bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crizotinib: A New Treatment Option for ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: O'Bryant Cindy L , Wenger Sarah D , Kim Miryoung , Thompson Lisa A
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To review the characteristics and clinical trial data of crizotinib in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

DATA SOURCE:

A literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE (up to December 2012) was performed using the terms crizotinib, ALK-positive, non-small cell lung cancer, and PF-02341066.

STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION:

Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of crizotinib in a cohort of patients with ALK rearrangements and advanced NSCLC were evaluated. All peer-reviewed articles with clinically relevant information were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

ALK rearrangement results in an aberrant EML4-ALK fusion oncogene that constitutively activates ALK tyrosine kinase, resulting in inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of tumor cell proliferation. Approximately 3–5% of NSCLC exhibit this rearrangement. Crizotinib is an oral selective inhibitor of ALK and mesenchymal epithelial growth factor tyrosine kinases. Early phase trials with crizotinib showed improved response rates of 50–57% and extended duration of response of 6–10 months. Results of these studies led to accelerated Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of crizotinib. Further clinical trial results confirmed improvement in response rates, duration of response, as well as progression-free survival in ALK-positive patients with NSCLC receiving crizotinib. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism by CYP3A4 and demonstrates autoinhibition of CY3A4, thus predisposing it to drug interactions. The most frequent toxicities with crizotinib include mild visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, edema, and generally reversible, sometimes severe, elevations in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.

CONCLUSIONS:

Crizotinib is a novel targeted anticancer agent that appears to be a favorable treatment option for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC that is ALK-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Targeted Immunotherapy for High-Risk Neuroblastoma—The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Parsons Kerry , Bernhardt Brooke , Strickland Brandy
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review clinical trials evaluating anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) antibodies in treating high-risk neuroblastoma in children.

DATA SOURCES:

A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (all searches 1990-August 2012) using the terms neuroblastoma, immunotherapy, 3F8, ch14.18, and hu14.18. Meeting abstracts presented between 1990 and 2012 from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society for Medical Oncology, the American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Society of Surgical Oncology, and the American Society of Hematology were also evaluated.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All completed and ongoing clinical trials of anti-GD2 antibodies in neuroblastoma were included. References from selected articles were also reviewed to identify additional citations.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

In 1999, the results of a Children's Cancer Group trial established that consolidation therapy after induction, surgery, and radiation should include purged autologous stem cell rescue followed by maintenance with isotretinoin. Overall survival at 7 years with this regimen remains below 30%. Over the following decade, antibodies targeting GD2, a surface antigen found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells, have emerged as a major therapeutic development for high-risk neuroblastoma. Anti-GD2 antibodies incite immune-mediated cytotoxicity toward neuroblastoma cells when given as monotherapy or in combination with cytokines such as sargramostim (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) or aldesleukin (interleukin-2). Responses to anti-GD2 agents appear most notable in patients with minimal residual disease following standard therapy. A chimeric preparation, ch14.18, is the only anti-GD2 antibody to be evaluated in a large controlled clinical trial, in which it demonstrated overall survival of 86% at 2 years in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. Older nonrandomized studies of ch14.18 monotherapy and 3F8, a murine antibody, suggest this survival rate remains between 50 and 85% at 5 years posttreatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Multiple GD2-specific monoclonal antibodies have been researched over the last decade in patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. One anti-GD2 antibody, ch14.18, was found to significantly improve event-free and overall survival of high-risk neuroblastoma. Therefore, the standard approach to treating high-risk neuroblastoma is likely to undergo a major shift once an anti-GD2 antibody becomes commercially available.
Upregulated insulin secretion in insulin-resistant mice: evidence of increased islet GLP1 receptor levels and GPR119-activated GLP1 secretion
Authors: Ahlkvist L , Brown K , Ahrén B
Published: February 2013

We previously demonstrated that the overall incretin effect and the β-cell responsiveness to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) are increased in insulin-resistant mice and may contribute to the upregulated β-cell function. Now we examined whether this could, first, be explained by increased islet GLP1 receptor (GLP1R) protein levels and, secondly, be leveraged by G-protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) activation, which stimulates GLP1 secretion. Female C57BL/6J mice, fed a control (CD, 10% fat) or high-fat (HFD, 60% fat) diet for 8 weeks, were anesthetized and orally given a GPR119 receptor agonist (GSK706A; 10 mg/kg) or vehicle, followed after 10 min with gavage with a liquid mixed meal (0.285 kcal). Blood was sampled for determination of glucose, insulin, intact GLP1, and glucagon, and islets were isolated for studies on insulin and glucagon secretion and GLP1R protein levels. In HFD vs CD mice, GPR119 activation augmented the meal-induced increase in the release of both GLP1 (AUCGLP1 81±9.6 vs 37±6.9 pM×min, P=0.002) and insulin (AUCINS 253±29 vs 112±19 nM×min, P<0.001). GPR119 activation also significantly increased glucagon levels in both groups (P<0.01) with, however, no difference between the groups. By contrast, GPR119 activation did not affect islet hormone secretion from isolated islets. Glucose elimination after meal ingestion was significantly increased by GPR119 activation in HFD mice (0.57±0.04 vs 0.43±0.03% per min, P=0.014) but not in control mice. Islet GLP1R protein levels was higher in HFD vs CD mice (0.8±0.1 vs 0.5±0.1, P=0.035). In conclusion, insulin-resistant mice display increased islet GLP1R protein levels and augmented meal-induced GLP1 and insulin responses to GPR119 activation, which results in increased glucose elimination. We suggest that the increased islet GLP1R protein levels together with the increased GLP1 release may contribute to the upregulated β-cell function in insulin resistance.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and dyslipidemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Denzer Christian , Karges Beate , Näke Andrea , Rosenbauer Joachim , Schober Edith , Schwab Karl Otfried , Holl Reinhard W , _ _
Published: February 2013

Objective

Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), defined as elevated TSH concentrations with normal circulating levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), is associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease in adult populations. As currently no data are available on the prevalence of SCH and its potential association with lipoprotein profile in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), we investigated the prevalence of SCH and associated lipid levels in young diabetic patients.

Design and methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 22 747 children, adolescents, and young adults (age <25 years) with T1DM with normal T3and T4and either normal TSH (≥0.5 to <4.0 mIU/l, euthyroid group) or elevated TSH (≥4.0 to <25.0 mIU/l, SCH group) and simultaneous measurement of serum lipid and lipoprotein status.

Results

The prevalence rate of SCH in the study population was 7.2%. Adjusted for age, gender, diabetes duration, current insulin dose, HbA1c, and BMIz-score, patients with SCH had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (178.7 vs 175.3 mg/dl,P<0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (97.0 vs 93.7 mg/dl,P<0.001) compared with euthyroid patients.

Conclusions

SCH is a common finding in children, adolescents, and young adults with T1DM. SCH is associated with increased levels of total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol adjusted for potential confounders. SCH-associated increases in lipid and lipoprotein levels may therefore add to an increased long-term cardiovascular risk in young patients with T1DM.
A man with a DAX1/NR0B1 mutation, normal puberty, and an intact hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis but deteriorating oligospermia during long-term follow-up
Authors: Raffin-Sanson Marie-Laure , Oudet Bérénice , Salenave Sylvie , Brailly-Tabard Sylvie , Pehuet Martine , Christin-Maitre Sophie , Morel Yves , Young Jacques
Published: February 2013

Objective

DAX1/NR0B1 mutations cause primary adrenal insufficiency in early childhood and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG), leading to absent or incomplete sexual maturation. The aim of the study was to prospectively investigate gonadotrope and testicular functions in a patient carrying a DAX1 mutation, who had spontaneous puberty and normal virilization but oligospermia.

Case report

The proband was referred for infertility at the age of 32 years. He reported adrenal insufficiency diagnosed at the age of 19 years. Puberty started at the age of 13 years, with spontaneous virilization, growth spurt, and testicular growth. He reported normal libido and sexual function. Physical examination showed normal virilization, penile length, and testicular volume. However, semen samples showed severe oligospermia. Hormonal measurements confirmed adrenal insufficiency but showed a preserved hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis with normal testosterone and inhibin B; basal and GNRH-stimulated gonadotropin levels and LH pulsatility were also normal. He fathered a first boy by in vitro fertilization and a second boy without medical assistance. As a nephew also had early adrenal insufficiency, the possibility of DAX1 mutation was raised. The same recurrent hemizygous nonsense mutation W39X was found in the proband, his nephew, and in an apparently asymptomatic brother who was found to have adrenal insufficiency, mild HHG, and azoospermia. Several evaluations of the proband over 20 years showed preserved testosterone levels and LH secretion but deteriorating oligospermia.

Conclusion

Long-term preservation of normal hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal function in this patient, contrasting with his severe oligospermia, strongly suggests that DAX1 is required for human spermatogenesis, independently of its known role in gonadotropin secretion.
Variation of Hardness and Modulus across the Thickness of Zr-Cu-Al Metallic Glass Ribbons
Authors: Melgarejo Z. Humberto , Jakes J.E. , Hwang J. , Kalay Y.E. , Kramer M.J. , Voyles P.M. , Stone D.S.
Published: February 2013

We investigate through-thickness hardness and modulus of Zr50Cu45Al5 metallic glass melt-spun ribbon. Because of their thinness, the ribbons are challenging to measure, so we employ a novel nanoindentation based-method to remove artifacts caused by ribbon flexing and edge effects. Hardness and modulus vary approximately linearly across the thickness but, unlike bulk ingots, the side of the ribbon that cooled most quickly had the highest hardness and modulus. This “inverse” variation may be caused by the fast-moving solidification front, which might conceivably, for instance, push free volume in advance of it. Annealing near Tg causes both hardness and modulus to increase and become more uniform across the thickness.
Effects of Ga doping and nitridation on ZnO films prepared by RF Sputtering
Authors: Araki Takumi , Iwata Jun-ichi , Katsumata Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

GaZnO and GaZnON thin films were deposited on both Si (100) and c-axis oriented sapphire substratesby RF co-sputtering of ZnO target and Ga2O3tablets in Ar/O2 and Ar/N2, respectively, by changing the number of Ga2O3tablets (NGa2O3) placed on the ZnO target in the range of 0 to 16.They were subsequently annealed in N2 at 800 °C and then, some of the samples formed by Ar/O2-sputtering were subjected to NH3 treatment at 650 °C for nitridation. XRD measurements revealed that the c-axis lattice parameter calculated from the ZnO (002) peak for GaZnON film son Si (100) was remarkably larger than for GaZnO films on Si (100). Moreover, ZnO (002) was observed up to NGa2O3=16 for GaZnON films formed on sapphire, while no XRD peaks were observed above NGa2O3=8 for GaZnON films on Si(100). Optical band-gap ofGaZnO and GaZnON films became wider from 3.34to 3.67 eVand from 3.21to 3.40 eV, respectively, with increasing NGa2O3 from 0 to 16. Photoluminescence spectra of GaZnO films showed band-to-band emission at 380nm, while those of GaZnON films exhibited broad and weak peaks centered at 550 nm and 647nm.
Atomic Layer Deposition of SrO: Substrate and Temperature Effects
Authors: Wang Han , Jiang Xiaoqiang , Willis Brian G.
Published: February 2013

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of SrO was conducted on various oxide surfaces by using strontium bis(tri-isopropylcyclopentadienyl) and water at deposition temperatures of 200 and 250°C. The initial and steady growth behaviors were studied by in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For initial growth, the growth per cycle (GPC) of SrO not only depends on the concentration of hydroxyl groups but also the formation of interfacial Sr-O-Si bonds. For the steady growth, in-situ annealing was used to enhance the growth rate and multiple growth regions were identified.
Band Structure and Effective Masses of Zn1-xMgxO
Authors: Franz Christian , Giar Marcel , Heinemann Markus , Czerner Michael , Heiliger Christian
Published: February 2013

We analyze the influence of the Mg concentration on several important properties of the band structure of Zn1-xMgxO alloys in wurtzite structure using ab initio calculations. For this purpose, the band structure for finite concentrations is defined in terms of the Bloch spectral density, which can be calculated within the coherent potential approximation. We investigate the concentration dependence of the band gap and the crystal-field splitting of the valence bands. The effective electron and hole masses are determined by extending the effective mass model to finite concentrations. We compare our results with experimental results and other calculations.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of High-Surface-Area Mesoporous TiO2Nanoparticle Assemblies
Authors: Tamiolakis Ioannis , Lykakis Ioannis N. , Armatas Gerasimos S.
Published: February 2013

Mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticle assemblies have been synthesized via a surfactant-assisted aggregating process. The products feature a three-dimensional network of interconnected anatase-TiO2 NPs with large internal BET surface area (ca. 142–152 m2g-1) and uniform pores (ca. 7–8 nm). Preliminary catalytic experiments indicated that these mesophases exhibit excellent catalytic activity in UV-visible light oxidation of 1-phenylethanol with molecular oxygen.
Dependence of photoelectrochemical performance on TiO2 nanorod length
Authors: Chou Jen-Chun , Yang Min-Han , Gan Jon-Yiew
Published: February 2013

TiO2 is one of the most promising photoanodes for solar-hydrogen conversion by water splitting. Recently, hydrothermally synthetic rutile TiO2 nanorods (NRs) show outstanding photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance in water splitting because of its large surface area, fast carrier transport, and short diffusion length. However, light absorption and carrier transport conflict. Few have investigated the dependence of PEC performance on NR length. This study examines how different TiO2 NR lengths grown on an FTO substrate affects their PEC performance when splitting water. The results show that the optimal absorption length of rutile TiO2 NRs is 3.75 μm. However, under simulated solar illumination (AM1.5 G), the maximum PEC efficiency of these TiO2 NRs is 0.33% at a length of 500 nm. This suggests that carrier transport is the most important variable for improving PEC efficiency.
Alloy design for reducing V content of dual two-phase Ni3Al-Ni3V intermetallic alloys
Authors: Hashimoto Takahiro , Kaneno Yasuyuki , Takasugi Takayuki
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study is to establish alloy designing which can reduce the amount of V for a Ni-base dual two-phase intermetallic alloy, without degenerating the dual two-phase microstructure. It was demonstrated that the favorable dual two-phase microstructure will be maintained as far as the valence electron concentration (e/a) of the alloys added by Cr is not so much different from that of the base alloy (i.e. the alloy without additive elements). Consequently, it was found that the dual two-phase microstructure was maintained even though the amounts of V were reduced by 7 at.%, 7 at.%, and 10at.% by substituting of Cr for V, Cr for both of Ni and V, and Cr for Ni, respectively. The hardness of the alloys with reduced V content was higher than that of the base alloy.
Micropillar Compression Deformation of Fe-Zn Intermetallic Compounds in the Coating Layer of Galvannealed Steel
Authors: Okamoto Norihiko L. , Kashioka Daisuke , Inui Haruyuki
Published: February 2013

The deformation behavior of two of the five Fe-Zn intermetallic phases (Γ, Γ1, δ1k, δ1p and ζ), which are formed in the coating layer of galvannealed steel, has been investigated through uniaxial compression tests for single-phase polycrystalline micropillars. The ζ phase is ductile to some extent while the Γ1 phase is brittle. These results are consistent with the Peierls stress estimated from the crystal structures by assuming the primitive Peierls-Nabarro model.
Electronic and Ionic Transport Mechanisms of Stoichiometric Lithium Niobate at High-Temperatures
Authors: Weidenfelder Anke , Schulz Michal , Fielitz Peter , Shi Jianmin , Borchardt Günter , Becker Klaus-Dieter , Fritze Holger
Published: February 2013

The electrical and electromechanical properties of lithium niobate single crystals are investigated at high-temperatures. The total electrical conductivity is determined as a function of temperature by impedance spectroscopy for Z-cut crystals with different lithium content. For stoichiometric lithium niobate (sLN) the activation energy is found to be (1.49 ± 0.03) eV in the temperature range from 500 to 900 °C.

Further, the piezoelectric properties (resonance frequency, Q-factor) of X-cut lithium niobate crystals are determined at high temperatures for samples with compositions ranging from congruent to stoichiometric and, subsequently, compared to the conductivity data in order to identify loss contributions.

In this context, the high-temperature stability is examined for X- and Z-cut samples with compositions ranging from congruent to stoichiometric. Series of samples with and without additional alumina protection layers are annealed in air at 900 °C for approximately 50 h. Subsequently, depth profiles are measured by SNMS. In all cases, no lithium loss is observed and, therefore, a high-temperature stability of sLN for at least 50 h at 900 °C can be assumed in ambient air.

Further, the influence of protective layers with different thicknesses and compositions is investigated for X- and Z-cut samples. A lithium loss in the first 300 nm is observed for the Z-cut samples, while the X-cut samples show a behavior dependent on the type of protecting layer.
Multi Scale Characterization of Stress Corrosion Cracking of Alloy X750
Authors: Fisher Kevin , Teysseyre Sébastien , Marquis Emmanuelle A
Published: February 2013

Grain boundary chemistry in an X750 Ni alloy was analyzed by atom probe tomography in an effort to clarify the possible roles of elemental segregation and carbide presence on the stress corrosion cracking behavior of Ni alloys. Two types of cracks are observed: straight cracks along twin boundaries and wavy cracks at general boundaries. It was found that carbides (M23C6 and TiC) are present at both twin and general boundaries, with comparable B and P segregation for all types of grain boundaries. Twin boundaries intercept γ’ precipitates while the general boundaries wave around the γ’ and carbide precipitates. Near a crack tip, oxidation takes place on the periphery of carbide precipitate.
Multiscale modeling of polymers closely coupled to Broad Q neutron scattering from NIMROD
Authors: Gkourmpis Thomas , Lopez Daniel , Mitchell Geoffrey R.
Published: February 2013

We use data over an extended Q range from 0.01 to 100Å-1 from the recently commissioned NIMROD instrument at the ISIS pulsed neutron source to develop a multi-scale inverse modeling procedure which will provide insight in to the phase transformations of polymer systems. The first level of our procedure is atomistic and we use internal coordinates (bond length, bond angles and torsion angles) to define the polymer chain in full atomistic detail. Values were assigned to each internal coordinate within the chain using a stochastic Monte Carlo method in which the probabilities were drawn from distributions representing the possible range of values. Using this approach, random chain configurations could be rapidly built and the intrachain structure factor calculated utilizing a small set of parameters and compared with the experimental function. Parameters representing the probability distribution functions were systematically varied using a grid search to find the values which gave the best fit to the structure factor for Q > 3Å-1 in order to determine the details of the chain conformation in the molten phase. This process was repeated for data over the same extended Q range obtained at lower temperatures where the polymer was expected to crystallize. Polymers crystallize via chainfolded thin lamellae crystals. Such crystals give rise to an intense peak at Q ∼ 0.03Å-1. This scattering can be calculated using a lamellar stack model, coarse-grained from the single chain structure. We describe this approach using data obtained on the crystallization from the melt phase of perdeuterated polymers. The objective here is to follow the three key length scales; the chain folded lamellar thickness of ∼ 10nm, the crystal unit cell ∼ 1nm and the detail of the chain conformation is ∼ 0.1nm.
Effect of air exposure of MoO3 film underneath thin CuPc layers
Authors: Wang Chenggong , Irfan Irfan , Gao Yongli
Published: February 2013

Wehave investigatedthe thickness dependence of air exposure of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) layerson molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) with ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). It was found that after the air exposure, the WF of MoOx dropped severely. Meanwhile, with ∼10 ÅCuPcthin films covered on the top, there is no big change of the MoOx WF before and after the air exposure.
A study on Iodine Release Behavior from Iodine-Immobilizing Cement Solid
Authors: Haruguchi Yoshiko , Higuchi Shinichi , Obata Masamichi , Sakuragi Tomofumi , Takahashi Ryota , Owada Hitoshi
Published: February 2013

An iodine-immobilizing cement solidification process using calcium aluminate cement with gypsum additive was developed. Powdered cement solid was repeatedly immersed in ion-exchanged water with varying liquid-to-solid ratios (L/S) in accelerated dissolution tests simulating interaction with groundwater at waste disposal sites. The measured concentrations of iodine in the water were on the order of 10−5 to 10−3 mol⋅dm−3 in the entire L/S range. These concentration levels are extremely low compared with those in the case of ordinary Portland cement. Calculations with a solution equilibrium model for the cement immersed in ion-exchanged water showed that the observed iodine release profile versus integrated L/S ratio from the immersion test was explained by a dissolution model of minerals in the cement.
Corrosion and Alteration of Lead Borate Glass in Bentonite Equilibrated Water
Authors: MUKUNOKI Atsushi , CHIBA Tamotsu , KIKUCHI Takahiro , SAKURAGI Tomofumi , OWADA Hitoshi , KOGURE Toshihiro
Published: February 2013

The development of an iodine immobilization technique that can fix radioactive iodine in waste form for a long period and constrain its leaching into pore water is necessary in order to secure the long-term safety of geological disposal of transuranic (TRU) waste. Lead borate glass vitrified at a low temperature is regarded as a promising material for immobilizing the Iodine-129 that is recovered from spent AgI filters generated by reprocessing plants in Japan and which may have a significant effect on the long-term safety of geological disposal.

Batch leaching tests were conducted to understand glass dissolution behavior in various solutions that account for geological disposal conditions. Boron dissolved at the highest rate in all types of solutions to be used as an index element for measuring the glass dissolution rate. On the other hand, lead dissolved in these solutions at a much lower rate. These results are consistent with an electron micro-probe analysis (EPMA) of the altered glass surfaces that indicated the depletion of boron and enrichment of lead near the surfaces.

The altered glass surfaces were further examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM/TEM observation showed formation of a porous altered layer consisting of fine crystallites on the pristine glass and euhedral crystals on the altered layer. XRD analysis indicated that the fine crystallites and euhedral crystals are hydrocerussite, Pb3 (CO3)2(OH) 2, which was predicted by geochemical calculation as the precipitate for the experimental system.
Characterization of Radionuclide Retaining Properties of Backfill Materials for Near Surface Repositories for Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Wastes
Authors: Ostashkina Elizaveta E. , Varlakova Galina A. , Golubeva Zoya I.
Published: February 2013

The sand of glaciolacustrine origin is offered as a major component of the backfill in repositories for solid or solidified low and intermediate level waste (LILW). Clinoptilolite, hematite, and magnesium oxide are offered as additives for increasing of sorption. In this work was carried investigation of sorption properties of sand, clinoptilolite, hematite and magnesium oxide and mixtures of sand with these mineral additives.
Synthesis of functionalized-thermo responsive-water soluble co-polymer for conjugation to protein for biomedical applications
Authors: Fathi Ali , Wei Hua , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Weiss Anthony S. , Dehghani Fariba
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to develop a thermo-responsive and bioactive polymer with suitable mechanical properties for musculoskeletal tissue engineering applications. A copolymer was synthesized that comprised of hydrophilic polyethylene glycol, thermo responsive N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-poly(lactide) (HEMA-PLA) to enhance mechanical strength and an active N-acryloxysuccinimide (NAS) group for conjugation to proteins to enhance biological properties. A model protein such as elastin was used to assess the feasibility of conjugating this polymer to protein. The results of 1HNMR analyses confirmed that random polymerization was viable technique for synthesis of this copolymer. The co-polymers synthesized with PEG content of 3 mol% were water soluble. A hydrogel was created by dissolving the copolymer and elastin below room temperature in aqueous media, followed by rapid gelation at 37°C. The results of Fourier transform infrared analyses confirmed the conjugation of protein to copolymer due to significant reduction of ester group absorption (1735 cm−1). This data confirmed molecular interaction between protein and the temperature responsive co-polymer. Our preliminary results demonstrated that it is viable to tune different properties of this hydrogel by changing the composition of co-polymer.
Suitability of Bioapatite as Backfill Material for Nuclear Waste Isolation
Authors: Finlay A.J. , Drewicz A.E. , Terry D.O. , Grandstaff D.E. , Ash Richard D.
Published: February 2013

Bioapatite, found in vertebrate bones and teeth, is highly reactive and may incorporate high concentrations of some radionuclides, including U, Pu, and Sr. Therefore, bioapatite may be useful in backfill or overpack materials in nuclear waste repositories. The dissolution rate for bioapatite is constant at pH > 4 and is about 5 times faster than fluorapatite. In terrestrial environments, bioapatite recrystallizes over periods of up to ca. 40 ka.
Carbonization of Si Surface Using Hot-Filament CVD Equipment and Characterization of the Char Layer
Authors: Haruta Kenichi , Kimura Hideki , Chiba Masafumi
Published: February 2013

To date, many studies have been carried out to investigate the use of semiconductive diamonds in industrial applications. In these studies, it has been necessary to deposit high-quality crystalline diamond thin films on large-area substrates. Hot-filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) has been a useful method for generating these thin films. While large-area silicon (Si) substrates are easily obtainable and inexpensive and Si is a suitable material for the deposition of diamond thin films, because of the large mismatch of the lattice constants of Si and diamond, it is usually difficult to grow epitaxial diamond films on Si substrates. Therefore, insertion of a buffer layer comprised of a material with a lattice constant between those of Si and diamond is required. Silicon carbide (SiC), which is readily obtained by carbonization of the Si surface, is a candidate material for such a buffer layer. Therefore, in this study, a char layer was formed on a Si surface using HFCVD equipment and analyzed from various perspectives.
As pragas das hortaliças: seu controle e o selo verde
Authors: Nakano Octávio
Published: February 2013

O plantio de hortaliças no Brasil ocupa uma área aproximada de 326 mil hectares. Todas as hortaliças são exigentes na aplicação de defensivos, o que cria não só riscos de intoxicação de agricultores, mas também de consumidores, devido aos resíduos tóxicos nos alimentos. Isso acontece porque na maioria dos casos há poucas opções de controle de pragas além do controle químico. O controle biológico é pouco explorado porque, em plantas de ciclo curto, as chances de que o predador ou parasitóide atuem com eficiência são reduzidas. O controle físico, por sua vez, tem apresentado uma importância relativa crescente, à medida que é divulgado o uso de armadilhas luminosas, de feromônio e de atração pela cor, sendo a amarela a mais usual. Porém, quando pragas exóticas ou não surgem em surtos, favorecidas por condições propícias, somente a utilização de inseticidas é capaz de prevenir os prejuízos econômicos da lavoura. Por esse motivo e também pela crescente conscientização da população em relação à proteção do ambiente e à sua própria saúde, a existência de um selo verde ou selo de qualidade, que assegure o uso correto de defensivos, é uma tarefa que se impõe nos dias de hoje, cabendo às autoridades o inicio do processo. Em São Paulo, a Secretaria de Agricultura iniciou a implantação do selo de qualidade através de morangos produzidos em Atibaia. Outras hortaliças estão sendo cogitadas para receber o selo verde.
Fitormônios e senescência pós-colheita do brócolos
Authors: Endres Lauricio , Finger Fernando Luiz , Mosquim Paulo Roberto
Published: February 2013

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do ethephon e GA3 sobre a degradação da clorofila, atividade de peroxidases e respiração durante a senescência pós-colheita do brócolos (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) cv. Piracicaba Precoce, suas inflorescências foram imersas logo após a colheita, durante uma hora, em 0,1; 1,0; 10; 100 e 1000 mg.L-1 de ethephon e, em um experimento paralelo, pulverizadas com 50, 250 e 1000 mg.L-1 de GA3. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições para a aplicação de ethephon e quatro repetições para a aplicação de GA3. As doses de 100 e 1000 mg.L-1 de ethephon tiveram efeito pronunciado sobre a degradação da colorofila, que foi mais evidente 48 h após a colheita, enquanto o tratamento controle ainda possuía 80% de seu teor inicial de clorofila. O tratamento de 1000 mg.L-1 de ethephon se destacou dos demais no aumento da atividade de peroxidases e da taxa respiratória a partir de 24 h após a colheita. GA3 não retardou a degradação da clorofila e não teve efeito sobre a taxa respiratória. No entanto, diminuiu a atividade de peroxidases em 25%, 38% e 43% nos tratamentos de 50, 250 e 1000 mg.L-1 de GA3, respectivamente, em relação ao controle, 48 horas após a colheita. Os resultados indicam que a atividade de peroxidases se mostrou muito sensível às alterações pós colheita do brócolos. No entanto, ainda é uma característica pouco utilizada nos estudos de pós-colheita. Finalmente, o brócolos possui uma taxa respiratória relativamente alta e rápida degradação da clorofila em sua vida pós-colheita, podendo responder ao etileno de fontes externas.
Utilização de água salina e condicionador de solo na produção de beterraba no semi-árido brasileiro
Authors: Cordeiro Gilberto G. , Resende Geraldo M. de , Pereira José R. , Costa Nivaldo D.
Published: February 2013

O experimento foi conduzido no Campo Experimental da Embrapa Semi-Árido em Petrolina - PE, no primeiro semestre de 1997 com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação e do condicionador de solo Sper Sal (ácido polimaléico) na produção de beterraba (Beta vulgaris L.), cultivar Early Wonder. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram: água com condutividade elétrica de 0,1 (água do Rio São Francisco - testemunha) 4 e 8 dS/m e água com condutividade elétrica 0,1, 4 e 8 dS/m mais Sper Sal, com parcelas de 2 m². Os resultados obtidos mostraram que as produtividades variaram de 20,2 a 65,4 t/ha para os tratamentos irrigados com água salina mais Sper Sal e água do Rio São Francisco, respectivamente. Não se verificou diferença significativa na produtividade quando do uso de água com níveis de salinidade de 4 e 8 dS/m, cujas produtividades foram 29,4 e 26,3 t/ha respectivamente. Nos tratamentos com Sper Sal, observou-se que na concentração salina de 4 dS/m, o condicionador de solo demonstrou ser mais eficiente, em relação à concentração de 8 dS/m.
Controle de plantas daninhas na cultura da batata
Authors: Zagonel Jeferson , Reghin Marie Y. , Moresco Eloir
Published: February 2013

O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Escola da UEPG, em Ponta Grossa-PR, em Latossolo Vermelho Escuro de textura média argilosa, com o objetivo de verificar a praticabilidade e a eficiência agronômica dos herbicidas metolachlor e metribuzin + metolachlor no controle de plantas daninhas na cultura da batata. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições, quais sejam: metolachlor (1,92; 2,88 e 3,84 kg i.a./ha); metribuzin + metolachlor (0,24 + 1,68; 0,36 + 2,52 e 0,48 + 3,36 kg i.a./ha); metribuzin (0,48 kg i.a./ha); testemunha capinada e testemunha sem capina. O plantio foi realizado em outubro/95 utilizando-se a cultivar Elvira, no espaçamento 0,70 x 0,35 m. As plantas daninhas predominantes foram Brachiaria plantaginea (capim-papuã), Digitaria horizontalis (capim-milhã) e Galinsoga parviflora (fazendeiro). As avaliações foram efetuadas aos 15, 30 e 45 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos onde verificou-se que foram eficientes os seguintes herbicidas: metolachlor no controle sobre capim-papuã e capim-milhã nas doses de 2,88 e 3,84 kg i.a./ha; a mistura metribuzin + metolachlor no controle sobre capim-papuã e capim-milhã nas doses 0,36 + 2,52 e 0,48 + 3,36 kg i.a./ha; metolachlor (1,92; 2,88 e 3,84 kg i.a./ha) e metribuzin + metolachlor (0,24 + 1,68; 0,36 + 2,52 e 0,48 + 3,36 kg i.a./ha) no controle sobre fazendeiro. Não foram observados efeitos fitotóxicos dos produtos sobre as plantas de batata.
Transmissão do saber prático: as dificuldades do processo ensino - aprendizagem em uma cooperativa autogestionária
Authors: Fonseca Giovanni Campos , Lima Francisco de Paula Antunes , Assunção Ada Ávila
Published: February 2013

O artigo apresenta uma intervenção ergonômica realizada em uma cooperativa de produção de artefatos de couro e de material sintético, principalmente calçados e bolsas. Focaliza-se o processo de transmissão do conhecimento prático acumulado por um associado do grupo aos demais integrantes, todos novatos no ofício. Na conclusão, fornecemos elementos para reflexões acerca dos aspectos particulares às intervenções em empreendimentos solidários, quando comparadas às ações ergonômicas desenvolvidas junto a empresas convencionais, e os obstáculos encontrados para se viabilizar a autogestão.
A cadeirologia e o mito da postura correta
Authors: Assunção Ada Ávila
Published: February 2013

O artigo contesta a abordagem tradicional sobre as posturas adotadas pelos trabalhadores durante a realização de suas tarefas, a qual procura identificar e prescrever a postura correta sem considerar a ação humana durante o cumprimento dos objetivos da produção. Descrevendo os resultados de um estudo ergonômico realizado no setor de caixas de um hipermercado, apontam-se os limites da análise que desconsidera a dinâmica do arranjo das partes do corpo em situação real de trabalho. Ao final, são apresentadas as vantagens e as desvantagens das posturas sentada e em pé.
Epilepsia e insanidade no início do século XIX - história conceitual
Authors: Berrios German E.
Published: February 2013

Durante a primeira metade do século XIX, a epilepsia e as insanidades foram consideradas estreitamente relacionadas às desordens "neuróticas". Sob a influência de fatores tais como o declínio do conceito setecentista de neurose de Cullen, o desenvolvimento da nova psicopatologia descritiva, a introdução da estatística e a disponibilidade de observações longitudinais de coortes de pacientes hospitalizados, a epilepsia foi redefinida como uma doença "neurológica" por volta de 1850. A reação da psiquiatria à exclusão do transtorno mental como uma característica definidora da epilepsia se manifestou na criação do conceito de "epilepsia mascarada". Essa noção está por trás do desenvolvimento posterior de categorias como "fronteiriça" e "equivalente", que ainda são de alguma relevância para os pontos de vista quanto à epilepsia no século XX.
Erotomania: os impasses do amor e uma resposta psicótica
Authors: Bressanelli Juliana , Teixeira Antônio M. Ribeiro
Published: February 2013

Aborda-se o conceito de erotomania como uma resposta dada pelo sujeito psicótico para a questão que se apresenta ao ser humano, provocada pela contingência inerente ao encontro com o parceiro amoroso. Estabelece-se de que forma o amor se coloca como problema para o ser humano e trabalhamos essa perspectiva apontando para a especificidade da erotomania em sua diferenciação com a resposta oferecida pelo sujeito neurótico, o amor de transferência.
Borboletas (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea e Hesperioidea) de Matas Paludosas e Matas de Restinga da Planície Costeira da região Sul do Brasil
Authors: Bellaver Juliane , Iserhard Cristiano Agra , Santos Jessie Pereira dos , Silva Ana Kristina , Torres Márcio , Siewert Ricardo Russo , Moser Alfred , Romanowski Helena Piccoli
Published: February 2013

Este trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar uma lista de espécies de borboletas de Matas Paludosas e de Restingas da Planície Costeira do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina contribuindo para o conhecimento da fauna de borboletas da Mata Atlântica. Foram compilados dados obtidos com amostragens realizadas através de duas técnicas de coleta (armadilha com isca atrativa e rede entomológica) nos anos de 2005 e 2011. Com um esforço amostral de 10.920 horas com armadilhas e de 360 horas-rede foram encontradas 225 espécies de borboletas nos dois ambientes, distribuídas em seis famílias e 19 subfamílias. Vinte e cinco espécies são registros novos ainda não publicados para o Rio Grande do Sul e 35 espécies são novos registros para a Mata Atlântica do Rio Grande do Sul, sendo seis Nymphalidae, dez Hesperiidae, doze Lycaenidae e sete Riodinidae. Os resultados gerados no presente estudo são fundamentais para o conhecimento e conservação dos táxons estudados bem como dos ambientes aos quais estão associados.
Non-volant mammals of Carlos Botelho State Park, Paranapiacaba Forest Continuum
Authors: Brocardo Carlos Rodrigo , Rodarte Raisa , Bueno Rafael da Silveira , Culot Laurence , Galetti Mauro
Published: February 2013

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most studied Brazilian biomes in relation to its mammalian fauna. However, there is still a series of gaps of knowledge about the distribution and persistence of some of these species which prevents taking adequate conservation measures to better protect the mammals. In order to make the inventory of the non-volant mammalian fauna of the Carlos Botelho State Park (SP), we compiled data of camera trapping, diurnal census, track records, pitfall and live trapping collected over 8 years (2004-2012). We registered a total of 53 species, of which 12 are regionally threatened and one is an exotic species (Lepus europaeus), including the presence of most mammal species expected for the Paranapiacaba Forest Continuum. The high non-volant mammals species richness allied to the presence of threatened species, strengthen the role of this protected area for mammal conservation in the Atlantic Forest. Although, the local extinction of one species, Tayassu pecari, alert to the need for effective measures of protection.
Borboletas (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea e Hesperioidea) de um parque urbano em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Soares Glória Ramos , Oliveira Andréa Aparecida Paiva de , Silva André Roberto Melo
Published: February 2013

Fragmentos urbanos de mata, como parques e praças, oferecem recursos alimentares, sobretudo abrigo e condições favoráveis para a permanência de borboletas. Este estudo fornece um inventário de borboletas e também a observação das plantas visitadas por indivíduos adultos em um pequeno parque urbano, Parque Municipal Américo Renê Giannetti, Belo Horizonte, estado de Minas Gerais. Amostrou-se uma área de 18,2 ha no período de dezembro/2006 à dezembro/2007, com o auxilio de rede entomológica e armadilhas com frutos fermentados. Foram registrados 165 indivíduos de 78 espécies, distribuídos nas seguintes famílias: Nymphalidae - 46 spp., Hesperiidae - 10 spp., Lycaenidae - sete spp., Pieridae - sete spp., Riodinidae - cinco spp. e Papilionidae - três spp. Entre as plantas visitadas observou-se que a com maior atratividade foi Lantana camara (Verbenaceae), um arbusto com flores de cores vibrantes, destacada como fonte usual de néctar e pólen. As borboletas encontradas indicaram a importância da manutenção de áreas verdes urbanas, proporcionando condições favoráveis para a permanência de borboletas, mesmo em ambientes antrópicos.
Reproductive aspects of Harttia carvalhoi Miranda Ribeiro, 1939, a small loricariid from streams of serra da Mantiqueira eastern, SP, Brazil
Authors: Biagiotto Renan Hohendorff , Rondineli Giulianna , Carmassi Alberto Luciano , Braga Francisco Manoel de Souza
Published: February 2013

The aim of this work was to present the reproductive aspects of Harttia carvalhoi Miranda Ribeiro, 1939, a small loricariid whose distribution is restricted to the area of drainage basin of the Paraíba do Sul river. A total of 110 specimens of H. carvalhoi were captured. The reproductive period happens from September to February. A total spawning type was identified and fecundity rate ranged from 16 to 106 oocytes. This type of study is important, since fecundity is a specific feature and is adapted to the conditions of the life cycle, varying with growth, population density, food availability and mortality rate. We also emphasize the importance of this study, since there are no previous studies about the reproduction of this species.
Reproductive biology of Synallaxis albescens (Aves: Furnariidae) in the cerrado of central Brazil
Authors: Marini Miguel Ângelo , Rodrigues Sheila Silva , Silveira Mariana Batista , Greeney Harold Francis
Published: February 2013

Understanding the causes and consequences of variation in reproductive strategies is a central theme in studies of avian life history evolution. This study describes the reproductive biology of Synallaxis albescens (Furnariidae) in the cerrado biome of central Brazil. We monitored 35 nests during the 2003 to 2011 breeding seasons, visiting them every 2-4 days. Synallaxis albescens breeds from mid-September to mid-January, builds a retort-shaped nest, and generally lays three immaculate white eggs. Eggs weighed 1.75 g and measured 19.7 by 14.4 mm. Most nests studied were in open cerrado or shrub grassland at an average height above the ground of 0.3 m, with a preference for Davilla elliptica (Dilleniaceae) shrubs as a nesting substrate. Incubation period averaged 18.1 days, while the nestling period averaged 13.6 days. Of 16 closely monitored nests, four were successful (25%), 11 were depredated (69%), and one was abandoned. Predation was similar during incubation (45%) and nestling (55%) phases. In general, the breeding biology of S. albescens was similar to that described previously for this species and for related Furnariidae.
Machado de Assis e Eça de Queirós: para além da polêmica...
Authors: Bueno Fátima
Published: February 2013

Quando se pensa nas relações entre Machado de Assis e Eça de Queirós é comum referir-se à polêmica travada em torno da repercussão de O primo Basílio no Brasil. Obviamente, vários outros aspectos podem ser considerados quando se propõe uma reflexão sobre diálogos possíveis entre os dois grandes autores das literaturas de língua portuguesa no século XIX. O nosso objetivo aqui é discutir como a presença do clero e a relação com a religião são retratadas, sobretudo, em duas obras desses escritores: Dom Casmurro e A relíquia.
Attempted Compensation for Linkage Drag Affecting Agronomic Characteristics of Durum Wheat 1AS/1DL Translocation Lines
Authors: Klindworth Daryl L. , Hareland Gary A. , Elias Elias M. , Xu Steven S.
Published: February 2013

Yield reduction due to linkage drag is a major problem when introgressing alien chromatin into durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. Here we report attempts to compensate for yield losses associated with linkage drag in 1AS·1AL‐1DL translocation lines of durum wheat. Near‐isogenic lines (NILs) were produced by six backcrosses of a translocation stock to cultivars Renville, Rugby, Lebsock, Ben, and Maier. Rugby was found to be composed of two biotypes, with one biotype having high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunits 1Bx6+1By8 (Rugby68) and the second biotype having only 1Bx6 (Rugby6), and a set of NILs based on each biotype was produced. Near‐isogenic translocation lines (T‐lines) and nontranslocation lines (N‐lines) were yield tested at five North Dakota locations. Nontranslocation lines did not significantly differ from their parental cultivars for yield, heading date, height, protein content, test weight, or thousand kernel weight (TKW). All T‐lines yielded significantly less than their sibling N‐lines although the Lebsock T‐lines had less linkage drag than other T‐lines. All T‐lines had from 5.9 to 11.3% reduction in TKW. The results indicate that genetic background can partially and possibly completely compensate for linkage drag. But for the 1AS·1AL‐1DL translocation lines, improved yield will be dependent on improving TKW, and this may be best accomplished by further reducing the size of the alien segment