bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza Vaccination and Cardiovascular Mortality in Women and Men at Least 60 Years of Age in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: de Padua Mansur Antonio , Favarato Desidério , Avakian Solange Desirée , Ramires José Antonio F.
Published: July 2010

Objectives: Influenza (flu) vaccination has been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality in a metropolitan area of Brazil. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether sex influences this outcome. The aim of the study was analyze the cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in women and men before and after the initiation of a flu vaccination program. Methods: We analyzed the mortality of ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and external causes (EC) in women and men at least 60 years of age in the metropolitan area of São Paulo before and after the initiation of a flu vaccination program. Estimates of the population were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the mortality data from the Ministry of Health for the period between 1980 and 2006. The risk of death was adjusted by the direct method using the 1960 world standard population. Results: Change in trend in mortality after vaccination was significant only for IHD (-9.3% vs -30.2%; P = .022) and remained unchanged for stroke (-31.4% vs -25.3%; P =.931) and EC (-8.5% vs -1.2%; P = .941). The decline in IHD pre- (1980-1995) and post-vaccination (1996-2006) was greater in women (-3.8% vs -28.8%; P = .001) than in men (-12.9% vs -30.4%; P = .054). Conclusion: Flu vaccination was associated with a significant reduction of IHD mortality, more so in women than in men.
Needle Syringe Program-Based Primary HealthCare Centers
Authors: Islam M. Mofizul
Published: July 2010

Needle syringe programs (NSPs) are now on a strong platform mainly because of their crucial role in controlling/containing blood-borne virus infections. In many parts of the world, NSPs are gradually augmenting their role as a primary health care centers. Health care from NSPs are found to be better accessible by injecting drug users (IDUs). However, these outlets are becoming a separate source of health care for IDUs—mainly because (i) nondrug users very rarely access these and (ii) IDUs do not access other sources of primary care readily. Moreover, offering health care from NSPs is also relatively cost-intensive, therefore, has some disadvantages. The aim of this commentary is to examine and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of NSP-based primary health care outlets. The benefits NSPs can accrue through offering health care services are immense, as an NSP is a critical junction for service providers to offer health care services to IDUs, who traditionally have been hard to reach by conventional health care. Despite some disadvantages, NSP-based health care is very valuable for IDUs until they are duly taken care by the conventional health care centers.
Mechanisms of aberrant GATA3 expression in classical Hodgkin lymphoma and its consequences for the cytokine profile of Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg cells
Authors: Stanelle Jens , Döring Claudia , Hansmann Martin-Leo , Küppers Ralf
Published: July 2010

The transcription factor network in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) represents a unique composition of proteins found in no other hematopoietic cell. Among these factors, an aberrant expression of the T-cell transcription factor GATA3 is observed in B cell–derived Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg (HRS) tumor cells. Herein, we elucidate the regulation and function of this factor in HL. We demonstrate binding of NFκB and Notch-1, 2 factors with deregulated activity in HL to GATA3 promoter elements. Interference with NFκB and Notch-1 activity led to decreased GATA3 expression, indicating a dependency of deregulated GATA3 expression on these transcription factors. Down-regulation of GATA3 in HL cell lines demonstrated its role in the regulation of IL-5, IL-13, STAT4, and other genes. A correlation between GATA3 and IL-13 expression was confirmed for HRS cells in HL tissues. Thus, GATA3 shapes the cytokine expression and signaling that is typical of HL. Conclusively, aberrant GATA3 expression in HRS cells is stimulated by the deregulated constitutive activity of NFκB and Notch-1, indicating a complex network of deregulated transcription factors in these cells. GATA3 activity significantly contributes to the typical cytokine secretion of and signaling in HRS cells, which presumably plays an essential role in HL pathogenesis.
Construction of the ABC Ring System of Taxanes via Stereoselective One-Pot Three-Component Coupling and Intramolecular Alkylation of a Protected Cyanohydrin Ether
Authors: Serizawa Takayuki , Miyamoto Shigeru , Fuse Shinichiro , Doi Takayuki , Takahashi Takashi
Published: July 2010

Construction of the ABC ring system of taxanes via one-pot three-component coupling and intramolecular alkylation is accomplished. The 1,4-addition of a protected cyanohydrin ether to 2-methyl-2-cyclohexenone and subsequent addition of the resulting enolate to formaldehyde proceeded stereoselectively to provide the AC ring in 90% yield. The stereoselective reduction of the 2-keto group was achieved by using hydroxy-directed hydride reduction with LiAlH4. The intramolecular alkylation of the protected cyanohydrin ether furnished the ABC ring system of taxanes in 43% yield.
Fast Guest Exchange of a 1:1 Zinc Porphyrin–Amine Host–Guest Complex via a Six-Coordinated Zinc Porphyrin
Authors: Hitomi Yutaka , Ohyama Junya , Takegoshi Minori , Ando Akira , Funabiki Takuzo , Kodera Masahito , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: July 2010

A novel zinc porphyrin receptor has been synthesized that has two identical binding pockets surrounded by six phenyl rings on both sides of the porphyrin plane. The binding of amine guests to the zinc porphyrin receptor was studied by UV–vis titration experiments. Among the amine guests, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) showed the highest binding affinity (ΔG = −36.6 kJ mol−1 at 298 K in toluene) thanks to close contacts of DABCO with the aromatic walls of the binding pocket. The binding of DABCO was further investigated by dynamic NMR experiments. DABCO was tightly bound in one binding pocket when less than 1 equivalent of DABCO was added, but it started a rapid exchange between the two binding pockets when exceeding 1 equivalent.
Improvement in the Durability of Carbon Nanotube-Supported Ruthenium Catalysts by Coverage with Silica Layers
Authors: Arike Takafumi , Takenaka Sakae , Matsune Hideki , Kishida Masahiro
Published: July 2010

Carbon nanotube-supported Ru (Ru/CNT) catalysts were covered with silica layers to inhibit the aggregation of Ru particles as well as the detachment of Ru particles from the CNTs during catalytic reactions. Coverage of the Ru/CNT with silica was performed by the successive hydrolysis of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane in the presence of CNT-supported Ru metal precursors, followed by reduction with hydrogen at 623 K. The diameter of the Ru particles in the silica-coated Ru/CNT ranged from 1 to 3 nm. The Ru particles and the CNTs in the silica-coated catalysts were uniformly covered with silica layers a few nanometers thick. The size of the Ru particles in the silica-coated catalysts did not change appreciably after treatment at 873 K, while the metal particles in the Ru/CNT were seriously aggregated after treatment at 873 K. The silica-coated Ru/CNT catalyzed the CO hydrogenation and the 1-hexene hydrogenation, despite the coverage of Ru particles with silica. In addition, the silica-coated Ru catalysts showed high durability toward Ru detachment from the CNTs during the repeated hydrogenation of 1-hexene, whereas the catalysts without silica layers were deactivated because of Ru detachment. Therefore, coverage of the Ru/CNT catalysts with silica layers prevented the deactivation of the catalysts.
Turn-on Detection of Targeted Biochemical Reactions by Triple Resonance NMR Analysis Using Isotope-labeled Probe
Authors: Mizusawa Keigo , Igarashi Ryuji , Uehira Kosei , Takafuji Yoshimasa , Tabata Yasuhiko , Tochio Hidehito , Shirakawa Masahiro , Sando Shinsuke , Aoyama Yasuhiro
Published: July 2010

We report on a strategy for the “turn-on” detection of target biochemical (metabolic) reactions using a triple resonance NMR technique with an isotope-labeled probe. Our NMR study clearly reveals that otherwise NMR-nonactive-13C/2H-labeled glucose actually turns “on” its 1H NMR signal by conversion to an important biomarker lactate as the end product of anaerobic glycolysis in cells and in injected mice with high selectivity.
Preparation of Dispersible Chitosan Particles with Borate Crosslinking for Antimicrobial and Antifungal Application
Authors: Nagaoka Shoji , Saita Kanako , Kobayashi Seitaro , Horikawa Maki , Shirosaki Tomohiro , Takafuji Makoto , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: July 2010

This paper introduces a facile preparation method using chitosan lactate with borate crosslinking for creation of dispersible chitosan submicron spheres and its excellent antimicrobial and antifungal activities.
Aqueous Synthesis of Highly Luminescent Amorphous CdSe Quantum Dots at Low Temperature
Authors: Song Lianxiang , Duan Junling , Zhan Jinhua
Published: July 2010

Highly defect-related luminescent aqueous CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were successfully synthesized by using sulfanylsuccinic acid (SSA) as capping ligands at low temperature by water bath. The photoluminescence quantum yields (PL QYs) of as-prepared CdSe QDs could reach up to 30%. XRD and HRTEM characterization suggest an amorphous state.
Novel flow chamber to investigate binding strength of a lipid-based, high-frequency, ultrasonic contrast agent
Authors: Edgeworth Adele , Ross James A , Anderson Tom , Butler Mairead , McDicken William N , Moran Carmel
Published: July 2010

In this study we design and implement a novel flow chamber to assess electrostatic and streptavidin-biotin attachment mechanisms of a high-frequency ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) under high wall shear stress (WSS). The flow chamber was calibrated up to 50 Pa WSS to investigate attachment of the UCA. Attachment of the agent was assessed through measurement of the mean backscatter from targeted microbubbles attached to an agar surface within the flow chamber. The mean backscatter from microbubbles attached via a streptavidin-biotin mechanism decreased from −20 to −30 dB with increasing WSS up to 50 Pa. Mean backscatter from microbubbles attached via electrostatic attraction was indistinguishable from that of the agar surface alone beyond 0.66 Pa WSS. At 50 Pa WSS, the mean backscatter from the streptavidin-biotin attachment mechanism was 4 dB higher than from the plain agar surface. We conclude that the streptavidin-biotin attachment mechanism is ∼75 times stronger than an electrostatic mechanism. The ability of the streptavidin-biotin bond to withstand high WSS makes this attachment mechanism suitable for use as a targeted UCA for intravascular ultrasound studies and in high-resolution small animal studies, in which WSS can reach 40 Pa.
A New Static Strength Test for Characterization of Rutting of Dense-Graded Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Kim Kwang W. , Amirkhanian Serji N. , Kim Hyun H. , Lee Moonsup , Doh Yong S.
Published: July 2010

A new static-test protocol was developed for measuring the deformation resistance of asphalt mixtures at high temperature, 60°C. A round edge loading head was used for estimating rut-related performance by statically pressing a specimen at the flat top center. The value measured by this test is considered as a strength against deformation or deformation strength and designated as “SD.” The SD has shown a high correlation with the rut depths of wheel tracking (WT) and the asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) tests. In this study, the feasibility of utilizing this test method to predict the rutting potential of asphalt mixtures is shown. Stiffness (G∗/sin δ) test data for asphalt binders, two rutting tests’ (WT and APA) data, and SD data for various laboratory mixtures were used in this evaluation. More than 50 field mixtures were also used for APA and SD tests. Correlation analyses showed that the SD had very high correlation with the stiffness of the binder (R2=0.9), with rut depth of WT (R2>0.90) and somewhat less with rut depth of APA (R2=0.77). It was concluded that the newly developed test is comparable to WT and APA and that the SD is a property providing a reasonable estimation of rut potential of asphalt mixtures at high temperatures, even though it is a static-test property.
Automatische Diagnose oszillierender Regelkreise in komplexen industriellen Anlagen
Authors: Jelali Mohieddine , Karra Srivinas
Published: July 2010

Ein besonders häufiges Problem in der Prozessindustrie ist das Auftreten oszillatorischer Verläufe der Signale in Regelkreisen. Diese führen unter anderem zu einer erhöhten Streuung der Produktqualität, zu einem erhöhten Energiebedarf, zu Produktivitätsverlusten sowie zu erhöhtem Komponentenverschleiß. Der Beitrag stellt ein neues Verfahren zur automatischen und umfassenden Diagnose von Oszillationen in ventilgeregelten Prozessen auf der Basis der Identifikation eines Hammerstein-Modells vor. Die beschriebene Diagnoseprozedur ermöglicht nicht nur die Erkennung und Quantifizierung von statischer Reibung (Stiction) in Ventilen, sondern auch die Aufdeckung von Fehlern, wie z. B. aggressiver Reglereinstellung oder externer oszillatorischer Störgrößen.
Automatische formale Verifikation der Fehlertoleranz von Schaltkreisen
Authors: Fey Görschwin , Sülflow André , Frehse Stefan , Drechsler Rolf
Published: July 2010

Die kontinuierliche Verringerung der Strukturgrößen führt zu einer erhöhten Fehleranfälligkeit von digitalen Schaltungen. Sowohl Produktionsfehler als auch transiente Fehler oder durch Strahlung induzierte Fehler können die Funktionsfähigkeit beeinflussen. Deshalb wird die Untersuchung der Fehlertoleranz im Entwicklungsprozess zunehmend wichtig. In dieser Arbeit wird ein formales Verfahren zur Berechnung der Fehlertoleranz bzgl. kurzzeitig auftretenden Fehlern vorgestellt. Darüber hinaus werden Erweiterungen zur Erhöhung der Genauigkeit, zur Beschleunigung und für die Behandlung von Mehrfachfehlern vorgeschlagen.
Head Lice
Authors: Frankowski Barbara L. , Bocchini Joseph A. ,   Council on School Health and Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: July 2010

Head lice infestation is associated with limited morbidity but causes a high level of anxiety among parents of school-aged children. Since the 2002 clinical report on head lice was published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, patterns of resistance to products available over-the-counter and by prescription have changed, and additional mechanical means of removing head lice have been explored. This revised clinical report clarifies current diagnosis and treatment protocols and provides guidance for the management of children with head lice in the school setting.
Mesopores inside electrode particles can change the Li-ion transport mechanism and diffusion-induced stress
Authors: Harris Stephen J. , Deshpande Rutooj D. , Qi Yue , Dutta Indrajit , Cheng Yang-Tse
Published: July 2010

Following earlier work of Huggins and Nix [Ionics6, 57 (2000)], several recent theoretical studies have used the shrinking core model to predict intraparticle Li concentration profiles and associated stress fields. A goal of such efforts is to understand and predict particle fracture, which is sometimes observed in degraded electrodes. In this paper we present experimental data on LiCoO2 and graphite active particles, consistent with previously published data, showing the presence of numerous internal pores or cracks in both positive and negative active electrode particles. New calculations presented here show that the presence of free surfaces, from even small internal cracks or pores, both quantitatively and qualitatively alters the internal stress distributions such that particles are prone to internal cracking rather than to the surface cracking that had been predicted previously. Thus, the fracture strength of particles depends largely on the internal microstructure of particles, about which little is known, rather than on the intrinsic mechanical properties of the particle materials. The validity of the shrinking core model for explaining either stress maps or transport is questioned for particles with internal structure, which includes most, if not all, secondary electrode particles.
Germanium–single-wall carbon nanotube anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: DiLeo Roberta A. , Ganter Matthew J. , Landi Brian J. , Raffaelle Ryne P.
Published: July 2010

High-capacity thin-film germanium was coupled with free-standing single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) current collectors as a novel lithium ion battery anode. A series of Ge–SWCNT compositions were fabricated and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The lithium ion storage capacities of the anodes were measured to be proportional to the Ge weight loading, with a 40 wt% Ge–SWCNT electrode measuring 800 mAh/g. Full batteries comprising a Ge–SWCNT anode in concert with a LiCoO2 cathode have demonstrated a nominal voltage of 3.35 V and anode energy densities 3× the conventional graphite-based value. The higher observed energy density for Ge–SWCNT anodes has been used to calculate the relative improvement in full battery performance when capacity matched with conventional cathodes (e.g., LiCoO2, LiNiCoAlO2, and LiFePO4). The results show a >50% increase in both specific and volumetric energy densities, with values approaching 275 Wh/kg and 700 Wh/L.
Synthesis and capacitive properties of carbonaceous sphere@MnO2 rattle-type hollow structures
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Ma Jizhen , Jiang Jianwen , Zhao X.S.
Published: July 2010

Carbonaceous sphere@MnO2 rattle-type hollow spheres were synthesized under mild experimental conditions. The as-prepared hollow structures were characterized using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen adsorption techniques. The characterization data showed the formation of rattle-type hollow structures with a mesoporous MnO2 shell and a carbonaceous sphere core. The composition and shell thickness of the hollow spheres can be controlled experimentally. The capacitive performance of the hollow structures was evaluated by using both cycle voltammetry and charge–discharge methods. The results demonstrated a specific capacitance as high as 184 F/g at a current density of 125 mA/g. The good electrocapacitive performance resulted from the mesoporous structure and high surface area of the MnO2-based hollow spheres.
Electrodeposited Cu2Sb as anode material for 3-dimensional Li-ion microbatteries
Authors: Perre Emilie , Taberna Pierre Louis , Mazouzi Driss , Poizot Philippe , Gustafsson Torbjörn , Edström Kristina , Simon Patrice
Published: July 2010

An increasing demand on high energy and power systems has arisen not only with the development of electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), telecom, and mobile technologies, but also for specific applications such as powering of microelectronic systems. To power those microdevices, an extra variable is added to the equation: a limited footprint area. Three-dimensional (3D) microbatteries are a solution to combine high-density energy and power. In this work, we present the formation of Cu2Sb onto three-dimensionally architectured arrays of Cu current collectors. Sb electrodeposition conditions and annealing post treatment are discussed in light of their influence on the morphology and battery performances. An increase of cycling stability was observed when Sb was fully alloyed with the Cu current collector. A subsequent separator layer was added to the 3D electrode when optimized. Equivalent capacity values are measured for at least 20 cycles. Work is currently devoted to the identification of the causes of capacity fading.
Batteries and charge storage devices based on electronically conducting polymers
Authors: Katz Howard E. , Searson Peter C. , Poehler Theodore O.
Published: July 2010

Strong interest in energy generation and storage has yielded excellent progress on organic based solar cells, and there is also a strong desire for equivalent advancement in polymer-based charge storage devices such as batteries and super-capacitors. Despite extensive research on electronically conducting polymers including polypyrrole, polythiophene, and polyaniline, limitations to the maximum doping density and chemical stability had been considered a significant restriction on the development of polymer batteries. Recent work appears to show a meaningful increase in the upper bound of the maximum density from 0.5 to 1.0 electrons per monomer depending on the structure, processing, and ionic species used in charging and discharging of the polymers. Several recent examples have also implied that more stable, reversible charge-discharge cycling is being observed in n-doped polymers. These observations suggest that the performance metrics of this class of electronically conducting polymer may ultimately reach the levels required for practical battery applications. Further efforts are essential to perfect practical large-scale electrode fabrication to move toward greater compatibility in the methods used for solar cells and those used in producing batteries. A better understanding must also be developed to elucidate the effects of molecular structure and polymer architecture on these materials.
Electrospun Teflon AF fibers for superhydrophobic membranes
Authors: Scheffler Raymond , Bell Nelson S. , Sigmund Wolfgang
Published: July 2010

Superhydrophobic membranes have the potential to protect devices from incidental exposure to water. This paper reports on the processing of Teflon AF fluoropolymers through electrospinning. Teflon AF is difficult to electrospin due to its low dielectric constant and the low dielectric constants of the liquids in which it is soluble. The two approaches that have been utilized to produce fibers are direct electrospinning in Novec engineering liquids and core-shell electrospinning. Both methods produced superhydrophobic membranes. Fibers with an average diameter of 290 nm and average water contact angle of 151° were obtained by core-shell electrospinning. One suggested application for electrospun superhydrophobic membranes is the lithium-air battery.
Avaliação de desempenho e integração docente-assistencial nos hospitais universitários
Authors: Lobo Maria Stella de Castro , Lins Marcos Pereira Estellita , Silva Angela Cristina Moreira da , Fiszman Roberto
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho e a integração entre as dimensões de assistência e de ensino dos hospitais universitários brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Um modelo de data envelopment analysis em redes (network DEA) foi elaborado para aferir o desempenho de hospitais universitários federais, o qual permite considerar a relação entre as dimensões de ensino e de assistência, simultaneamente. Foram utilizados os dados do Sistema de Informação dos Hospitais Universitários do Ministério da Educação, referentes ao segundo semestre de 2003, e os resultados do modelo network foram comparados àqueles dos modelos DEA tradicionais para avaliação das vantagens da nova proposta metodológica. RESULTADOS: A eficiência dos hospitais avaliados variou entre 0,19 e 1,00 (média = 0,54). O escore dimensional mostrou que os hospitais priorizam o ganho de eficiência assistencial. Observou-se que há necessidade de dobrar o número de alunos de medicina e de aumentar os residentes em 14% para que se tornem eficientes na dimensão de ensino. CONCLUSÕES: O modelo mostrou utilidade de aplicação tanto para os gestores das unidades, visando à integração docente-assistencial, como para os órgãos reguladores, na definição de políticas e incentivos.
Uso de medicamentos do nascimento aos dois anos: Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas, RS, 2004
Authors: Oliveira Edilson Almeida de , Bertoldi Andréa Dâmaso , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Santos Iná Silva , Barros Aluísio J D
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Descrever a utilização de medicamentos em crianças aos três, 12 e 24 meses de idade. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal utilizando dados da Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas, RS, de 2004. Foram incluídas 3.985 crianças aos três meses, 3.907 aos 12 meses e 3.868 aos 24 meses de idade. O desfecho considerado foi o uso de medicamentos pelas crianças nos 15 dias anteriores à entrevista. Informações sobre as variáveis independentes (medicamentos utilizados, fonte de indicação, forma de aquisição, regularidade do uso e grupos terapêuticos) foram coletadas por meio de questionário padronizado, em entrevista aos pais nos domicílios. RESULTADOS: As prevalências de uso de medicamentos aos três, 12 e 24 meses foram de 65,0% (IC 95%: 63,5;66,5), 64,4% (IC 95%: 62,9;65,9) e 54,7% (IC 95%: 53,1;56,2), respectivamente. Com o avanço da idade observou-se diminuição no número total de medicamentos utilizados e aumento na automedicação, essa última chegando a 34% aos 24 meses. Também, a freqüência do uso de medicamentos em caráter eventual aumentou e diminuiu a de uso contínuo. Os medicamentos foram adquiridos principalmente com recursos próprios e cerca de 10% foi adquirido pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Observou-se mudança no perfil dos grupos terapêuticos mais utilizados em função da idade. Aos três meses, o maior uso foi de medicamentos dermatológicos (36%); aos 12 meses, de medicamentos para o sistema respiratório (24%); e, aos 24 meses, de analgésicos (26%). Comparando-se o uso aos 24 meses com o dos três meses de idade observou-se diminuição na utilização de: medicamentos destinados ao trato alimentar e metabolismo, aos órgãos dos sentidos, sistema cardiovascular e produtos dermatológicos. Houve aumento na utilização de: medicamentos anti-infecciosos sistêmicos, destinados ao sistema musculoesquelético, ao sistema respiratório, analgésicos, antiparasitários, inseticidas e repelentes. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização de medicamentos nesta coorte foi elevada e remete à necessidade de priorização do uso racional de medicamentos nos primeiros anos de vida.
Recidivas de casos de hanseníase no estado de Mato Grosso
Authors: Ferreira Silvana Margarida Benevides , Ignotti Eliane , Senigalia Ligia Maria , Silva Diego Ricardo Xavier , Gamba Mônica Antar
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Comparar as novas entradas por recidiva de hanseníase em unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) e em unidades especializadas (UE) no estado de Mato Grosso. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com base em todos os registros (N = 323) de recidivas de hanseníase do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) de 2004 a 2006, notificados no estado de Mato Grosso. Os casos diagnosticados foram comparados quanto ao sexo, idade, aspectos clínico-laboratoriais e distribuição geográfica nos municípios. Para a comparação e cálculo das proporções das variáveis utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado ao nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Das novas entradas de recidiva, 20% foi confirmado nas UE e 80% em UBS; entretanto, a maioria dos diagnósticos em UBS tinham baciloscopia negativa (÷² =12,34; p = 0,002). O sexo masculino atingiu 71%, com idade média de 43 anos. Não foi observada diferença nos percentuais das entradas entre as unidades de saúde segundo forma clínica, classificação operacional e grau de incapacidade física. Do total de municípios do estado, 64,7% apresentou recidiva, com percentual entre 6% e 20% de todas as entradas. CONCLUSÕES: As novas entradas de casos de recidiva em Mato Grosso são influenciadas pelos diagnósticos feitos em UBS, sugerindo que há deficiência na rede de serviços de saúde em reconhecer casos de recidiva.
Fatores psicossociais do trabalho e transtornos mentais comuns em eletricitários
Authors: Souza Suerda Fortaleza de , Carvalho Fernando Martins , Araújo Tânia Maria de , Porto Lauro Antonio
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Identificar aspectos psicossociais do trabalho associados a transtornos mentais comuns em trabalhadores da manutenção de equipamentos e linhas de transmissão de energia elétrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 158 trabalhadores do setor de manutenção de uma empresa de energia elétrica no Nordeste do Brasil. A variável independente principal foram os aspectos psicossociais do trabalho, medidos segundo o modelo demanda-controle (trabalho passivo, trabalho ativo, trabalho com baixa exigência e trabalho com alta exigência), e a variável dependente foi a prevalência dos transtornos mentais comuns, medida pelo Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). As relações entre as variáveis foram analisadas em modelos de regressão logística múltipla, considerando-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns foi de 20,3%, variando segundo as quatro categorias do modelo demanda-controle. O grupo com trabalho de alta exigência apresentou prevalência 2,7 vezes maior em relação ao grupo com trabalho de baixa exigência, após ajuste pelas covariáveis prática de atividade física, lazer, escolaridade e apoio social. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns esteve associada a aspectos psicossociais presentes no trabalho dos eletricitários, sobretudo o trabalho com alta exigência, assim como alta demanda psicológica e baixo apoio social.
Relationship between mode‐boundary from surface color to fluorescent appearance and preferred gamut on wide‐gamut displays
Authors: Fujine Toshiyuki , Kanda Takashi , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Sugino Michiyuki , Teragawa Masatsugu , Yamamoto Yoichi , Ohta Noboru
Published: July 2010

Abstract— Color‐gamut design is a major concern in wide‐gamut displays. To determine a preferred gamut for displaying object color in natural scenes on a wide‐gamut display, subjective evaluations were conducted to investigate the preferred color and acceptable limit. Then, simple synthesized images were used to determine the mode boundary between surface color and fluorescent color appearance. It was found that (1) observers perceived the colors with high saturation and high lightness as fluorescent colors and (2) the fluorescent appearance decreased preference. The color‐mode index (CMI) was defined as an evaluation index of the color‐appearance mode so that the boundary between surface color and fluorescent color appearance was defined as CMI 100. Additionally, it was found that the CMI 100 loci could be interpreted as an optimal color loci. Then, it was clarified that the mode boundary and the preferred gamut were closely related and that the acceptable limit for L* was 1.1 times L* for CMI 100.
New applications for LTPS array technology including lab‐on‐chip and MEMS actuators
Authors: Young Nigel D. , Fish David A. , Ponjée Marc W. G. , Trainor Michael J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract— The use of low‐temperature poly‐Si technology for new applications beyond displays is presented. These applications include lab‐on‐chip, MEMS actuators, and sensors. As a key example, the use of high‐voltage poly‐Si TFTs for rapid heating and temperature control, as is required for DNA amplification within lab‐on‐chip, is described in detail. Other examples given include MEMS ink‐jet printer heads and the formation of photosensors and impedance sensors for optical and electronic input, which can be used not only in displays and lab‐on‐chip, but also for new applications such as fingerprint sensing and particle counting.
Effect of daylight on regrowth of bacteria in anaerobically digested sludge
Authors: Gözen İrep , Örmeci Banu
Published: July 2010

This study investigated the regrowth of total coliform, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens in anaerobically digested sludge after centrifuge dewatering in the presence and absence of daylight. Sludge cake and centrate samples were collected from a treatment plant, and half of the samples was stored in daylight and the other half was stored in dark for three weeks. The bacteria levels in the cake and centrate samples were measured periodically throughout the storage period, and all three bacteria showed substantial regrowth. Presence of daylight increased the regrowth of Salmonella both in sludge cake and centrate, and increased the regrowth of total coliform in centrate. Salmonella exhibited the highest regrowth rate in cake among the three bacteria tested both in the presence and absence of light. Daylight did not appear to have a significant impact on the regrowth of Clostridium perfringens in cake and centrate, and on the regrowth of total coliform in cake. This might, however, be caused by the masking effect of the higher initial numbers of these bacteria in the samples. There is need for more research to thoroughly understand the effect of daylight on the regrowth of sludge bacteria.
Estimating the submarine groundwater and nutrients discharge of Yellow River delta with cross-section method
Authors: Liu Guanqun , Wang Juan , Yuan Ruiqiang , Sun Beibei , Zhu Liangchao , Wang Yansi
Published: July 2010

In this paper, cross-section method was used to estimate the groundwater and nutrients discharge fluxing to the Bohai Sea from the Yellow River Delta. The flux of shallow phreatic groundwater (within 10 m) in the Yellow River Farm discharging into sea was 2.9 × 10−5 m3/m d in 2004 and 3.1 × 10−5 m3/m d in 2005. Time distribution monthly mean flux is consistent with the Yellow River's runoff but taking on lag effect. And the volume of the phreatic water discharging from the whole delta is 3.71–3.77 × 103 m3, which is 2 × 10−5% of the Yellow River's annual runoff. The transport amount of shallow confined water (buried depth 15–20 m) from 2004 to 2005 was 5.7–6.2 × 10−3 m3/m d in the Yellow River delta, 0.0037–0.004% of the runoff of Yellow River. There is low concentration of NO3−, NH4+ and PO43− but high dissolved SiO2 in the shallow confined aquifer. Despite the high concentration of phreatic nitrate, it weakly influences the seawater because of the little flux of discharge into sea.
Assessment of chemically modified sugarcane bagasse for lead adsorption from aqueous medium
Authors: Santos V. C. G. Dos , Tarley C. R. T. , Caetano J. , Dragunski D. C.
Published: July 2010

This study evaluated the adsorption capacity of chemically modified sugarcane bagasse with citric acid (B-CA), sodium hydroxide (B-S) and citric acid and sodium hydroxide (B-CAS) for Pb2 +  ion adsorption in aqueous medium. Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to characterise the materials, where the chemical modification was confirmed by the presence of carboxylate groups created at 1,730 cm−1 peak. All assays related to Pb2 +  ion adsorption onto adsorbent, i.e. equilibrium time between Pb2 +  ions and adsorbate (24 h), as well as Pb2 +  ion concentration, were performed in batch system. The initial and final Pb2 +  ion concentration after shaking time was determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). Isotherm adsorptions were applied to Langmuir and Freundlich linear models and maximum adsorption capacity (MAC) of materials towards Pb2 +  ions was calculated in function of modifications. A significant improvement regarding Pb2 +  ion adsorption after the bagasse treatment with citric acid, in which MAC was 52.63 mg g−1, was observed. The adsorptions followed the behaviour described by the Langmuir linear model and its kinetics follow the behaviour described by the pseudo-second-order equation.
An evolutionary solution for multimodal shortest path problem in metropolises
Authors: Abbaspour Rahim , Samadzadegan Farhad
Published: July 2010

This paper addresses the problem of time-dependent shortest multimodal path in complex and large urban areas. This problem is one of the important and practical problems in several fields such as transportation, and recently attracts the research focus due to developments in new application areas. An adapted evolutionary algorithm, in which chromosomes with variable lengths and particularly defined evolutionary stages were used, was employed to solve the problem. The proposed solution was tested over the dataset of city of Tehran. The evaluation consists of computing shortest multimodal path between 250 randomly selected pairs of origins and destination points with different distances. It was assumed that three modes of walking, bus, and subway are used to travel between points. Moreover, some tests were conducted over the dataset to illustrate the robustness of method. The experimental results and related indices such as convergence plot show that the proposed algorithm can find optimum path according to applied constraints.
Thymoma in Children: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Liang Xiayuan , Lovell Mark A. , Capocelli Kelley E. , Albano Edythe A. , Birch Sarah , Keating Amy K. , Graham Douglas K.
Published: July 2010

Thymoma is an uncommon and slow-growing neoplasm. It is derived from thymic epithelial cells and comprises about 20% to 30% of mediastinal masses in adults, but only about 1% in pediatric patients. Patients usually present with mass-associated respiratory symptoms, superior vena cava syndrome, or paraneoplastic syndrome including myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, or acquired hypogammaglobulinemia, and connective tissue disorders. Due to the limited number of cases, knowledge, and experience with thymoma in pediatric patients, the diagnosis and treatment are very challenging for this age group. In this article, we report 2 cases of thymoma in childhood and provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the reported pediatric cases in the past 30 years (total of 32 cases). We found that patients younger than age 10 years were predominantly male (M:F = 6:1) and had advanced tumor stage more frequent than patients older than age 10 ( P = .03). There were also significant associations of male sex with more advanced tumor stage and less favorable outcome ( P = .03). These findings suggest that age and sex may be additional potential prognostic contributors in pediatric patients with thymoma. The clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis, and current therapeutic recommendations of this uncommon tumor in pediatric patients are also addressed.
Sertoliform Cystadenoma: A Case with Overlapping Features
Authors: Kacar Ayper , Senel Emrah , Caliskan Dogus , Demirel Fatma , Tiryaki Tugrul
Published: July 2010

The 1st pediatric case of sertoliform cystadenoma with unique features is described herein. The patient is a 6-year-old boy who presented with gynecomastia and a left testicular cystic mass. Histopathologically the tumor was found to originate from the rete channels, filling and distending them with areas of mural Sertoli cell proliferations reminiscent of large cell Sertoli cell tumor (noncalcifying form) and showing widespread intratubular Sertoli cell proliferation islands in the vicinity. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical features are described in light of the relevant literature.
Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Kyung-Min , Croy Ted , Hertel Jay , Saliba Susan
Published: July 2010

Study Design

Systematic literature review.

Objective

To perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on quadriceps strength, functional performance, and self-reported function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of NMES following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods

Searches were performed for randomized controlled trials using electronic databases from 1966 through October 2008. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Between-group effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials were included. The average Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale score was 4 out of possible maximum 10. The effect sizes for quadriceps strength measures (isometric or isokinetic torque) from 7 studies ranged from −0.74 to 3.81 at approximately 6 weeks postoperatively; 6 of 11 comparisons were statistically significant, with strength benefits favoring NMES treatment. The effect sizes for functional performance measures from 1 study ranged from 0.07 to 0.64 at 6 weeks postoperatively; none of 3 comparisons were statistically significant, and the effect sizes for self-reported function measures from 1 study were 0.66 and 0.72 at 12 to 16 weeks postoperatively; both comparisons were statistically significant, with benefits favoring NMES treatment.

Conclusion

NMES combined with exercise may be more effective in improving quadriceps strength than exercise alone, whereas its effect on functional performance and patient-oriented outcomes is inconclusive. Inconsistencies were noted in the NMES parameters and application of NMES.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1a-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(7):383–391. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3184
Waterfall ice: formation, structure and evolution
Authors: Montagnat M. , Weiss J. , Cinquin-Lapierre B. , Labory P.A. , Moreau L. , Damilano F. , Lavigne D.
Published: July 2010

For the first time, to our knowledge, a scientific study of the formation and evolution of waterfall ice, the ephemeral ice structures that form from the freezing of liquid water seeping on steep rock, was performed. We surveyed and analysed three waterfall ice structures near Glacier d’Argentière, Mont Blanc massif, France, between winter 2007 and spring 2009. We reconstruct the global evolution of two vertical ice structures using automatic digital cameras, while the internal ice microstructure was analysed using ice coring and sampling. Macro- and microstructural observations are considered, along with temperature conditions recorded at a nearby meteorological station and directly within the ice structure. They reveal that vertical structures initially grow rapidly from the aggregation of stalactites with microstructures indicative of temperature conditions during their crystallization. After this initial stage, the volume of the ice structure reaches an asymptotic value, as water continues to flow inside the structure, isolated from the outside cold ice; the outer surface remains dry. At the end of the season, the collapse of the free-standing structure does not occur by progressive melting, but is initiated by a horizontal crack propagation at the top. The initiation of this crack seems to be triggered by a drastic temperature decrease.
Seismic wave attenuation in the uppermost glacier ice of Storglaciären, Sweden
Authors: Gusmeroli Alessio , Clark Roger A. , Murray Tavi , Booth Adam D. , Kulessa Bernd , Barrett Brian E.
Published: July 2010

We conducted seismic refraction surveys in the upper ablation area of Storglaciären, a small valley glacier located in Swedish Lapland. We estimated seismic-wave attenuation using the spectral-ratio method on the energy travelling in the uppermost ice with an average temperature of approximately −1 °C. Attenuation values were derived between 100 and 300 Hz using the P-wave quality factor, QP, the inverse of the internal friction. By assuming constant attenuation along the seismic line we obtained mean QP = 6 ± 1. We also observed that QP varies from 8 ± 1 to 5 ± 1 from the near-offset to the far-offset region of the line, respectively. Since the wave propagates deeper at far offsets, this variation is interpreted by considering the temperature profile of the study area; far-offset arrivals sampled warmer and thus more-attenuative ice. Our estimates are considerably lower than those reported for field studies in polar ice (∼500–1700 at −28°C and 50–160 at −10°C) and, hence, are supportive of laboratory experiments that show attenuation increases with rising ice temperature. Our results provide new in situ estimates of QP for glacier ice and demonstrate a valuable method for future investigations in both alpine and polar ice.
Mathematics of MBBS Curriculum 2002
Authors: Akhter Nayeema
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5617Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):3-5
Chittagong Medical College Recommendations for MBBS Curriculum 2002 Review
Authors: Khan Aminuddin A , Yunus Emran Bin , Hassan Md Mahtab Uddin , Haque Mahmudul , Mazumder Saroj Kumar , Chowdhury Shahanara
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5618Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):6-11
A Comparison of Calculated with Direct Measurement of Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level
Authors: Kamal Abu Hena Mostafa , Hossain Mosharref , Chowdhury Shahanara , Mahmud Nasir Uddin
Published: July 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v20i2.5621Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2009: 20(2):19-23
Entropy Generation Minima in Different Configurations of the Branching of a Fluid-Carrying Pipe in Laminar Isothermal Flow
Authors: Sciubba Enrico
Published: July 2010

The paper discusses a simple multi-variable optimization problem: the bifurcation of a branch of a pipe of circular cross-section with a given initial radius r0 and delivering a given mass flow rate m0.The optimization is performed using an objective function that prescribes the minimization of the entropy generation rate due — in this simple case — only to viscous flow effects within the tubes. Several fundamental simplifying assumptions are made to reduce the problem to a multi-variable optimization in three independent variables: the aspect ratio of the domain served by the flow, the diameter ratio of the primary and secondary branches, and the length of the secondary branch (the location of both the “source” of the fluid and the “sink”, i.e., the place of desired delivery of the fluid, being a datum).It is shown that the solution is strongly dependent both on the aspect ratio and on the diameter ratio, and that the "optimal" configurations display some resemblance to the branching patterns observed in natural structures. The study poses a challenge both to Designers and to Natural Scientists: are the optima suggested by the present procedure compatible with the structures currently used in heat exchangers and flow devices? Are they compatible with the structures observed in nature? No final answer is provided in this preliminary study, but a possible "falsification" procedure is outlined in the conclusions.
The Protective Effects of the Active Fraction of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Injury in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Liu Li , Duan Jin Ao , Tang Yu Ping , Ma Hong Yue , Su Shu Lan , Guo Jian Ming , Hua Yong Qing
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the protective effects of the active fraction (SF-7) from Shaofu Zhuyu decoction (SFZYD) were tested on a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) oxidative injury model. This active fraction (SF-7) shows potent antioxidant properties. The cell viability and oxidative damage markers of VSMCs were determined after exposure to H2O2 for 16 hours. It was observed that SF-7 significantly increased cell survival and reduced apoptosis of H2O2-injured VSMCs. Moreover, SF-7 could markedly increase intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in H2O2-injured VSMCs, and suppress the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Thus, SF-7 exhibits protective effects against H2O2-injury on VSMCs, which may be associated with its antioxidant properties. It is suggested that SF may be useful in the treatment of blood stasis syndrome in which oxidative injury is mainly implicated.
Rational Polytherapy with Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Lee Jong Woo , Dworetzky Barbara
Published: July 2010

Approximately 30–40% of patients do not achieve seizure control with a single antiepileptic drug (AED). With the advent of multiple AEDs in the past 15 years, rational polytherapy, the goal of finding combinations of AEDs that have favorable characteristics, has become of greater importance. We review the theoretical considerations based on AED mechanism of action, animal models, human studies in this field, and the challenges in finding such optimal combinations. Several case scenarios are presented, illustrating examples of rational polytherapy.