bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tyrosinase Is the Modifier of Retinoschisis in Mice
Authors: Johnson Britt A , Cole Brian S , Geisert Eldon E , Ikeda Sakae , Ikeda Akihiro
Published: September 2010

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a form of macular degeneration with a juvenile onset. This disease is caused by mutations in the retinoschisin (RS1) gene. The major clinical pathologies of this disease include splitting of the retina (schisis) and a loss in synaptic transmission. Human XLRS patients display a broad range in phenotypic severity, even among family members with the same mutation. This variation suggests the existence of genetic modifiers that may contribute to disease severity. Previously, we reported the identification of a modifier locus, named Mor1, which affects severity of schisis in a mouse model of XLRS (the Rs1tmgc1 mouse). Homozygosity for the protective AKR allele of Mor1 restores cell adhesion in Rs1tmgc1 mice. Here, we report our study to identify the Mor1 gene. Through collecting recombinant mice followed by progeny testing, we have localized Mor1 to a 4.4-Mb region on chromosome 7. In this genetic region, the AKR strain is known to carry a mutation in the tyrosinase (Tyr) gene. We observed that the schisis phenotype caused by the Rs1 mutation is rescued by a Tyr mutation in the C57BL/6J genetic background, strongly suggesting that Tyr is the Mor1 gene.
A Molecularly Defined Duplication Set for the X Chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Venken Koen J T , Popodi Ellen , Holtzman Stacy L , Schulze Karen L , Park Soo , Carlson Joseph W , Hoskins Roger A , Bellen Hugo J , Kaufman Thomas C
Published: September 2010

We describe a molecularly defined duplication kit for the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. A set of 408 overlapping P[acman] BAC clones was used to create small duplications (average length 88 kb) covering the 22-Mb sequenced portion of the chromosome. The BAC clones were inserted into an attP docking site on chromosome 3L using ΦC31 integrase, allowing direct comparison of different transgenes. The insertions complement 92% of the essential and viable mutations and deletions tested, demonstrating that almost all Drosophila genes are compact and that the current annotations of the genome are reasonably accurate. Moreover, almost all genes are tolerated at twice the normal dosage. Finally, we more precisely mapped two regions at which duplications cause diplo-lethality in males. This collection comprises the first molecularly defined duplication set to cover a whole chromosome in a multicellular organism. The work presented removes a long-standing barrier to genetic analysis of the Drosophila X chromosome, will greatly facilitate functional assays of X-linked genes in vivo, and provides a model for functional analyses of entire chromosomes in other species.
Diminishing Returns From Beneficial Mutations and Pervasive Epistasis Shape the Fitness Landscape for Rifampicin Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: MacLean R C , Perron G G , Gardner A
Published: September 2010

Because adaptation depends upon the fixation of novel beneficial mutations, the fitness effects of beneficial mutations that are substituted by selection are key to our understanding of the process of adaptation. In this study, we experimentally investigated the fitness effects of beneficial mutations that are substituted when populations of the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapt to the antibiotic rifampicin. Specifically, we isolated the first beneficial mutation to be fixed by selection when 96 populations of three different genotypes of P. aeruginosa that vary considerably in fitness in the presence of rifampicin were challenged with adapting to a high dose of this antibiotic. The simple genetics of rifampicin resistance allowed us to determine the genetic basis of adaptation in the majority of our populations. We show that the average fitness effects of fixed beneficial mutations show a simple and clear pattern of diminishing returns, such that selection tends to fix mutations with progressively smaller effects as populations approach a peak on the adaptive landscape. The fitness effects of individual mutations, on the other hand, are highly idiosyncratic across genetic backgrounds, revealing pervasive epistasis. In spite of this complexity of genetic interactions in this system, there is an overall tendency toward diminishing-returns epistasis. We argue that a simple overall pattern of diminishing-returns adaptation emerges, despite pervasive epistasis between beneficial mutations, because many beneficial mutations are available, and while the fitness landscape is rugged at the fine scale, it is smooth and regular when we consider the average over possible routes to adaptation. In the context of antibiotic resistance, these results show that acquiring mutations that confer low levels of antibiotic resistance does not impose any constraint on the ability to evolve high levels of resistance.
Neonatal Candidiasis: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Judgment
Authors: Benjamin Daniel K. , Stoll Barbara J. , Gantz Marie G. , Walsh Michele C. , Sánchez Pablo J. , Das Abhik , Shankaran Seetha , Higgins Rosemary D. , Auten Kathy J. , Miller Nancy A. , Walsh Thomas J. , Laptook Abbot R. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Kennedy Kathleen A. , Finer Neil N. , Duara Shahnaz , Schibler Kurt , Chapman Rachel L. , Van Meurs Krisa P. , Frantz Ivan D. , Phelps Dale L. , Poindexter Brenda B. , Bell Edward F. , O'Shea T. Michael , Watterberg Kristi L. , Goldberg Ronald N. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Invasive candidiasis is a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality in extremely low birth weight (<1000-g) infants. We quantified risk factors that predict infection in premature infants at high risk and compared clinical judgment with a prediction model of invasive candidiasis.

METHODS:

The study involved a prospective observational cohort of infants ≤1000 g birth weight at 19 centers of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. At each sepsis evaluation, clinical information was recorded, cultures were obtained, and clinicians prospectively recorded their estimate of the probability of invasive candidiasis. Two models were generated with invasive candidiasis as their outcome: (1) potentially modifiable risk factors; and (2) a clinical model at time of blood culture to predict candidiasis.

RESULTS:

Invasive candidiasis occurred in 137 of 1515 (9.0%) infants and was documented by positive culture from ≥1 of these sources: blood (n = 96); cerebrospinal fluid (n = 9); urine obtained by catheterization (n = 52); or other sterile body fluid (n = 10). Mortality rate was not different for infants who had positive blood culture compared with those with isolated positive urine culture. Incidence of candida varied from 2% to 28% at the 13 centers that enrolled ≥50 infants. Potentially modifiable risk factors included central catheter, broad-spectrum antibiotics (eg, third-generation cephalosporins), intravenous lipid emulsion, endotracheal tube, and antenatal antibiotics. The clinical prediction model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 and was superior to clinician judgment (0.70) in predicting subsequent invasive candidiasis.

CONCLUSION:

Previous antibiotics, presence of a central catheter or endotracheal tube, and center were strongly associated with invasive candidiasis. Modeling was more accurate in predicting invasive candidiasis than clinical judgment.
Day Care Increases the Risk of Respiratory Morbidity in Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity
Authors: McGrath-Morrow Sharon A. , Lee Grace , Stewart Beth H. , McGinley Brian M. , Lefton-Greif Maureen A. , Okelo Sande O. , Collaco J. Michael
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Infants and children with chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLDP) are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality from respiratory viral infections. Exposure to respiratory viruses may be increased in the day care environment. The risk of respiratory morbidity from day care attendance in the CLDP population is unknown. We therefore sought to determine if day care attendance is a significant risk factor for increased respiratory morbidity and symptoms in infants and children with CLDP.

METHODS:

Between January 2008 and October 2009, parents of infants and children with CLDP were surveyed. Information on perinatal history, sociodemographic information, day care attendance, and indicators of respiratory morbidity, including emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, systemic corticosteroid use, antibiotic use, and respiratory symptoms, was collected on children <3 years of age. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations between exposure to day care and respiratory morbidities.

RESULTS:

Data were collected from 111 patients with CLDP. The average gestational age was 26.2 ± 2.0 weeks. Day care attendance was associated with significantly higher adjusted odds for ED visits (odds ratio [OR]: 3.74 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.41–9.91]; P < .008), systemic corticosteroid use (OR: 2.22 [CI: 1.10–4.49]; P < .026), antibiotic use (OR: 2.40 [CI: 1.08–5.30]; P < .031), and days with trouble breathing (OR: 2.72 [CI: 1.30–5.69]; P < .008). Although there was an increased OR for hospitalization (OR: 3.22 [CI: 0.97–10.72]; P < .057), this did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS:

We found that day care attendance is associated with increased respiratory morbidities in young children with CLDP. Physicians should consider screening for and educating caregivers about the risks of day care attendance by young children with CLDP.
Improving the Quality of Discharge Communication With an Educational Intervention
Authors: Key-Solle Mikelle , Paulk Elizabeth , Bradford Kathleen , Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Lewis Matthew C. , Shomaker Kyrie
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:

Communication between hospital providers and primary care physicians at the time of hospital discharge is necessary for optimal patient care and safety. Content of the inpatient discharge summary (DS) is not uniformly addressed by residency programs.

OBJECTIVE:

To improve DSs quality through a brief educational intervention.

METHODS:

We prospectively enrolled interns (first-year pediatric residents [PL1s]) in an educational intervention that consisted of a group session in which components of a high-quality DS were taught and a subsequent brief small-group session in which key components with distribution of a reminder card were reiterated. Six key components were identified: diagnosis; timely completion; pending laboratory work/studies; medications; length ≤3 pages; and discharge weight. DSs prepared by PL1s before and after the small-group session were objectively scored by blinded reviewers on the basis of how many DS components they contained (maximum score: 6). Scores were compared with historical controls of PL1s from the previous year. Audit scores were analyzed by using a mixed-effects linear regression model.

RESULTS:

Sixty-four PL1s were enrolled in the study; 477 DSs were scored. Mean score before the small-group reminder session was 3.6 in both groups. In mixed-effects models, scores in the intervention group increased by 0.56 points (P = .002) and DSs incorporating at least 5 of 6 components increased from 22% to 41% (P < .001) after the small-group session, whereas the control group's scores were unchanged.

CONCLUSION:

A brief, low-intensity educational intervention can improve quality of discharge communication and be incorporated into residency training. Electronic templates should incorporate prompts for key components of a DS.
Gender, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Reading Disability in a Population-Based Birth Cohort
Authors: Yoshimasu Kouichi , Barbaresi William J. , Colligan Robert C. , Killian Jill M. , Voigt Robert G. , Weaver Amy L. , Katusic Slavica K.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the incidence of reading disability (RD) among children with and without research-identified attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), separately according to gender, in a population-based birth cohort.

METHOD:

Subjects included all children born in 1976–1982 remaining in Rochester, Minnesota, after 5 years of age (n = 5718). Information from medical, school, and private tutorial records was abstracted. Cumulative incidence of RD, by any of 3 RD formulas, in children with and without ADHD and corresponding hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated separately according to gender.

RESULTS:

Cumulative incidence of RD by the age of 19 years was significantly higher in children with ADHD (51% in boys, 46.7% in girls) compared with those without ADHD (14.5% in boys, 7.7% in girls). Among children with ADHD, the risk for RD was similar in boys versus girls (HR: 1.0). However, among children without ADHD, boys were 2.0 times more likely than girls to meet RD criteria. Among girls, the HR for the risk for RD associated with ADHD (versus those without ADHD) was 8.1 (95% confidence interval: 5.7–11.5), which was significantly higher than the corresponding HR among boys (3.9 [95% confidence interval: 3.2–4.9]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The risk for RD is significantly greater among children with ADHD compared with those without ADHD. Among children with ADHD, the risk for RD is the same for boys and girls. However, among children without ADHD, boys are more at risk for RD than girls. Among girls, the magnitude of increased risk for RD associated with ADHD is nearly twice that among boys, because girls without ADHD are less likely to have RD than boys without ADHD.
Dietary and Activity Correlates of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Adolescents
Authors: Ranjit Nalini , Evans Martin H. , Byrd-Williams Courtney , Evans Alexandra E. , Hoelscher Deanna M.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the dietary and activity correlates of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by children in middle and high school.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 15 283 children in middle and high schools in Texas. Consumption of sodas and noncarbonated flavored and sports beverages (FSBs) were examined separately for their associations with the level of (1) unhealthy food (fried meats, French fries, desserts) consumption, (2) healthy food (vegetables, fruit, and milk) consumption, (3) physical activity including usual vigorous physical activity and participation in organized physical activity, and (4) sedentary activity, including hours spent watching television, using the computer, and playing video games.

RESULTS:

For both genders, consumption of soda and FSBs was systematically associated with a number of unhealthy dietary practices and with sedentary behaviors. However, consumption of FSBs showed significant positive graded associations with several healthy dietary practices and level of physical activity, whereas soda consumption showed no such associations with healthy behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Consumption of FSBs coexists with healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors, which suggests popular misperception of these beverages as being consistent with a healthy lifestyle. Assessment and obesity-prevention efforts that target sugar-sweetened beverages need to distinguish between FSBs and sodas.
Die Musik der ungarischen Pauliner im 17.–18. Jahrhundert
Authors: Richter Pál
Published: September 2010

After the Turkish domination three monastic orders, the Jesuits, the Franciscans, and the order of the Hermits of St. Paul took major part at reconstruction, re-Catholicizing, and education in Hungary. Since the Paulines, as the sole order founded in Hungary, used the liturgy of Esztergom from the beginning of the 14th century, researches on 17–18th century music of the order focused mainly on mediaeval relics: survival of plain chant and the so-called Hungarian notation. Information about the musical life and the music of Paulines can be combined from two types of sources: from inventories, diaries,
historia domus
of dissolved monasteries, and from musical manuscripts (choir-books, organ-books) written and used by Pauline monks. The song repertoire (hymns) of the Baroque and early Classic era had been regarded of lesser value by Hungarian musicologists although Hungarian translations of some of the songs and their concordance with Franciscan manuscripts suggest a widespread use. Hungarian folksongs and melodies rooted in the folk tradition were not foreign to the Pauline practice: P. Gábor Koncz closed his songbook with Christmas carols which were in wide use in Hungarian folk tradition. Some polyphonic pieces also belong to the accurate and authentic picture of Pauline tradition of the 17–18th century. This polyphony requires no professional singers, it is a very simple, folk-like homophony in pastoral manner appropriate to education at schools.
Perspektiven der Haydn-Forschung nach dem Abschluss der Gesamtausgabe
Authors: Raab Armin
Published: September 2010

The most important project of Haydn research in the 20th century, the first complete critical edition
Joseph Haydn Werke
will be completed in 2014. It is compiled by the Joseph Haydn Institute at Cologne, which was founded in 1955 and stores a comprehensive collection of sources, reproductions and all the Haydn literature. Beyond the complete edition basic philological work remains to be done — and should be done at this research center: A new edition of Haydn’s letters and a new
catalogue raisonné
replacing the outdated one by Hoboken.
Originality as market-value: Remarks on the fantasia in C Hob. XVII:4 and Haydn as musical entrepreneur
Authors: Fuhrmann Wolfgang
Published: September 2010

The distinction between aesthetic and commercial value emerged in the later eighteenth century under the conditions of an emerging market for literature and music. Such a distinction was sharply pronounced in North German debate on music, especially concerning the “elitist” fantasia and the “populist” rondo. While Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach would pay lip service to the sharp reprobation of Forkel or Reichardt concerning commercialisation of music, he would nonetheless act as a businessman when it came to selling his music. Joseph Haydn and his Austrian contemporaries, on the other hand, seem to have had much less reservations concerning the idea of music as commodity; indeed, one could argue that Haydn consciously used his trade-marks like “originality” or “wit and humour” as a kind of branding. Commercial success, after all, allowed a composer to get a response from an otherwise anonymous and silent public. The issues at stake are exemplified by a comparison of two important piano pieces which combine elements of fantasia and rondo form: C. P. E. Bach’s Fantasia in C major, H. 291/Wq. 61,6, and Haydn’s Fantasia in C major, Hob. XVII:4.
Synchrotron x-ray μ-tomography to model the thermal radiative properties of an opaque ceramic coating at T = 1000 K
Authors: Rousseau B. , Gomart H. , Zanghi D. , Bernard D. , Stampanoni M.
Published: September 2010

Synchrotron x-ray μ-tomography has been used to reconstruct the three-dimensional view of a rough surface extracted from a heterogeneous ceramic coating composed of Pr2NiO4+δ. Radiographs with a resolution of 0.7 μm have been recorded at T = 300, 600, and 900 K. The analysis of surface geometry makes use of the geometrical optic approximation up to T = 900 K possible. Subsequently, a large number of rays (105) are impinged onto the numerical surface, as revealed by x-ray tomography, to reproduce the normal emissivity of the coating. This normal emissivity was obtained beforehand by infrared emittance spectroscopy at T = 1000 K. Comparison of the two approaches suggests that the optical contribution of the coating micropores can be integrated into the ray tracing code. The effective medium approximation is used for this purpose. Finally, the applicability of this hybrid approach is discussed.
Effects of an Al2O3 capping layer on La2O3 deposited by remote plasma atomic layer deposition
Authors: Kim Yongchan , Woo Sanghyun , Kim Hyungchul , Lee Jaesang , Kim Honggyu , Lee Hyerin , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: September 2010

The physical and electrical properties of La2O3 with and without an Al2O3 capping layer deposited by remote plasma atomic layer deposition were investigated. The electrical properties of the La2O3 films degraded due to the formation of lanthanum hydroxide after being exposed to air. The results of x-ray photoemission spectroscopy showed that the quantity of OH groups absorbed increased after exposure to air. For La2O3 with an Al2O3 capping layer, however, the electrical properties of the film did not change substantially because the capping layer effectively suppressed the formation of lanthanum hydroxide. The capacitance of the La2O3 decreased more than 30% after exposure to air, while La2O3 with an Al2O3 capping layer decreased by only about 4%. The VFB value of the La2O3 with an Al2O3 capping layer was near zero, and the hysteresis was about 120 mV. The leakage current densities of the film were maintained below 5 × 10−7 A/cm2 up to −15 MV/cm and the effective breakdown field was about −23.5 MV/cm.
Quality control of epitaxial LiCoO2 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Ohnishi T. , Hang B.T. , Xu X. , Osada M. , Takada K.
Published: September 2010

Thin films of c-axis-oriented LiCoO2 were epitaxially grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The ablation laser conditions greatly affect the crystal quality of the epitaxial LiCoO2 thin films. In addition, high-quality LiCoO2 thin films were found to grow without any impurity phases under relatively low oxygen partial pressure, although high pressure had been often selected to suppress the formation of Co3O4 with a lower valence state as an impurity. This result clearly indicates that the ablation laser conditions are an essential growth parameter, and that composition control is indispensable to grow high-quality complex compound thin films by PLD.
Niobium and tantalum doped titania particles
Authors: Štengl Václav , Houšková Vendula , Bakardjieva Snejana , Murafa Nataliya , Bezdička Petr
Published: September 2010

Niobium and tantalum doped anatase were prepared by thermal hydrolysis of peroxotitanium complex aqueous solutions containing of niobium or tantalum peroxo-complexes at 100 °C for 3 days. Niobium-doping increased the unit cell constants of anatase and changed the morphology of TiO2from spindle-like to rectangular or square cross section. Nb and Ta doping in the TiO2nanostructure increases the anatase to rutile transformation temperature to >1000 °C. In the visible region, the photocatalytic activity is directly proportional to the concentration and increases with increasing of Nb concentration. The niobium addition enhances the photocatalytic activity of titania in the visible light region.
Crystal orientation of β-Sn grain in Ni(P)/Sn–0.5Cu/Cu and Ni(P)/Sn–1.8Ag/Cu joints
Authors: Seo Sun-Kyoung , Cho Moon Gi , Lee Hyuck Mo
Published: September 2010

Electron backscatter diffraction analysis was used to compare the crystal orientation of β-Sn grains in Ni(P)/Sn–0.5Cu/Cu and Ni(P)/Sn–1.8Ag/Cu joints before and after aging. In Ni(P)/solder/Cu joints, the solder composition (Cu versus Ag) significantly affects β-Sn grain orientation. In Ni(P)/Sn–0.5Cu/Cu, there are two types of small columnar grains grown from Ni(P) and Cu under bump metallurgy with a high-angle grain boundary crossing the joint closer to the Ni side; in contrast, Ni(P)/Sn–1.8Ag/Cu has large grains with low-angle boundaries. During thermal aging at 150 °C for 250 h, the Ni(P)/Sn–0.5Cu/Cu joints undergo a more significant microstructural change than the Ni(P)/Sn–1.8Ag/Cu joint. Additionally, obvious ledges developed along the high-angle grain boundary between the upper and lower areas in the Sn–0.5Cu joint.
Formation of maghemite nanoparticles in bismuth telluride materials containing iron
Authors: Catchings R.M. , Thorpe A.N. , Grant J.R. , Douglas R. , Viragh C. , Adel-Hadadi M.A. , Gaskell K. , Barkatt A.
Published: September 2010

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) systems containing 2%, 4%, and 8% of iron were prepared using a low temperature wet chemical method. Iron oxide nanoparticles were formed when the samples were heated in hydrogen at 250 °C for at least six hours. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, magnetization, magnetic susceptibility, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and wet chemical analysis measurements. The nanoparticles of iron oxide were identified as γ-Fe2O3 with a particle size of ˜5 nm.
Tensile deformation of anisotropic porous copper with directional pores
Authors: Tane M. , Okamoto R. , Nakajima H.
Published: September 2010

The tensile deformation of anisotropic porous copper with unidirectionally oriented cylindrical pores was investigated by an acoustic emission method. In the loadings parallel and perpendicular to the orientation direction of the pores, many cracks are formed after yielding and they strongly affect the deformation. The formed cracks rapidly grow and connect with each other near the peak stress of the stress–strain curve, thereby leading to final fracture. Crack formation is easier under perpendicular loading than under parallel loading, because high stress concentration and stress triaxiality occurs around the pores. As a result, the strength and elongation for perpendicular loading are much smaller than those for parallel loading. Furthermore, in the case of perpendicular loading, the localized deformation around pores drastically decreases the plastic Poisson's ratio. These results indicate that a porous copper macroscopically behaves as a semibrittle material under perpendicular loading, while the porous copper exhibits ductility under parallel loading.
Production of granulated-copper oxide nanoparticles for catalytic application
Authors: Hosseinpour M. , Ahmadi S.J. , Mousavand T. , Outokesh M.
Published: September 2010

Ultra fine CuO nanoparticles in the range of 2 ± 0.2 nm were synthesized by the supercritical hydrothermal method in a batch reactor. It was demonstrated that elevating the pH of the Cu2+ precursor solution to around 6 (neutral condition) not only does not lead to excessive agglomeration of the particles, but also reduces particle size and in general promotes their nanoscale characteristics. Prepared nanoparticles were immobilized in the biopolymeric matrix of barium alginate and calcined at different temperatures resulting in microspherical granules of high porosity and elevated mechanical strength. The fabricated samples were characterized using x-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), nitrogen adsorption analysis (BET), mechanical testing, and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). It was found that topochemical models based on a nucleation growth mechanism fail in proper fitting of the TPR data. Instead, a generalized Sestak model in which different physicochemical mechanisms such as the mass action law are taken into account gives a satisfactory regression of the kinetics behavior.
Organic Thin-film Transistors for pH Detection
Authors: Demelas Monia , Caboni Alessandra , Barbaro Massimo , Bonfiglio Annalisa
Published: September 2010

A novel, flexible and ductile organic field-effect transistor (OFET) able to detect pH changes in chemical solutions has been realized and successfully tested. With respect to other organic pH sensors, based on an ISFET-like structure, in our approach the organic transistor is completely separated from the sensing active area and its gate is left floating. The device is biased with a fourth electrode (control-gate) capacitively coupled to the floating-gate. The floating-gate is functionalized by deposition of a layer of thio-amines able to protonize proportionally to the pH value of the solution thus modulating the drain current. The structure does not need an Ag/AgCl counter-electrode since the control-gate is not in contact with the solution. Moreover, the sensing mechanism does not depend on the choice of the dielectric and semiconductor material since the working principle is based on charge separation in the metal induced by the electric field. This structure also simplifies the realization of the fluidics since all the contactable electrodes (drain, source and control-gate) are on the same side of the substrate. A differential measurement approach was adopted in order to get rid of device aging and process-related fluctuations. With the same structure, other chemical species may be detected provided that a proper functionalization procedure is adopted.
Preparation and characterization of LiFePO4/graphene-oxide composites
Authors: Yu Hongming , Pan Ruijun , Chen Xuefei , Song Wentao , Xie Jian , Zhao Xinbing
Published: September 2010

LiFePO4/graphene-oxide (GNO) composites were prepared by co-precipitation method. Their structure and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. A low content of GNO can be uniformly dispersed in the matrix of LiFePO4 nano particles, while at a higher content, GNO will aggregate severely and has a negative effect on the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4. Further heat treatment can improve the crystallinity of LiFePO4, and improve the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 with a relatively low content of GNO.
Significant Ultra-low Percolation Threshold, Enhanced Positive Temperature Coefficient Effect and Dielectric Permittivity in Polymer-based Composites with Immiscible Polymers
Authors: Xu Haiping , Bing Naici , Wu Yihua , Yang Dandan , Dang Zhimin
Published: September 2010

Significant conductive polymer-based composites consisting of immiscible semi-crystalline polymers PP and PVDF, at different volume ratios loaded with a certain concentration of CB were prepared by blending and sequent hot-pressing technology. The distributing status of CB in the polymers was evaluated through the micrographs of the composite. The percolation threshold of this kind of composite is much lower than those of the individual polymers. Even more, the composite at 1/1 volume ratio of PP and PVDF displays the best conductivity among different ratios at a certain concentration of CB, and it displays an outstanding PTC effect more than five orders of magnitude, and synchronously an enhanced dielectric permittivity about 24.9 at 100 Hz. These inimitable properties may owe to the formation of PP/PVDF co-continuous phases and a double-percolation effect in the composite. The novel polymer-based composite with ultra-low percolation threshold, enhanced PTC effect, as well as the significant dielectric permittivity is promising a potential application.
Mental health literacy
Authors: Guendouzi Jacki , Williams Mandy J , Manasco Hunter
Published: September 2010

This paper reports on qualitative data collected from allied healthcare students’ (n =300) response to two open ended questions that required them to describe the greatest impairments caused by dementia and what they feared most about dementia. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that memory loss and cognitive problems were cited as the greatest impairments in dementia, while disconnection to others and dependence and burden upon others (particularly family and friends) were the most dominant themes in relation to fears of developing dementia. Further analysis of individual responses showed that typically the participants’ descriptions reflected both professional and public domain discourses associated with dementia. The data raises questions relating to how we train healthcare professionals in relation to mental health literacy in the case of dementia.
An open letter to the journal
Authors: Duchan Judith
Published: September 2010

This letter welcomes on the scene this new journal, celebrating it as a milestone for qualitative research in the field of communication disorders. The history leading up to this milestone is reviewed, beginning with the ancients. The letter ends with a caution that the journal should be adventuresome and embrace a wide variety of studies that fall under the rubric of qualitative work.
Interaction-focused intervention
Authors: Wilkinson Ray
Published: September 2010

In recent years within the field of communication disorders there has been an increased focus on conversation as a site for assessment and intervention. In particular, much of this work has drawn on the socio-linguistic approach of Conversation Analysis (CA). In this paper the contribution of CA to aphasia, and in particular intervention for aphasia, is discussed. It is suggested that CA constitutes a distinctive, interaction-focused approach to intervention which differs from, but complements, impairment-focused, communication-focused and participation-focused approaches. Distinctive features of this approach in relation to planning, implementing and evaluating intervention are discussed, and some future directions are discussed.
Living with Language Impairment
Authors: Brinton Bonnie , Fujiki Martin
Published: September 2010

Language impairment (LI) affects children in numerous ways. As they mature, children with LI may demonstrate ongoing problems with communication and academics as well as challenges with social interaction, social acceptance, and friendship formation. The life experience of children with LI is likely to be characterized by persistent difficulty across a wide range of tasks as well as social isolation in a variety of contexts.
Talk about goals for aphasia therapy
Authors: Ferguson Alison , Worrall Linda , Davidson Bronwyn , Hersh Deborah , Howe Tami , Sherratt Sue
Published: September 2010

Employing Systemic Functional Linguistics, this paper presents a critical discourse analysis of talk about goals for aphasia therapy by five people with aphasia, their five family members, and their eight treating speech-language pathologists. While speech-language pathologists talked explicitly about goals, people with aphasia and their family members talked about these implicitly. The further analysis of one set of participants found that the wife was observed to use very concrete, activity focused language, in contrast to the more abstract and technical language used by the speech-language pathologist. The language used by these participants indicated different ways of conceptualising goals for people with aphasia. The counterpoint available through this critical discourse analysis is suggested to offer useful reflection on talk in everyday clinical contexts, and to provide directions for further research.
Auto-avaliação da saúde em adultos no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Peres Marco Aurélio , Masiero Anelise Viapiana , Longo Giana Zabarto , Rocha Gino Chaves da , Matos Izabella Barison , Najnie Kathie , Oliveira Maria Conceição de , Arruda Marina Patrício de , Peres Karen Glazer
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores associados à auto-avaliação da saúde em adultos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, com amostra de 2.051 adultos de 20 a 59 anos de Lages, SC, em 2007. Foram aplicados questionários domiciliares para obter dados sobre auto-avaliação da saúde, condições socioeconômicas e demográficas, tabagismo, de estilo de vida e morbidades auto-referidas. Foram aferidos pressão arterial, peso, altura e circunferência abdominal. A análise multivariável foi realizada por regressão de Poisson, ajustada pelo efeito do delineamento amostral e estratificada por sexo. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de auto-avaliação da saúde positiva foi de 74,2% (IC 95%: 71,3;77,0), significativamente maior nos homens (82,3%, IC 95%: 79,3;85,0) do que nas mulheres (66,9%, IC 95%: 63,2;70,7). Homens mais pobres, menos escolarizados e mais velhos apresentaram maiores prevalências de auto-avaliação da saúde negativa. Após o ajuste, níveis pressóricos elevados e referir chiado no peito foram fortemente associados à auto-avaliação negativa entre os homens. A prevalência de auto-avaliação negativa foi maior em mulheres mais pobres, menos escolarizadas e mais velhas e dentre as que apresentaram obesidade abdominal. Níveis pressóricos elevados, diabetes, chiado no peito e sintomas de falta de ar permaneceram associados ao desfecho após o ajuste nas mulheres. O número de morbidades auto-referidas por homens e mulheres associou-se à auto-avaliação da saúde negativa. CONCLUSÕES: Os mais velhos, as mulheres, os mais pobres e menos escolarizados avaliam sua condição de saúde como regular ou ruim. Quanto maior o número de morbidades auto-referidas, maior a proporção de indivíduos com auto-avaliação de saúde negativa, sendo o efeito das morbidades maior entre as mulheres.
Diversidade genética de pitayas nativas do cerrado com base em marcadores RAPD
Authors: Junqueira Keize Pereira , Faleiro Fábio Gelape , Junqueira Nilton Tadeu Vilela , Bellon Graciele , Lima Cristiane Andréa de , Souza Luciana Sobral de
Published: September 2010

As pitayas do Cerrado vegetam naturalmente sobre maciços rochosos de arenito ou quartzito, troncos de árvores e em solos arenosos de campos rupestres de Minas Gerais, Bahia, Goiás, Distrito Federal, Tocantins, Rio de Janeiro e Bahia, havendo fortes evidências de que a região central do Brasil seja o maior centro de dispersão das pitayas, tendo em vista a grande diversidade fenotípica observada em acessos coletados. Objetivou-se realizar o estudo da diversidade genética de 13 acessos de pitayas mantidos na coleção de germoplasma da Embrapa Cerrados por meio de marcadores moleculares RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA). O DNA genômico de cada acesso foi extraído, e quatorze iniciadores decâmeros foram utilizados para a obtenção de marcadores moleculares RAPD, que foram convertidos em matriz de dados binários, a partir da qual foram estimadas as distâncias genéticas entre os acessos com base no complemento do coeficiente de similaridade de Nei e Li (1979) e realizadas análises de agrupamento e de dispersão gráfica. Foram obtidos 162 marcadores RAPD, perfazendo uma média de 11,57 marcadores por primer. Do total de marcadores, 154 (95,06%) foram polimórficos. As distâncias genéticas variaram entre 0,088 e 0,848, sendo que os maiores valores observados se referem a distância entre o acesso de Unaí-MG e o acesso Seleção Embrapa Cerrados. O acesso que mais se diferenciou dos demais foi "Unaí-MG", que apresentou uma distância genética média de 0,675 em relação aos demais acessos. A alta distância genética verificada é devido ao fato de os referidos acessos não pertencerem à mesma espécie. Os agrupamentos dos acessos de pitaya pouco se relacionaram com a origem geográfica dos mesmos. A grande diversidade genética das pitayas encontradas no Cerrado permite incluir esse Bioma no centro de diversidade e abre boas perspectivas para maiores estudos acerca do potencial dessa frutífera.
Um centro de educação e formação de adultos que aprende
Authors: Loureiro Armando Paulo Ferreira
Published: September 2010

O presente artigo resulta de uma investigação etnográfica realizada junto de uma equipe técnica de educação de adultos de um centro de educação e formação do norte de Portugal. Um dos objetivos dessa pesquisa, retratado no presente texto, foi tentar perceber se e como uma equipe de educação de adultos pode ela própria aprender em local de trabalho e, dessa forma, tentar verificar se a instituição que enquadra a sua atividade se constituía como uma organização que aprende. Os resultados mostram que essa equipe aprende de diversas formas no desenrolar da sua ação e que está presente, naquele contexto, uma forte dimensão coletiva da aprendizagem. Na base desse processo estão suas regras de ação, ou seja, as formas características de fazer naquele local: a entreajuda, a reformulação do fazer, a generalização do fazer, os processos de reflexão na e sobre a ação. Perante tais resultados, concluise que estarmos perante uma comunidade de aprendizagem e uma organização que aprende.
A classe hospitalar como instrumento de participação política na construção coletiva da associação de pais e pacientes da hematooncologia
Authors: Ortiz Leodi Conceição Meireles , Garcia Simone Hoerbe , Zardo Sinara Pollom , Schmidt Denise Pasqual , Castro Sabrina Fernandes de , Meinen Carina Vizzotto , Rodrigues Eliane de Oliveira , Freitas Soraia Napoleão
Published: September 2010

O presente artigo tem como objetivo anunciar os marcos metodológico-vivenciais da pesquisa-ação, que, como instrumento de escuta, foi registrando os sonhos, a coragem, o desejo de crescimento e a participação tecida coletivamente de informantes aprendizes movidos pela busca da garantia de direitos. Este estudo, portanto, estandar diza a principal interface da pesquisa-ação: a relação de equivalência entre o aprendiza do da cidadania e as conquistas sociais.
Complicações da cirurgia videolaparoscópica no tratamento de doenças da vesícula e vias biliares
Authors: Salim Marcelo Talasso , Cutait Raul
Published: September 2010

RACIONAL: O tratamento de escolha para as doenças da vesícula biliar é a colecistectomia, cujo objetivo é o alívio de sintomas e o tratamento e/ou prevenção das complicações. OBJETIVO: Identificar as principais complicações da cirurgia videolaparoscópica no tratamento das doenças da vesícula biliar e vias biliares. MÉTODO: Realizou-se busca eletrônica na base de dados LILACS e Medline desde o ano de 1981 a agosto de 2007; foram encontrados 57 artigos, sendo utilizados para o estudo 31 e três capítulos de livros. RESULTADOS: A produção científica submetida à análise de conteúdo evidenciou os seguintes núcleos temáticos: variações anatômicas (3 artigos), iatrogenias (5 artigos), síndrome pós-colecistectomia (1 artigo), complicações raras (3 artigos), síndrome de Mirizzi (1 artigo), complicações pulmonares (2 artigos) e tratamento (1 capítulo de livro e três artigos). CONCLUSÕES: As complicações que podem ocorrer na cirurgia videolaparoscópica da vesícula biliar e das vias biliares têm basicamente duas vertentes: uma é a inexperiência dos cirurgiões com o método laparoscópico (curva de aprendizado) e outra, as variações anatômicas com as quais os cirurgiões, mesmo os mais experientes, podem se deparar.
CD34 e caspase-3: comparação, correlação de expressão e quantificação imunoistoquímica no adenocarcinoma gástrico
Authors: Silva Paulo Henrique Freitas Farias , Cuenca Ronaldo Mafia , Ribas-Filho Jurandir Marcondes , Ribas Carmen Australia Paredes Marcondes , Malafaia Osvaldo , Dobrowolski Samuel , Bora Fabio Roberto
Published: September 2010

RACIONAL: O câncer gástrico continua a desafiar a medicina moderna a compreender o seu comportamento biológico e a melhorar seus índices de cura cirúrgica e taxa de sobrevivência. OBJETIVO: Comparar e correlacionar a expressão e a quantificação dos marcadores caspase-3 e CD34 no adenocarcinoma gástrico com fatores clínico-patológicos e com os tumores gástricos proximais e distais. MÉTODO: Foi utilizada análise imunoistoquímica quantitativa com os anticorpos anti-caspase-3 policlonal de coelho e CD43 monoclonal de rato, para marcar células do adenocarcinoma gástrico em 26 casos com CD34 e 22 com caspase-3 oriundos de blocos parafinados. As lâminas foram lidas para os parâmetros índice de marcagem em porcentagem, e densidade óptica em pixels. A leitura foi realizada pelo sistema SAMBA de citofotometria de imagem. RESULTADOS: As análises mostraram que a expressão dos marcadores caspase-3 e CD34 são elevadas, onde a média e o desvio-padrão para o índice de marcagem foram, respectivamente 87,72% ± 7,89 e 84,86% ± 9,17 e, para a densidade óptica, foram 60,75 ± 7,46 e 49,84 ± 8.48. Quando compararam-se os marcadores com a densidade óptica encontrou-se diferenças significativas entre a densidade óptica de caspase-3 (60,94) e a do CD34 (50,27) com P<0.001. A correlação entre os marcadores foi positiva para a densidade óptica de CD34 versus o índice de marcagem de CD34 com P=0.006, r=0,520 e para densidade óptica de caspase-3 versus índice de marcagem de caspase-3, com P=0.015, r=0.512. Não encontrou-se correlação dos marcadores quando compararam-se os índices de marcagem e as densidades ópticas com a curvatura gástrica, diferenciação tumoral, classificação de Borrmann, padrão tumoral ou invasão linfática. Os parâmetros clínicos sexo e idade também não se correlacionaram com os marcadores. A correlação com o local do tumor mostrou diferença entre os tumores de localização distal e proximal, onde a média da densidade de CD34 nos distais (52,44 ± 7,72) é maior do que a dos proximais (45,67 ± 6,06) com P=0.023. CONCLUSÃO: As expressões dos índices de caspase-3 e CD34 são elevados para o adenocarcinoma gástrico A comparação da densidade óptica de caspase-3 é maior do que a do CD34. Há correlação linear positiva entre a densidade óptica e o índice de marcagem tanto para CD34 quanto para caspase-3. Não há correlação da expressão e quantificação entre os marcadores caspase-3 e CD34 e os fatores clínico-patológicos estudados. A densidade óptica de CD34 no adenocarcinoma gástrico distal é maior do que a densidade óptica no proximal sugerindo que apresentam diferenças biológicas relacionadas com a localização do tumor.
Transplante hepático para síndromes hepatopulmonar e de obstrução sinusoidal
Authors: Silva Maurício , Garcia Eduardo , Cástria Tiago de , Barbosa Roberta , Waechter Fábio Luiz , Fontes Paulo Roberto Ott
Published: September 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome hepatopulmonar é complicação das doenças hepáticas que afeta a vascularização pulmonar, causando comprometimento do sistema respiratório e acompanha-se de elevada morbidade. O transplante hepático é o tratamento ideal para esses casos. O objetivo desse relato é descrever o caso de um paciente que apresentava síndrome hepatopulmonar avançada, devida à síndrome da obstrução sinusoidal. RELATO DO CASO: Homem de 23 anos foi encaminhado com o diagnóstico de síndrome hepatopulmonar avançada e cirrose hepática sem etiologia idefinida. Exames de imagem foram compatíveis com shunt intrapulmonar, porém sem alterações da vascularização pulmonar factíveis de serem embolizadas. A endoscopia digestiva alta demonstrou varizes esofágicas de pequeno calibre. Exames laboratoriais para função hepática estavam alterados. O paciente foi submetido a transplante hepático falecendo 14 dias após o procedimento devido a complicações relacionadas à sepse e insuficiência ventilatória refratária. CONCLUSÃO: Na vigência de síndrome hepatopulmonar o único tratamento efetivo é o transplante hepático, para os casos em que não houver área de shunt factível de ser realizada a embolização seletiva.
GISTs múltiplos em neurofibromatose tipo 1: diagnóstico incidental em paciente com abdome agudo
Authors: Grezzana-Filho Tomaz de Jesus Maria , Mendonça Taís Burmann de , Golbspan Liane , Kruel Cleber Rosito Pinto , Chedid Aljamir Duarte , Kruel Cleber Dario Pinto
Published: September 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Tem sido descrito na literatura incidência aumentada de tumores estromais gastrointestinais (GISTs) em portadores de neurofibromatose tipo 1. Estes tumores tipicamente ocorrem no intestino delgado e, frequentemente, são múltiplos. RELATO DO CASO: Diagnóstico incidental de GIST em um paciente portador de neurofibromatose tipo 1 com abdome agudo. No trans-operatório foi identificada apendicite retrocecal perfurada e massa neoplásica no jejuno proximal. A referida lesão ocupava aproximadamente 70% da circunferência do órgão e não apresentava invasão de estruturas adjacentes. Além disso, observaram-se dezenas de pequenos nódulos disseminados por toda a extensão do jejuno e íleo. O anatomopatológico revelou neoplasia compatível com GIST, com grau moderado de atipias, baixo índice mitótico (<5/50) e ausência de necrose. Na análise imunoistoquímica, as células neoplásicas foram positivas para CD-34 e CD-117 (c-KIT), e negativas para a desmina. Depois da operação, o uso do quimioterápico Imatinib foi indicado. Após período de acompanhamento de 12 meses, o paciente não demonstrou sinais de recidiva. CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de GISTs deve ser sempre lembrada na avaliação de pacientes com massas abdominais e neurofibromatose tipo 1, principalmente em intestino delgado. Muitas vezes o comportamento da neoplasia é favorável e o uso de Imatinib deve ser individualizado.