mont.) de Bary] viruses are the most important pathogens, with over 40 viruses and virus-like pathogens infecting cultivated potatoes in the field, among whichPotato virus Y(PVY),Potato leaf roll virus(PLRV),Potato virus X(PVX),Potato virus A(PVA),Potato virus S(PVS) andPotato virus M(PVM) are some of the most important viruses in the world. In this review, their characteristics and types of resistance to them will be discussed.
Radiation and water balance properties of cadmium-polluted maize in a wet year
Authors: Anda A.
Published: September 2012

The effect of spraying maize weekly with a 0.5 M concentration of Cd was studied in Hungary at two water supply levels. Cd reduced the size of the leaf area and the annual water loss. The intensity of evapotranspiration (mm water/unit leaf area) of the polluted crops grew. The higher net radiation of polluted maize resulted in an increase in sensible heat and a warmer canopy. The warmer the canopy, the higher the stress level of the contaminated crops was. While Cd caused a 28% significant decline in plant dry matter production in the rainfed plots, only a declining tendency amounting to a few percent was recorded in the ET treatment.Cd of atmospheric origin was only detected in the leaves; it was not accumulated in the grain. It was concluded from the results that the yield losses in grain maize grown on Cd-polluted areas could be mitigated by irrigation. The production of silage maize, however, is not recommended in regions affected by Cd pollution, especially in areas where irrigation is required, since supplementary water supplies promote the accumulation of Cd in the vegetative organs.
Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of avian extraintestinal and intestinal Escherichia coli
Authors: Tóth István , Dobrindt Ulrich , Koscsó Balázs , Kósa Anna , Herpay Mária , Nagy Béla
Published: September 2012

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) isolates of animals and man are known to carry specific virulence associated genes. The intestinal tract, it is primarily colonized by various strains of commensal E. coli but it may include ExPEC as well. Here we aimed to assess possible genetic and evolutionary linkages between extraintestinal pathogenic and intestinal (commensal) E. coli of poultry. For that purpose we analysed 71 ExPEC isolates, and 40 intestinal isolates assumed to be commensal E. coli (IntEC), from dead chickens and turkey poults for 26 virulence related genes. Although the two groups shared several virulence determinants the genes pic, papC, and cdtIV were exclusively present in ExPEC and further five genes (colV, iss, kpsM, tsh and iutA), were significantly more frequent among ExPEC. Phylogenetic backgrounds of ExPEC and of IntEC isolates indicated significant differences. A 40% of ExPEC belonged to phylogroup A primarily containing strains of serogroup O78. Phylogroup D contained ExPEC strains of serogroups O53 (2 strains) and O115 (5 strains) characterized by the cdt-IV genes, suggesting the existence of new clones of avian ExPEC in phylogenetic group D. On the other hand, a 42.5% of IntEC belonged to phylogroup B1 with diverse serogroups. Our data provide insight into the clonal evolution of avian ExPEC especially in phylogenetic groups A and D, resulting avian ExPEC with similarities to human ExPEC.
The most common isolates from pleural infections
Authors: Považan Anika , Vukelić Anka , Kurucin Tatjana , Hadnadjev Mirjana , Považan Djordje
Published: September 2012

Isolation and identification of the pathogens are important for appropriate treatment of pleural infections. Distribution of the most frequent causative agents varies throughout the world and may change in time.The objective of the study is to analyze the bacteriological isolates of pleural fluids in order to identify the most frequent infectious agents and assess their variability in time.The retrospective study included 272 patients with positive pleural fluid samples analyzed in 5-year period. The samples were examined using the conventional microbiological technique.Of 315 bacterial isolates the most common were streptococcal species, 105 (33%), of which 55 (17.3%) represented the Streptococcus milleri group. Gram-positive anaerobic cocci were detected in 56 (17.6%) isolates. Enterobacteriaceae family included 27 (8.5%) isolates and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was registered in 13 (4.1%). No statistically significant difference was registered in pathogen distribution in the examined period (p = 0.288).The most common agents of community-acquired pleural infections are the Streptococcus milleri group and anaerobic Gram-positive cocci. They differ from the most common pathogens of pneumonia. Among the hospital-acquired pleural infections, Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus aureus and enterobacteria prevail. The distribution of bacterial agents isolated in the 5-year period exhibits no significant differences.
Use of fishing resources by women in the Mamanguape River Estuary, Paraíba state, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Michelle S.P. , Santiago Idalina M.F.L. , Cortez Creuza S. , Trindade Priscila M. , Mourão José S.
Published: September 2012

We evaluated the appropriation and use of fishing resources by women residing near the Mamanguape River Estuary (MRE), Paraíba state, Brazil. Were used combinations of qualitative (interviews and direct observations) and quantitative methods (use value and corrected principal use concordance). Thirty women were interviewed and reported the use of 41 species (30 fish, 8 crustaceans, and 3 mollusks), mainly for local consumption and sale. The species with the highest use value were Genidens genidens (0.7), Callinectes exasperatus (0.73) and Anomalocardia brasiliana (0.46). The diversity of resources exploited demonstrates the importance of the mangrove ecosystem to MRE families, and the data gathered can serve as a basis for formulating public policies to promote the equal participation of women in fishing and environmental conservation.
Probabilidade de hipertensão arterial a partir de indicadores antropométricos em adultos
Authors: Ulbrich Anderson Zampier , Bertin Renata L. , Bozza Rodrigo , Stabelini Neto Antônio , Lima Gustavo Zampier dos Santos , Carvalho Tales de , Campos Wagner de
Published: September 2012

OBJETIVO: Associar medidas antropométricas com hipertensão arterial e desenvolver modelo matemático para estimar essa probabilidade. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 3.445 adultos de ambos os sexos entre 18 e 60 anos. Avaliaram-se o índice de massa corporal (IMC), razão cintura estatura (RCE), perímetro da cintura (PC), além da idade e sexo. A pressão arterial foi avaliada e classificada segundo recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e da Sociedade Brasileira de Hipertensão (SBH). Utilizaram-se análise de frequência de casos, correlação e regressão logística entre as variáveis, com p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os homens apresentaram duas vezes mais chances de hipertensão que as mulheres, e, para cada ano de vida, essa chance aumenta em 1,04 vez. As chances de hipertensão dos considerados com sobrepeso foram de quase duas vezes e, nos obesos, quadriplicavam. CONCLUSÃO: Alterações da composição corporal com o avanço da idade, principalmente nos homens, associaram-se com hipertensão, sendo sua avaliação relevante na identificação dessa doença.
Ultrassonometria do calcâneo, densitometria óssea e morfometria vertebral em homens com idade acima de 60 anos
Authors: Barra Filipe Ramos , Leite André Ferreira , Souza Paulo Tadeu de , Pereira Fernando Borges , Paula Ana Patrícia de
Published: September 2012

OBJETIVOS: Comparar a ultrassonometria do calcâneo com a densitometria óssea na avaliação de fraturas vertebrais morfométricas em homens acima de 60 anos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 96 homens com mais de 60 anos por meio de densitometria óssea da coluna, fêmur e rádio, radiografia lateral da coluna torácica e lombar e ultrassonometria do calcâneo. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta e um por cento dos homens apresentaram osteoporose e fraturas vertebrais. Foi observada correlação entre índice de stiffness e T-score da ultrassonometria e as densidades minerais ósseas (DMO) de todos os sítios. Quanto à presença de fraturas, identificou-se correlação com a DMO do rádio ultradistal e 33%. Por meio da curva ROC, observou-se acurácia da DMO do rádio UD na detecção de fraturas vertebrais. CONCLUSÕES: Nosso estudo mostrou correlação entre a ultrassonometria e a densitometria no diagnóstico de osteoporose em homens acima dos 60 anos. Também se identificou correlação entre fratura vertebral morfométrica e a DMO do rádio.
Tireoidite supurativa aguda com múltiplas complicações
Authors: Fonseca Izabela Fernandes Alves da , Avvad Cristina Kayat , Sanchez Eduardo Guilherme , Henriques Jodélia Lima Martins , Leão Lenora M. Camarate S. M.
Published: September 2012

A tireoidite supurativa aguda é uma desordem rara, mais frequentemente causada pelo Staphylococcus aureus ou Streptococcus pneumoniae, e atinge particularmente crianças com fístula do seio piriforme. Em adultos, a disseminação por via hematogênica a partir de foco infeccioso em orofaringe ou trato respiratório parece ser o principal mecanismo patogênico. Os sinais e sintomas iniciais da tireoidite aguda são semelhantes aos da faringite aguda e da tireoidite subaguda. Esse fato frequentemente retarda o diagnóstico dessa doença e aumenta o risco de complicações. Relatamos o caso de um paciente masculino de 28 anos, previamente saudável, que, após quadro de amigdalite, apresentou tireoidite aguda complicada por tireotoxicose, volumoso abscesso no lobo direito da tireoide, que se estendia à abertura superior do tórax com desvio da traqueia e compressão de grandes vasos, associado à trombose de veia jugular interna e sepse.
Persistent primary hyperparathyroidism: an uncommon location for an ectopic gland - Case report and review
Authors: Gouveia Sofia , Rodrigues Dírcea , Barros Luísa , Ribeiro Cristina , Albuquerque Anabela , Costa Gracinda , Carvalheiro Manuela
Published: September 2012

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder that mainly affects middle-aged women. Patients are usually asymptomatic. The disease might be ascribable to hyperplasia, carcinoma, and single or multiple adenomas. PHPT may be sporadic or familial, the latter comprising multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 or 2A, familial benign hypocalciuria hypercalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome. The most common causes for persistent PHPT are multiglandular disease, and missed abnormal ectopic or orthotopic parathyroid glands. Imaging localization studies should precede a new surgical intervention. Ectopic parathyroid glands are rarely located at the aortopulmonary window. For diagnosis confirmation, 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT seems to be an advantageous test. Another possibility is to perform 99mTc-sestamibi followed by thoracic CT or MRI. Parathyroidectomy may be performed by means of median sternotomy, thoracotomy, or video-assisted thoracoscopy. We describe a case of persistent primary hyperparathyroidism due to the presence of an ectopic parathyroid gland found at the aortopulmonary window. As the investigation necessary to clarify the etiology of recurrent nephrolithiasis proceeded, the diagnosis of PHPT was determined. The patient underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy; nevertheless, PHPT persisted. Genetic syndromes that could account for this condition were excluded. Imaging studies available at that time were not able to locate abnormal glands; moreover, the patient refused to undergo surgical exploration. Later, the patient underwent 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT, which revealed a parathyroid gland at the aortopulmonary window.
Dopamine transporter imaging in clinically unclear cases of parkinsonism and the importance of Scans Without Evidence of Dopaminergic Deficit (SWEDDs)
Authors: Utiumi Marco A. T. , Felício André C. , Borges Conrado R. , Braatz Vera L. , Rezende Sheyla A. S. , Munhoz Renato P. , Bressan Rodrigo A. , Ferraz Henrique B. , Teive Hélio A. G.
Published: September 2012

The clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is susceptible to misdiagnosis, especially in the earlier stages of the disease. Recently, in vivo imaging techniques assessing the presynaptic dopamine transporter (DAT) have emerged as a useful tool in PD diagnosis, improving its accuracy. OBJECTIVE: It was to illustrate the clinical usefulness of a brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) DAT ligand, and highlight relevant aspects of scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDDs) in this context. CASES: We described four representative patients with clinically unclear parkinsonian syndromes who underwent [99mTc]-TRODAT-1 SPECT and reviewed the clinical implications. CONCLUSION: DAT-SPECT is an important, cost-effective, technique for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes. Additionally, SWEDD cases present clinical and paraclinical peculiarities that may retrospectively identify them as essential/dystonic tremor. The lack of histopathological data limits further conclusions.
Effects of Dăoyĭn Qìgōng in postpolio syndrome patients with cold intolerance
Authors: Ramos Paulo Eduardo , Abe Gislaine Cristina , Pradella-Hallinan Márcia , Quadros Abrahão Augusto Juviniano , Schmidt Beny , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: September 2012

Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness due to former infection with poliomyelitis and can be associated with other symptoms such as cold intolerance (CI). Dăoyĭn Qìgōng (DQ) is a technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine that impacts the circulation of energy and blood. OBJECTIVE: It was to verify the effects of DQ in PPS patients complaining of cold intolerance. METHODS: Ten PPS patients were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) adapted for CI before and after intervention with DQ; patients practiced it in a sitting position for 40 minutes, 3 times per week over 3 consecutive months. Patients were reassessed three months after ceasing DQ. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in local and systemic VAS-Cold both at the end of DQ training and three months past the end of this. CONCLUSION: The DQ technique ameliorated CI complaints in patients with PPS.
Clinical and neuropsychological correlation in patients with rolandic epilepsy
Authors: Capelatto Lívia L. Medeiros , Oliveira Ecila Paula M. , Neri Marina L. , Guimarães Catarina A. , Montenegro Maria Augusta , Guerreiro Marilisa M.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presence of neurological soft signs (NSS) and to correlate them with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III) in patients with rolandic epilepsy (RE). METHODS: Forty children and adolescents aged between 9 and 15 years were studied. They were divided into two groups: G1 - patients with RE (n=20) - and G2 - healthy controls without epilepsy (n=20). They were assessed with the Quick Neurological Screening Test (QNST II) - clinical trial to search for NSS -, and the WISC III - neuropsychological test. RESULTS: No statistical difference between groups was found in WISC III and QNST II. However, children with poorer motor skills had worse performance in the QNST II and also in the execution intelligence quotient - IQ (p=0.001) and in total IQ (p=0.004), thus showing a positive correlation between them. CONCLUSIONS: The QNST II is a good screening tool for the neurologist to detect abnormalities in fine motor skills.
Lexical-semantic processing in the semantic priming paradigm in aphasic patients
Authors: Salles Jerusa Fumagalli de , Holderbaum Candice Steffen , Parente Maria Alice Mattos Pimenta , Mansur Letícia Lessa , Ansaldo Ana Inès
Published: September 2012

There is evidence that the explicit lexical-semantic processing deficits which characterize aphasia may be observed in the absence of implicit semantic impairment. The aim of this article was to critically review the international literature on lexical-semantic processing in aphasia, as tested through the semantic priming paradigm. Specifically, this review focused on aphasia and lexical-semantic processing, the methodological strengths and weaknesses of the semantic paradigms used, and recent evidence from neuroimaging studies on lexical-semantic processing. Furthermore, evidence on dissociations between implicit and explicit lexical-semantic processing reported in the literature will be discussed and interpreted by referring to functional neuroimaging evidence from healthy populations. There is evidence that semantic priming effects can be found both in fluent and in non-fluent aphasias, and that these effects are related to an extensive network which includes the temporal lobe, the pre-frontal cortex, the left frontal gyrus, the left temporal gyrus and the cingulated cortex.
Análise sensorial, teores de nitrato e de nutrientes de alface cultivada em hidroponia sob águas salinas
Authors: Paulus Dalva , Dourado Neto Durval , Paulus Eloi
Published: September 2012

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos determinar os teores de nutrientes e de nitrato e realizar análise sensorial de alface cultivada em sistema hidropônico sob água salina. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido no período de dezembro de 2007 a janeiro de 2008, em Piracicaba (SP). O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, sendo estudados cinco níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação, utilizando-se NaCl (Condutividade elétrica da água (CEa): 0,42, 1,53, 3,52, 5,55 e 7,43 dS m-1) em duas cultivares de alface (Verônica e Pira Roxa), em esquema fatorial. Foram avaliados a análise sensorial aplicando escala hedônica e através dessa, o que os provadores mais apreciaram e o que menos gostaram de cada amostra, intenção de compra e consumo, teor de nitrato, absorção de nutrientes pela folhas e determinação dos nutrientes presentes na solução nutritiva. Para o atributo sabor a cultivar Verônica recebeu as melhores notas no nível de salinidade 1,53 e 5,55 dS m-1. Para a cultivar Pira Roxa a melhor nota foi atribuída para a alface produzida na água não salina. Para os demais atributos não houve diferença significativa nos diferentes níveis de salinidade. Com relação à intenção de compra, constatou-se que as alfaces cv. Verônica e Pira Roxa apresentaram boa aceitação de mercado. Os menores níveis de nitrato (1960 mg kg-1 e 2620 mg kg-1 de massa de matéria fresca), da Verônica e Pira Roxa, respectivamente, foram relacionados à condutividade elétrica de 0,42 dS m-1, aumentando a salinidade da água para 7,43 dS m-1, o teor foliar de nitrato aumentou para 2500 mg kg-1 e 3420 mg kg-1 para as cultivares Verônica e Pira Roxa. Como o tempo de exposição da alface à salinidade em sistema hidropônico foi curto, em torno de 25 dias, não se verificou sintomas de deficiência nutricional e toda alface foi classificada como apropriada para consumo humano.
Resistência de clones de batata a Bemisia tabaci biótipo B
Authors: Rocha Artur BO , Lourenção André L , Miranda Filho Hilário S , Hayashi Pedro CR , Ramos Valdir J
Published: September 2012

Avaliou-se a resistência de 30 genótipos de batata a B. tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) em casa de vegetação, por meio de três experimentos. No primeiro com chance de escolha, foi em blocos ao acaso, 30 tratamentos e três repetições. Avaliou-se a atratividade para adultos, a preferência para oviposição e a densidade de tricomas simples e glandulares. Os sete genótipos com menor oviposição, juntamente com o padrão de resistência 'Achat', e o mais ovipositado foram selecionados para os experimentos seguintes, nos quais se avaliou a preferência para oviposição sem chance de escolha e para o acompanhamento do período de desenvolvimento ovo-adulto, ambos em blocos ao acaso, nove tratamentos e cinco repetições. Na avaliação de atratividade, após 72 horas, HPC 5B e BAP 82 tiveram o menor número de adultos, enquanto que NYL 235-4 e MAC 2 foram os mais atrativos. Neste mesmo experimento, os genótipos HPC 6R, BACH 4, Clone APTA 2135, HPC 9B, BAP 82, 'Baraka' e HPC 5B foram os menos ovipositados. O genótipo NYL 235-4 mostrou alta densidade de tricomas simples (TS) e glandulares (TG), enquanto os genótipos CH 2, 'Santé' e 'Caesar' tiveram alta densidade de TS, e HPC 9B, 'Radosa', 'Cupido', 'Caesar', 'Saginaw Gold', BACH 3 e HPC 1B para TG revelaram menor pilosidade. Houve correlação significativa entre atratividade para adultos e preferência para oviposição. No experimento sem chance de escolha, os genótipos BACH 4, HPC 9B, 'Baraka' e 'Achat' foram menos ovipositados, caracterizando-se como portadores de resistência do tipo não-preferência para oviposição. Quanto ao período de desenvolvimento ovo-adulto, as médias não diferiram entre os genótipos, variando de 34,4 a 36,6 dias. Observou-se para os genótipos BAP 82, 'Baraka' e BACH 4 o menor número de adultos emergidos, sugerindo a presença de antibiose. Com base nos três experimentos, os clones 'Baraka' e BACH 4 destacaram-se como os mais resistentes a B. tabaci biótipo B.
Densidade de substratos dependendo dos métodos de análise e níveis de umidade
Authors: Fermino Maria Helena , Kämpf Atelene N
Published: September 2012

O termo "substrato para plantas" refere-se ao meio de crescimento usado no cultivo em recipientes, freqüentemente resultante da mistura de materiais. A qualidade final depende das propriedades físicas e químicas de cada componente e da interação entre eles, as quais precisam ser caracterizadas. Apesar de obras referenciais serem unânimes em incluir a densidade volumétrica na caracterização de substratos, ocorrem dificuldades para interpretar laudos emitidos por diferentes laboratórios, porque estes utilizam métodos diferentes ou variações de um mesmo método. Além das diferenças entre os métodos, podem ocorrer outras causas de variação na obtenção dos resultados de uma mesma amostra. O presente trabalho visa demonstrar duas das causas de variação na determinação da densidade volumétrica: 1) o método de análise [método do duplo anel (CEN), método utilizado pela indústria (IND) e método da autocompactação (AUTO)] dos substratos pó de coco, areia de rio média lavada, turfa fibrosa in natura e Plantmax® Hortaliça; 2) e o nível inicial de umidade (0,62, 0,69 e 0,72g/g) em amostras de turfa fibrosa in natura. Constatou-se que os valores de densidade, determinados pelo método AUTO, representam cerca de 20% a mais do que os valores determinados pelo método IND; as relações entre os métodos AUTO e CEN, bem como CEN e IND não são uniformes, variando conforme o material; a umidade inicial da amostra também representa causa de variação nos resultados.
Notas sobre o paradoxo dos direitos humanos e as relações hemisféricas
Authors: Cruz Sebastião Velasco e
Published: September 2012

Este artigo discute a tensão entre os dois elementos constitutivos do regime internacional de proteção aos direitos humanos: a afirmação de exigências normativas de caráter universal sobre os direitos subjetivos dos indivíduos e o ordenamento jurídico do Estado democrático, através do qual tais expectativas se traduzem em normas precisas, apoiadas em instituições capazes de zelar por sua efetividade. O artigo trata, portanto, do paradoxo entre o universalismo dos direitos humanos e o particularismo inerente ao Estado. Depois de discutir o tema no plano conceitual, o artigo examina a tensão em dois contextos históricos distintos: os Estados Unidos e a América Latina, extraindo daí algumas ilações a respeito das relações políticas no hemisfério.
Por uma conceitualização sociopolítica dos direitos humanos a partir da experiência latino-americana
Authors: Estévez Ariadna
Published: September 2012

A conceitualização latino-americana de direitos humanos não deve ser definida apenas em termos jurídicos, mas deve, também, incorporar uma dimensão sociopolítica, uma vez que a maior contribuição da região ao discurso está em sua filosofia de ação e na prática de seus movimentos sociais. Este artigo propõe uma conceitualização que resgate esse legado a partir de uma perspectiva discursiva, particularmente por meio das ideias de genealogia e intertextualidade.
Concentrado proteico do soro melhora a qualidade sensorial de sobremesa láctea diet
Authors: Vidigal Márcia Cristina Teixeira Ribeiro , Minim Valéria Paula Rodrigues , Berger Elaine Ceresino , Ramos Afonso Mota , Minim Luis Antonio
Published: September 2012

Alimentos isentos ou de baixo nível de gordura constituem um desafio para a indústria de alimentos. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o efeito da adição de concentrado proteico de soro (CPS) nas características sensoriais e aceitabilidade de sobremesas lácteas sem gordura. Quatro formulações foram desenvolvidas com diferentes concentrações de CPS (0%, 1,5%, 3,0% e 4,5% m v-1) e caracterizadas sensorialmente por meio da Análise Descritiva. A aceitabilidade das formulações foi avaliada por 94 consumidores que utilizaram escala hedônica de nove pontos. As sobremesas foram caracterizadas por oito atributos sensoriais: cor, firmeza, resistência ao corte, brilho, consistência, gomosidade, aroma e sabor de baunilha. As formulações contendo 3,0 e 4,5% de CPS apresentaram maior intensidade de todos os atributos sensoriais. A adição de CPS foi efetiva na composição da textura das sobremesas lácteas diet, além de realçar a cor, sabor e aroma do produto. As formulações contendo 1,5 e 3,0% de CPS foram as mais aceitas, evidenciando que a utilização do CPS nessas concentrações favoreceu a aceitabilidade do produto, proporcionando características sensoriais agradáveis aos consumidores.
Tree species occurring on ariparian slope and correlations with soil variables in the upper Grande River, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Israel Marinho , Botelho Soraya Alvarenga , Machado Evandro Luiz Mendonça , Silveira Carlos Jose Andrade
Published: September 2012

Historically, forest landscapes have been modified by human activities, causing its destruction and fragmentation to exploit its resources. However, forests play a vital role in protecting the environment, especially on slops, hilltops, lakes, springs and river banks. This study aimed to understand the diversity and structure of vegetation on a slope of riparian forest in Bocaina de Minas, MG and identify key environmental variables that influence the spatial distribution of individual trees. An inventory of the tree community was conducted, in which ten of 10m×40m plots were allocated and systematically distributed throughout the study area. All individuals existing shrubs and trees within the plots with 1.30m diameter ≥ 5.0cm of soil were sampled in order to generate information on the horizontal structure, richness and diversity of the community. Variables related to the substrata were obtained for each plot from the topography and laboratory analysis of soil samples (pH, levels of P, K, Ca, Mg and Al, base saturation (V), organic matter and levels of sand, silt and clay). Other variables such as distance from the river and successional stage of the plots, were also evaluated. In order to correlate environmental variables with the abundance distribution of the species, a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and Spearman correlation were used. The Shannon diversity index (H') and evenness index (J') obtained were 3.53 and 0.76, respectively. The emerging patterns of environmental variables and the abundance of species indicate that these were distributed throughout the fragment, mainly due to the P content in soil and successional stage of the plots. In addition, several species have produced significant correlations between their abundance in the plots and the variables related to successional stage, variations in soil, and distance from the banks of water courses.