bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A verdade e o engodo do desejo na leitura do seminário a angústia de Jacques Lacan
Authors: Viola Daniela Teixeira Dutra , Vorcaro Ângela Maria Resende
Published: May 2011

Discute-se uma vertente do Seminário 10, A angústia, de Lacan (1962-1963) no qual o autor elabora uma oposição entre a dimensão enganosa do desejo - presente principalmente no nível em que o objeto a assume a forma visual - e a verdade que é sinalizada pela angústia, na medida em que tal afeto é definido nessa obra como o que não engana. Essa investigação é circunscrita no Seminário 10 e, assim, visa-se localizar a extração do objeto a nessa construção lacaniana sem pretender abarcar todas as suas consequências, que são definidas apenas nos seminários subsequentes.
Capacidade vital e tempos máximos de fonação de /e/ áfono e de /s/ em mulheres adultas
Authors: Miglioranzi Shanna Lara , Cielo Carla Aparecida , Siqueira Márcia do Amaral
Published: May 2011

OBJETIVO: verificar a capacidade vital (CV) e os valores de tempo máximo de fonação (TMF) do /e/ áfono (representado por /ė/) e do /s/ de mulheres adultas, estabelecendo o perfil da amostra e comparando-o com o padrão de normalidade proposto. MÉTODO: coleta do maior valor de três medidas de CV, de TMF/ė/ e de TMF/s/; e da estatura auto-referida de 48 mulheres entre 18 e 44 anos de idade, normais de acordo com avaliações otorrinolaringológica, miofuncional, vocal, respiratória e auditiva. Aplicou-se análise estatística descritiva, teste de normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk, e cálculo do coeficiente de variação; adotou-se o nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: valores médios de CV de 3.206ml, de TMF/s/ de 17,49s e de estatura de 1,65m, com distribuição normal; TMF/ė/ sem distribuição normal e média de 10,43s significantemente menor do que os valores da literatura (P<0.001). No entanto, o TMF/ė/ apresentou valores de média e mediana bastante próximos (10,43s e 10,25s) e coeficiente de variação muito similar ao TMF/s/. CONCLUSÃO: para o grupo de analisado, encontraram-se valores médios de CV e de TMF/s/ compatíveis com os referidos pela literatura. Os valores médios de TMF/ė/ se apresentaram abaixo do proposto pela única referência teórica existente, evidenciando a necessidade de mais pesquisas como esta - que investiguem em campo a medida de TMF/ė/ - a fim de estabelecer a faixa normalidade conforme o sexo e obter mais dados científicos sobre o que parece ser a medida mais indicada para a avaliação isolada do controle respiratório durante a emissão.
Mal-estar na cultura: corpo e animalidade em Kafka, Freud e Coetzee
Authors: Seligmann-Silva Márcio
Published: May 2011

O texto possui três partes. Na primeira o autor assume a identidade do personagem Rotpeter, de Kafka, e escreve sobre a questão dos animais no escritor de Praga. Na segunda parte faz-se uma incursão sobre as origens da questão da animalidade na nossa cultura moderna. Para tanto o autor retoma questões tratadas desde a fundação da Estética, assim como ilumina o encontro entre a reflexão estética e a ciência (com estaque para Darwin e sua teoria da origem das espécies). Na conclusão o texto mostra como esse debate em torno da questão animal e da "natureza" pode ser pensado no contexto do tema biopolítico da compaixão. Nesse momento retoma-se duas obras de J.M. Coetzee, mostrando em que medida a compaixão e a caridade podem estar na origem de uma simples tutela autoritária do "outro".
Validação do tempo de mensuração da freqüência cardíaca após esforço submáximo a 50 e 80%
Authors: Marins João Carlos Bouzas , Luiz Adriano , Monteiro André , Jesus Geraldo de
Published: May 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi de verificar a existência de diferença significativa entre a freqüência cardíaca de recuperação medida em diferentes intervalos de tempo após o esforço (respectivamente 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 e 60 segundos) e a freqüência cardíaca de esforço. Foram avaliados 26 indivíduos voluntários na faixa etária entre 19 e 26 anos, sendo todos do sexo masculino, não atletas, com e sem prática de exercícios físicos e não fumantes. A coleta de dados foi realizada no Laboratório de Performance Humana do Departamento de Educação Física - UFV (Viçosa - MG). A instrumentação utilizada foi constituída de um cicloergômetro marca Moviment 2000, para a realização do esforço, além do cardiotacômetro Polar Acurex para mensuração da freqüência cardíaca. O protocolo desenvolvido inclui a mensuração da curva de recuperação da freqüência cardíaca durante um minuto, após a realização de um exercício em nível submáximo, caracterizando um tempo de 10 minutos em steady state em duas situações: (a) 50% e (b) 80%. Para o cálculo da freqüência cardíaca-alvo (FCT) levou-se em consideração a seguinte fórmula proposta por Karvonen: FCT = % (FCMax - FCRep) + FCRep. Após os 10 minutos de steady state o avaliador era orientado a interromper completamente o exercício, iniciando um processo passivo de recuperação, sendo considerada a última FC registrada durante o esforço e em seguida registrado os valores da FC nos seguintes intervalos pós-esforço: 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 e 60 segundos. O tratamento estatístico incluiu a análise de variância (Estatística - Levin, J.) entre a média de cada mensuração da FC e o tempo zero (última FC registrada ao término da atividade submáxima no cicloergômetro). Os resultados apurados apontaram como não significativa (p < 0,05) a diferença dos valores obtidos apenas para a parcial de 6 segundos, tanto para o esforço a 50 e 80%, sendo considerada significativa a diferença dos valores obtidos da FC a partir dos 10 segundos de mensuração. Com os resultados obtidos neste estudo, é possível concluir que o registro ideal da FC pós-esforço submáximo de 50 3 80% da FCM deverá compreender um tempo de aproximadamente 6 segundos. A parcial de 10 segundos, apesar de haver sido considerada, estatisticamente, como significativamente diferente, apresentou em valores absolutos uma redução que em termos práticos não interfere no planejamento da curva de intensidade. A coleta da FC, utilizando a parcial de 15 segundos, geralmente empregada por boa parte dos preparadores físicos, freqüentemente poderá induzir a erro de interpretação da intensidade proposta pelo exercício, o que, por sua vez, modificará a planificação do treinamento de forma incorreta.
Seleção de índices na análise de balanços: uma aplicação da técnica estatística 'ACP'
Authors: Morozini João Francisco , Olinquevitch José Leonidas , Hein Nelson
Published: May 2011

Este trabalho objetiva examinar a situação econômico-financeira de sociedades anônimas em processo de concordata, a fim de ressaltar a possibilidade de a análise das demonstrações contábeis evidenciar um parâmetro para identificação de processo de concordata. Utiliza pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, e análise documental. Foram identificados 99 processos de empresas em concordata, protocolados nas Varas da Fazenda Pública de Curitiba/PR, mas o estudo está delimitado às empresas constituídas sob forma de sociedade anônima, com porte classificado como middle pela SERASA, num total de 10 empresas. Após realizar a análise das demonstrações contábeis dessas empresas, foi possível dar tratamento estatístico aos dados. A estatística aplicada, neste estudo, foi a Análise das Componentes Principais (ACP), utilizando-se do software Matlab (Matrix Laboratory). Essa metodologia foi aplicada nas 10 empresas observadas, com as 12 variáveis, que correspondem ao grupo de índices selecionados para a análise das demonstrações contábeis. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciam os principais índices entre os selecionados para o estudo, com maior relevância na análise das demonstrações, para verificar tendência de insolvência. Concluiu-se que, dos 12 índices estudados nesta pesquisa, 5 evidenciam tendência para insolvência.
Em busca de um melhor entendimento da contabilidade gerencial através da integração de conceitos da psicologia, cultura organizacional e teoria institucional
Authors: Guerreiro Reinaldo , Frezatti Fábio , Casado Tânia
Published: May 2011

Pesquisas empíricas constatam que apesar de fatores indutores e facilitadores do ambiente externo, o que se observa é o baixo grau de implementação de novas técnicas e conceitos de contabilidade gerencial nas empresas. A teoria institucional é uma abordagem sociológica que tem sido aplicada na área contábil para estudar esse fenômeno. Essa teoria foca a contabilidade como uma instituição dentro da empresa, isto é, uma rotina formada por hábitos que dá sentido a determinado grupo de pessoas. O ponto central sobre o qual repousa a teoria institucional é a idéia de hábitos de um grupo de pessoas: a instituição é estruturada a partir de rotinas e as rotinas dependem de hábitos. A hipótese de pesquisa que se coloca é que determinados conceitos da psicologia e da cultura organizacional podem contribuir para uma melhor compreensão da abordagem institucional aplicada à Contabilidade Gerencial. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste ensaio é aprofundar o nível de entendimento sobre as causas do gap que existe entre a teoria e a prática da Contabilidade Gerencial. O método de pesquisa utilizado envolve a correlação entre a abordagem institucional com a abordagem de cultura organizacional e ainda com o conceito de inconsciente da psicologia, tendo como pano de fundo as características ambientais próprias da Contabilidade Gerencial. A contribuição esperada deste ensaio é adicionar novos elementos à abordagem institucional, bem como integrá-la com as abordagens psicológica e de cultura organizacional, no sentido de gerar um melhor entendimento da Contabilidade Gerencial.
Empresas que se destacam pela qualidade das informações a seus usuários externos também se destacam pela utilização de artefatos modernos de contabilidade gerencial?
Authors: Guerreiro Reinaldo , Cornachione Júnior Edgard Bruno , Soutes Dione Olesczuk
Published: May 2011

Estudos empíricos têm indicado baixo grau de utilização de artefatos modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial propostos pela literatura. No âmbito teórico, a teoria da contabilidade engloba o pressuposto de que a contabilidade deveria atender eficazmente os seus usuários externos e internos. Este estudo tem dois objetivos principais: avaliar se (a) empresas brasileiras que se destacam pelo seu porte na economia brasileira utilizam artefatos modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial e (b) empresas que se destacam pela qualidade de suas informações aos usuários externos, também, se destacam pela maior utilização de artefatos modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial de apoio a usuários internos. Uma amostra de 90 empresas foi examinada, selecionadas dentre empresas listadas entre as 500 maiores empresas (edição de 2005 de Melhores e Maiores) e dentre o rol de empresas que foram indicadas ao Prêmio ANEFAC-FIPECAFI-SERASA, Troféu Transparência, entre os anos-base de 1996 a2004. Dados foram coletados por meio de questionário endereçado ao gestor da área de Contabilidade Gerencial, contendo questões relativas ao grau de utilização de artefatos tradicionais e modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial. Os resultados do estudo demonstram que (a) as empresas da amostra utilizam artefatos modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial e (b) a amostra de empresas indicadas para o prêmio não se diferencia, em termos de utilização de artefatos modernos de Contabilidade Gerencial, do grupo das demais empresas pesquisadas.
Comparação cruzada entre pesquisas laboratoriais e de campo em conforto térmico em espaços abertos urbanos
Authors: Monteiro Leonardo Marques , Alucci Márcia Peinado
Published: May 2011

Este artigo apresenta uma comparação cruzada entre pesquisas laboratoriais e de campo em conforto térmico em espaços abertos urbanos. O objetivo da pesquisa é verificar comparativamente os resultados de bases empíricas laboratoriais e de campo, estabelecidas na cidade de São Paulo. Para tanto, consideram-se modelos preditivos desenvolvidos, adaptados ou utilizados em pesquisas de conforto térmico em espaços abertos. Ao mesmo tempo, verificam-se comparativamente os referidos modelos, com indicação de uso daqueles que apresentaram resultados mais significativos para diferentes aplicações. O método utilizado é empírico-indutivo, por meio de coleta de dados laboratoriais e levantamentos em campo (variáveis microclimáticas, pessoais e subjetivas), apoiado por método teórico-dedutivo, por meio de simulações computacionais (29 índices referentes a 20 modelos preditivos). Verificou-se que os resultados das respostas de percepção de sensação térmica apresentam-se menos predizíveis no Bairro da Luz (levantamento de campo) do que na Cidade Universitária (coleta laboratorial). Com relação aos índices, o índice de carga térmica, a temperatura equivalente percebida e a nova temperatura efetiva corrigida foram os que apresentaram resultados mais significativos, sendo indicada a aplicação para cada um deles.
Tableros de partículas de bambú (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad) y resina poliuretana a base de aceite de rícino (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: José Flávio Januário , Beraldo Antonio Ludovico
Published: May 2011

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo la elaboración y la evaluación de tableros de partículas homogéneas aglomeradas, utilizándose dos materiales alternativos en la búsqueda de la sustentabilidad del proceso productivo. Fueron utilizadas partículas de Bambusa vulgaris Schrad por la rapidez del ciclo de producción de esta especie de bambú. Como pegante fue utilizada la resina poliuretana a base de aceite de ricino (Ricinus communis L.), por su origen parcialmente renovable, y por ser considerada no tóxica. Para la caracterización del material, fueron fabricadas, en escala de laboratorio, tableros de partículas de bambú con dimensiones inferiores al 2.4 mm, combinadas con 5%, 10% y 15% de resina en relación a la masa de partículas de bambú. Probetas fueron evaluadas de acuerdo con las especificaciones de la norma NBR 14810 - Tableros de madera aglomerada. Antes de los ensayos de compresión las probetas fueron evaluadas por medio del ensayo no destructivo por ultra-sonido. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que los tableros con el contenido de 10% de resina no fue estadísticamente diferente al contenido de 15%, siendo ambos superiores al contenido de 5%. La mayoría de las propiedades de los tableros fueron inferiores a aquellas de los tableros comerciales. No fue posible correlacionar la velocidad del pulso de ultra-sonido con la resistencia a la compresión longitudinal.
Avaliação de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social com base na hierarquia de valor percebido pelo usuário
Authors: Bonatto Fernanda Sbaraini , Miron Luciana Inês Gomes , Formoso Carlos Torres
Published: May 2011

A avaliação de empreendimentos tem grande importância no esforço de melhoria da habitação de interesse social, podendo auxiliar na avaliação de resultados e na identificação de erros e acertos ante os objetivos e ações do projeto. No entanto, a diversidade e dinâmica de programas habitacionais e a falta de clareza nos objetivos dos empreendimentos podem dificultar o processo de avaliação desse tipo de produto. Com frequência, as avaliações realizadas nos empreendimentos de habitação de interesse social têm como foco os atributos do produto, sem estabelecer uma conexão com os objetivos esperados. Neste artigo, propõe-se um modelo para estruturar as avaliações de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, adotando uma hierarquia de valor que vincula os atributos às suas consequências de uso e aos objetivos esperados. O modelo não está limitado a um programa habitacional específico e parte da ideia de produto ampliado, ou seja, não está focado apenas no produto habitação. As principais contribuições do estudo referem-se ao mapeamento do produto habitacional e à identificação de influências entre os atributos do produto avaliados e os resultados esperados pelos gestores e percebidos pelos usuários.
Revision of the genus Macropsobrycon Eigenmann, 1915 (Characidae: Cheirodontinae: Compsurini)
Authors: Jerep Fernando C. , Malabarba Luiz R.
Published: May 2011

The cheirodontine genus Macropsobrycon is redefined and considered monotypic. The type species, M. uruguayanae, is redescribed based on samples from the entire known geographical distribution of the species. Sexually dimorphic characters of M. uruguayanae are further described and the relationships of the species with the remaining Compsurini are discussed.
Testers for combining ability and selection of papaya hybrids resistant to fungal diseases
Authors: Vivas Marcelo , Silveira Silvaldo Felipe da , Terra Carlos Eduardo Pessanha da Silva , Pereira Messias Gonzaga
Published: May 2011

Genetic resistance represents a sustainable alternative to disease control in papaya crop. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of testers to estimate combining ability and select hybrids resistant to black spot, phoma spot and chocolate spot. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with two replications and 20 plants per plot. The severity of phoma spot and black spot on leaves and the lesion area of black spot and chocolate spot on fruits were evaluated in two seasons. The combining ability of the following crosses is negative for all traits: tester 'JS 12' with 'Sunrise Solo' and 'Kaphoro Solo PV'; tester 'Americano' with 'Caliman M5', 'Sunrise Solo', 'Baixinho de Santa Amália' and 'Waimanalo'; and tester 'Maradol' with 'Caliman G', 'Caliman AM' and 'Sunrise Solo PT'. These results may be useful in breeding for disease resistance by hybridization.
Genetic divergence among Brazilian turmeric germplasm using morpho-agronomical descriptors
Authors: Sigrist Mário Sérgio , Pinheiro José Baldin , Azevedo Filho Joaquim Adelino de , Zucchi Maria Imaculada
Published: May 2011

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a vegetatively-propagated crop which is used as a natural dye in the food industry and also presents many biological active compounds. Turmeric conventional breeding is difficult and often limited to germplasm selection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic divergence among turmeric accessions available in Brazil using seven morpho-agronomical descriptors. Overall genetic divergence was low, although some divergent genotypes were identified. Four main groups of genotypes were identified and could be further used in breeding programs. Canonical variable analysis suggested that some descriptors were more important to discriminate accessions and also that one of the descriptors could be discarded. The results provided useful insights for better management of the germplasm collection, optimizing conservational and breeding efforts.
Correlations and path analysis of peanut traits associated with the peg
Authors: Luz Lucas Nunes da , Santos Roseane Cavalcanti dos , Melo Filho Péricles de Albuquerque
Published: May 2011

By correlation and path-coefficient analysis, the most relevant traits for selection for peanut pod yield were identified among the following: total number of pegs (TNP), number of pegs in the lower third of the plant (NPLTh), number of mature pods (NMP), main stem height (MSH), and reproductive efficiency (EF1 and EF2). The trial consisted of 15 F2:3 progenies derived from a cross of variety BR 1 and the advanced line CNPA 280 AM, evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. The lines with best reproductive efficiency were L.8 and L.11. Path analysis detected a strong direct effect of the number of pegs in the lower plant third on the number of mature pods. This finding justifies the use of the number of pegs in the lower plant third in selection of peanut populations for number of mature pods.
Invasive Fungal Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients Not Receiving Routine Systemic Antifungal Prophylaxis: 12‐Year Experience at a University Lung Transplant Center
Authors: Pinney Marlena F. , Rosenberg Amy F. , Hampp Christian , Schain Denise , Akindipe Olufemi , Baz Maher
Published: May 2011

Study Objective. To determine the rate of invasive fungal infection among the lung transplant population at a center that does not provide routine systemic antifungal prophylaxis, and to compare that rate with rates currently reported in the literature.

Design. Retrospective medical record review.

Setting. University‐affiliated lung transplant center.

Patients. Two hundred forty‐two adults without cystic fibrosis who underwent lung transplantation between March 1, 1994, and June 30, 2006.

Measurements and Main Results. Patients were followed by the adult lung transplant service. Twenty‐three cases of invasive fungal infections were identified in 22 patients, resulting in a 9.1% overall invasive fungal infection rate in our study population. Aspergillus infections were the most common type of fungal infection identified, occurring in 11 (47.8%) of the 23 cases, with an overall rate of 4.5% (11/242 patients). Invasive fungal infections in lung transplant recipients have been reported in the literature at a rate 15–35%, with rates of Aspergillus infections reported as 3–15%.

Conclusion. Despite the absence of routine systemic antifungal prophylaxis, the overall invasive fungal infection rate and the Aspergillus infection rate in these lung transplant recipients do not appear to be higher than the rates reported in the literature.
Engineering solutions after the Messina 1908 earthquake
Authors: Sorrentino Luigi
Published: May 2011

On 28 December 1908, a powerful earthquake of equivalent magnitude 7·1 hit Messina and southern Calabria, in Italy. The seismic event created tens of thousands of victims and had a deep impact on Italian society. Alongside government interventions, there were also several private initiatives, including a competition in Milan. The call for proposals for earthquake-resistant construction elicited international attention. The general discussion presented in the competition judges' report is relevant from many points of view and is briefly summarised here. Among the award-winning projects, this paper describes and discusses the reinforced masonry building proposed by Italians Vittorio Gianfranceschi and Giulio Revere, the steel-reinforced concrete structure of Austrian Fritz von Emperger and the reinforced concrete moment-resisting frame designed by Frenchman Edmond Coignet. These proposals provided original ideas, some of which were backed up by some of the first computations in earthquake engineering.
Biofouling by bryozoans, Cordylophora and sponges in UK water treatment works
Authors: Mant R. C. , Moggridge G. , Aldridge D. C.
Published: May 2011

In recent years biofouling from native (bryozoans, sponges) and non-native (Cordylophora) animals has increased in UK water treatment works (WTW). A survey of six UK water companies and eight WTWs revealed that these taxa were more widespread and abundant than previously recognised. Primary problems related to the occlusion of underfloor nozzles and tailpipes in rapid gravity filter beds (RGFs). These cost the UK water industry £1.49 m between 2005 and 2009. Additional impacts came from skin irritation to operatives from sponge spicules and the potential for elevated bacterial pathogen levels. Sponges penetrated the furthest through the water treatment process, reaching the point of final chlorination at one WTW. A monitoring plate study showed pronounced seasonality in fouling, with most taxa peaking in mid to late summer before a winter die-off. Control options, including the use of chlorine, and the importance of resistant stages for each taxon are discussed.
Application of biofilm reactors to improve ammonia oxidation in low nitrogen loaded wastewater
Authors: Seca I. , Torres R. , Val del Río A. , Mosquera-Corral A. , Campos J. L. , Méndez R.
Published: May 2011

An airlift reactor using zeolite particles as carrier material was used for the nitrification of effluents from the aquaculture industry. During the start-up the nitrogen concentration was kept around 100 mg NH4+-N/L to develop the nitrifying population. Later it was decreased down to around 3 mg NH4+-N/L and the dilution rate was increased up to 4.8 d−1 in order to simulate the conditions in a an aquaculture waster treatment system. A nitrogen loading rate (NLR) of 535 mg NH4+-N/m2 d was fully oxidized to nitrate. Higher values of NLRs caused nitrite accumulation. A second biofilm reactor was fed with a synthetic medium containing 50 mg NH4+-N/L which simulated the effluents from anaerobic units treating domestic wastewater. A nitrogen loading rate of 400 mg NH4+-N/L d was oxidized into nitrate with an efficiency of 60% at a dilution rate of 8 d−1. Both biofilm systems allowed the development of a nitrifying population to treat the studied types of wastewaters.
Effect of support and second metal in catalytic in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide by Pd-supported catalysts: application in the removal of organic pollutants by means of the Fenton process
Authors: Contreras S. , Yalfani M. S. , Medina F. , Sueiras J. E.
Published: May 2011

A catalytic system for the generation of H2O2 from formic acid and oxygen at ambient conditions has been developed. Pd-supported catalysts (Pd/C, Pd/TiO2 and Pd/Al2O3) have been tested, showing that for bulk purposes Pd/Al2O3 is more favourable while for in-situ applications Pd/TiO2 seems to be preferable. However, when these catalysts were tested in the in-situ H2O2 generation for the oxidation of phenol by means of the Fenton process (in the presence of ferrous ion), Pd/TiO2 did not demonstrate the expected results, whereas Pd/Al2O3 showed to be an efficient catalyst. Therefore, Pd/Al2O3 is offered as a good catalyst for Fenton's reactions with in-situ generated H2O2. In order to optimize the operating cost of the process, different initial concentrations of formic acid have been tested with Pd/Al2O3, and it has been seen that lowering the initial amount of formic acid favours the efficiency of the process. The effect of the addition of a second metallic (Pt, Au, Fe, Cu) active phase was studied. Concerning H2O2 generation, best results were obtained with a Pd-Au catalyst for bulk production (long time) while for in-situ application Pd-Fe showed interesting results. The Pd-Fe catalyst also performed similarly to the semi-heterogeneous Fenton system involving Pd/Al2O3 and ferrous ion in the degradation of phenol. Therefore, Pd-Fe catalyst offered an interesting prospect for making a full heterogeneous catalyst for Fenton reaction involving in-situ generation of H2O2
Long-term effects of the ozonation of the sludge recycling stream on excess sludge reduction and biomass activity at full-scale
Authors: Gardoni D. , Ficara E. , Fornarelli R. , Parolini M. , Canziani R.
Published: May 2011

This paper presents a full-scale experience of sludge minimization by means of short contact time ozonation in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) mainly fed on textile wastewater. The WWTP performance over a 3-year operational data series was analysed and compared with a two-year operation with sludge ozonation. Lab-scale respirometric tests were also performed to characterize biomass activity upstream and downstream of the ozone contact reactor. Results suggest that sludge ozonation: (1) is capable of decreasing excess sludge production by 17%; (2) partially decreases both N removal, by lowering the denitrification capacity, and P removal, by reducing biomass synthesis; (3) increases the decay rate from the typical value of 0.62 d−1 to 1.3 d−1; (4) decreases the heterotrophic growth yield from the typical value of 0.67 to 0.58 gCOD/gCOD.
Screening for Oxidative Stress Elicited by Engineered Nanomaterials: Evaluation of Acellular DCFH Assay
Authors: Pal Anoop K. , Bello Dhimiter , Budhlall Bridgette , Rogers Eugene , Milton Donald K.
Published: May 2011

The DCFH assay is commonly used for measuring free radicals generated by engineered nanomaterials (ENM), a well-established mechanism of ENM toxicity. Concerns exist over susceptibility of the DCFH assay to: assay conditions, adsorption of DCFH onto ENM, fluorescence quenching and light scattering. These effects vary in magnitude depending on ENM physiochemical properties and concentration. A rigorous evaluation of this method is still lacking. The objective was to evaluate performance of the DCFH assay for measuring ENM-induced free radicals. A series of diverse and well-characterized ENM were tested in the acellular DCFH assay. We investigated the effect of sonication conditions, dispersion media, ENM concentration, and the use of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on the DCFH results. The acellular DCFH assay suffers from high background signals resulting from dye auto-oxidation and lacks sensitivity and robustness. DCFH oxidation is further enhanced by HRP. The number of positive ENM in the assay and their relative ranking changed as a function of experimental conditions. An inverse dose relationship was observed for several Carbon-based ENM. Overall, these findings indicate the importance of having standardized assays for evaluating ENM toxicity and highlights limitations of the DCFH assay for measuring ENM-induced free radicals.
IL-13Rα1 Expression on β-Cell–Specific T Cells in NOD Mice
Authors: Rasche Sarah S. , Phillips Michele , McInerney Marcia F. , Sercarz Eli E. , Quinn Anthony
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

Immunotherapy using peptides from the β-cell antigen GAD65 can preserve glucose homeostasis in diabetes-prone NOD mice; however, the precise mechanisms that arrest islet-reactive T cells remain unresolved. Our previous work revealed that a dominant GAD65 epitope contained two overlapping I-Ag7–restricted determinants, 524-538 and 530-543, with the former associated with amelioration of hyperglycemia. Here, we sought to discover whether p524-538–specific T cells could directly regulate islet-reactive T cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prediabetic NOD mice were used to determine the relationship between peptide p524-538–induced interleukin (IL)-13 and regulation of islet autoimmunity. Pancreatic lymph node (PLN) cells from mice at distinct stages of islet inflammation, peri-insulitis versus invasive insulitis, were harvested to establish the expression pattern of IL-13 receptor α1 (IL-13Rα1) on islet-associated T cells.

RESULTS

Peptide p524-538 preferentially induced IL-13–producing T cells that antagonized the release of γ-interferon by spontaneously arising GAD65 autoimmunity, and recombinant human IL-13 inhibited proliferation of islet-reactive clonotypic T cells. A subset of CD4+ T cells in NOD and NOD.BDC2.5 T cell receptor transgenic mice expressed functional IL-13Rα1, which induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 in the presence of cognate cytokine. Notably, the number of IL-13Rα1+ T cells was heightened in the PLN of young NOD mice when compared with older female counterparts with advanced insulitis. Immunization with p524-538 preserved IL-13Rα1 expression on PLN T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-13 may be important for regulating autoimmunity in the early stages of insulitis, and the loss of IL-13Rα1 on islet-reactive T cells may be a biomarker for fading regional immune regulation and progression to overt diabetes.
Heterogeneity of Altered Cytokine Levels Across the Clinical Spectrum of Diabetes in China
Authors: Xiang Yufei , Zhou Pengcheng , Li Xiaojue , Huang Gan , Liu Zhenqi , Xu Aimin , Leslie R. David , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between selected cytokines and diabetes in Chinese subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adult patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (n = 53), latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) (n = 250), and type 2 diabetes (n = 285) from multiple centers were compared with normal subjects (n = 196). We centrally tested serum GAD antibodies (GADAs), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipocalin 2 (LCN2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and adiponectin.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, all diabetes types had increased IL-6 and LCN2 (P < 0.01), and all four cytokines were increased in LADA (P < 0.01). In type 1 diabetes, adiponectin but not hs-CRP was increased (P < 0.01), whereas in type 2 diabetes, hs-CRP but not adiponectin was increased (P < 0.01). Adiponectin was correlated positively with GADA titer and negatively with hs-CRP (P < 0.01 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

In China, inflammatory markers are increased in all three major types of diabetes, but probably for different reasons, even in autoimmune diabetes.
Symmetry preserving regularization with a cutoff
Authors: Cynolter Gabor , Lendvai Endre
Published: May 2011

A Lorentz and gauge symmetry preserving regularization method is proposed in 4 dimensions based on a momentum cutoff. We use the conditions of gauge invariance or equivalently the freedom to shift the loop momentum to define the evaluation of the terms carrying even number of Lorentz indices, e.g. proportional to k
µ
k
ν. The remaining scalar integrals are calculated with a four dimensional momentum cutoff. The finite terms (independent of the cutoff) are free of ambiguities coming from subtractions in non-trivial cases. Finite parts of the result are equal to that of dimensional regularization.
Surface changes on a landslide affected high bluff in Dunaszekcső (Hungary)
Authors: Bugya Titusz , Fábián Szabolcs , Görcs Noémi , Kovács István , Radvánszky Bertalan
Published: May 2011

This article presents results from the survey conducted on Dunaszekcső loess bluff after the last major rotational sliding event in 2008. The study area is a region of 25×30 m located on loess bluff close to the recent scarp. The relative elevation change of the surface was surveyed in 2.5×5 m grid network in relation to a marked base point. The survey was conducted using simple equipment such as analogue theodolite and leveller with regular time interval during a year and control measurements were taken after six months.

It was assumed that measurements to the nearest cm are sufficient to recognize vertical displacements of the surface. The study focused on identifying the pattern of general vertical movements for the study area by the relative movements of individual points. Our results show significant cm scale vertical displacements. Most of the grid points have a slow decreasing tendency, but close to the scarp a more significant displacement was found. The main character of the spatial pattern is subsidence, which is more definitive on southern part of the study area than the northern part. Our observations correlate with the broader geomorphological characteristics of loess bluffs along the Danube.
Miocene vegetation pattern and climate change in the northwestern Central Paratethys domain (Czech and Slovak Republic)
Authors: Kováčová Marianna , Doláková Nela , Kováč Michal
Published: May 2011

Miocene vegetation pattern and climate change in the northwestern Central Paratethys domain (Czech and Slovak Republic)

The case study area covers the slopes of the tectonically quiet European platform and foreland of the tectonically active Carpathian mountain chain (Carpathian Foredeep and Vienna Basin). Therefore the research on pollen spectra mirrors not only the evolution of landscape in two areas with different geodynamics, but also climatic changes in the Central Paratethys domain during the studied time interval. According to the pollen data, the Early to Middle Miocene vegetation reflects subtropical climate with very mild (negligible) cooling events during this period. This is indicated by common occurrence of thermophilous taxa in the whole sedimentary record. The Middle Miocene landscape evolution, conditioned by uplift of the Carpathian mountain chain and subsidence of adjacent lowlands, led to commencement of the altitudinal zonation. The terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems confirm a subtropical climate (Miocene Climatic Optimum, Mi3 event) with some possible long term changes in humidity. The Late Miocene paleogeographical changes, but also general climatic oscillations in the northwestern Central Paratethys realm, resulted in decrease of the number of thermophilous taxa during this time (change in latitudinal position of the vegetation cover). Variously high mountain relief of the uplifted mountain chains (altitudinal zonality) created ideal conditions for mixed mesophytic forests (to open woodland — open grassland type), still with presence of evergreen taxa. A subtropical climate with gradual transition to warm temperate climatic conditions is supposed on the basis of the reconstructed vegetation cover.
Effect of concentration on the accuracy of convective imaging distribution of a gadolinium-based surrogate tracer
Authors: Asthagiri Ashok R. , Walbridge Stuart , Heiss John D. , Lonser Russell R.
Published: May 2011

Object

Accurate real-time imaging of coinfused surrogate tracers can be used to determine the convective distribution of therapeutic agents. To assess the effect that a concentration of a Gd-based surrogate tracer has on the accuracy of determining the convective distribution, the authors infused different concentrations of Gd-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) in primates during MR imaging.

Methods

Five nonhuman primates underwent convective infusion (1 or 5 mM, 21–65 μl) of Gd-DTPA alone, Gd-DTPA and 14C-sucrose, or Gd-DTPA and 14C-dextran into the bilateral striata. Animals underwent real-time MR imaging during infusion (5 animals) and autoradiographic analysis (2 animals).

Results

Gadolinium-DTPA could be seen filling the striata at either concentration (1 or 5 mM) on real-time MR imaging. While the volume of distribution (Vd) increased linearly with the volume of infusion (Vi) for both concentrations of tracer (1 mM: R2 = 0.83; 5 mM: R2 = 0.96), the Vd/Vi ratio was significantly (p < 0.0001) less for the 1-mM (2.3 ± 1.0) as compared with the 5-mM (7.4 ± 1.9) concentration. Autoradiographic and MR volumetric analysis revealed that the 5-mM concentration most accurately estimated the Vd for both small (sucrose [359 D], 12% difference between imaging and autoradiographic distribution) and large (dextran [70 kD], 0.2% difference) molecules compared with the 1-mM concentration (sucrose, 65% difference; dextran, 68% difference).

Conclusions

The concentration of infused Gd-DTPA plays a critical role in accurately assessing the distribution of molecules delivered by CED. A 5-mM concentration of Gd-DTPA most accurately estimated the Vd over a wide range of molecular sizes.
Comparative effectiveness of using computed tomography alone to exclude cervical spine injuries in obtunded or intubated patients: meta-analysis of 14,327 patients with blunt trauma
Authors: Panczykowski David M. , Tomycz Nestor D. , Okonkwo David O.
Published: May 2011

Object

The current standard of practice for clearance of the cervical spine in obtunded patients suffering blunt trauma is to use CT and an adjuvant imaging modality (such as MR imaging). The objective of this study was to determine the comparative effectiveness of multislice helical CT alone to diagnose acute unstable cervical spine injury following blunt trauma.

Methods

The authors performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing modern CT with adjunctive imaging modalities and required that studies present acute traumatic findings as well as treatment for unstable injuries. Study quality, population characteristics, diagnostic protocols, and outcome data were extracted. Positive disease status included all injuries necessitating surgical or orthotic stabilization identified on imaging and/or clinical follow-up.

Results

Seventeen studies encompassing 14,327 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity for modern CT were both > 99.9% (95% CI 0.99–1.00 and 0.99–1.00, respectively). The negative likelihood ratio of an unstable cervical injury after a CT scan negative for acute injury was < 0.001 (95% CI 0.00–0.01), while the negative predictive value of a normal CT scan was 100% (95% CI 0.96–1.00). Global severity of injury, CT slice thickness, and study quality did not significantly affect accuracy estimates.

Conclusions

Modern CT alone is sufficient to detect unstable cervical spine injuries in trauma patients. Adjuvant imaging is unnecessary when the CT scan is negative for acute injury. Results of this meta-analysis strongly show that the cervical collar may be removed from obtunded or intubated trauma patients if a modern CT scan is negative for acute injury.
Cervical pneumatocyst
Authors: Hoover Jason M. , Wenger Doris E. , Eckel Laurence J. , Krauss William E.
Published: May 2011

The authors present the case of a 56-year-old right hand–dominant woman who was referred for chronic neck pain and a second opinion regarding a cervical lesion. The patient's pain was localized to the subaxial spine in the midline. She reported a subjective sense of intermittent left arm weakness manifesting as difficulty manipulating small objects with her hands and fingers. She also reported paresthesias and numbness in the left hand. Physical and neurological examinations demonstrated no abnormal findings except for a positive Tinel sign over the left median nerve at the wrist. Electromyography demonstrated bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with no cervical radiculopathy. Cervical spine imaging demonstrated multilevel degenerative disc disease and a pneumatocyst of the C-5 vertebral body. The alignment of the cervical spine was normal. A review of the patient's cervical imaging studies obtained in 1995, 2007, 2008, and 2010 demonstrated that the pneumatocyst was not present in 1995 but was present in 2007. The lesion had not changed in appearance since 2007. At an outside institution, multilevel fusion of the cervical spine was recommended to treat the pneumatocyst prior to evaluation at the authors' institution. The authors, however, did not think that the pneumatocyst was the cause of the patient's neck pain, and cervical pneumatocysts typically have a benign course. As such, the authors recommended conservative management and repeated MR imaging in 6 months. Splinting was used to treat the patient's carpal tunnel syndrome.
Clinical Profiles of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at the Time of Maiden Presentation: An Experience at the Nephrology Ward, Chittagong Medical College Hospital
Authors: Kashem Abul , Dutta Pradip Kumar , Huda Md Nurul , Das Saibal , Yunus Emran Bin , Chowdhury Dipti
Published: May 2011

Key words: CKD patients; Renam status at maiden presentation; Nephrology ward of CMCHDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i2.7729 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(2):7-10
Foreign Body Lung: A Case Report
Authors: Hasan M Shameem , Enayetullah M , Barua Sanat Kumar , Alam M Shah , Akhter Mahmuda
Published: May 2011

Key words: Foreign body; collapse consolidation; bronchoscopyDOI: 10.3329/jcmcta.v21i2.7739 Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2010: 21(2):47-49
Practical Ranges of Loudness Levels of Various Types of Environmental Noise, Including Traffic Noise, Aircraft Noise, and Industrial Noise
Authors: Salomons Erik M. , Janssen Sabine A.
Published: May 2011

In environmental noise control one commonly employs the A-weighted sound level as an approximate measure of the effect of noise on people. A measure that is more closely related to direct human perception of noise is the loudness level. At constant A-weighted sound level, the loudness level of a noise signal varies considerably with the shape of the frequency spectrum of the noise signal. In particular the bandwidth of the spectrum has a large effect on the loudness level, due to the effect of critical bands in the human hearing system. The low-frequency content of the spectrum also has an effect on the loudness level. In this note the relation between loudness level and A-weighted sound level is analyzed for various environmental noise spectra, including spectra of traffic noise, aircraft noise, and industrial noise. From loudness levels calculated for these environmental noise spectra, diagrams are constructed that show the relation between loudness level, A‑weighted sound level, and shape of the spectrum. The diagrams show that the upper limits of the loudness level for broadband environmental noise spectra are about 20 to 40 phon higher than the lower limits for narrowband spectra, which correspond to the loudness levels of pure tones. The diagrams are useful for assessing limitations and potential improvements of environmental noise control methods and policy based on A-weighted sound levels.
Noninsect Arthropods in Popular Music
Authors: Coelho Joseph R.
Published: May 2011

The occurrence of noninsect arthropods in popular music was examined in order to explore human attitudes toward these species, especially as compared to insects. Crustaceans were the most commonly referenced taxonomic group in artist names, album titles and cover art, followed by spiders and scorpions. The surprising prevalence of crustaceans may be related to the palatability of many of the species. Spiders and scorpions were primarily used for shock value, as well as totemic qualities of strength and ferocity. Spiders were the most abundant group among song titles, perhaps because of their familiarity to the general public. Three noninsect arthropod album titles were found from the early 1970s, then none appear until 1990. Older albums are difficult to find unless they are quite popular, and the resurgence of albums coincides with the rise of the internet. After 1990, issuance of such albums increased approximately linearly. Giant and chimeric album covers were the most common of themes, indicating the use of these animals to inspire fear and surprise. The lyrics of select songs are presented to illustrate the diversity of sentiments present, from camp spookiness to edibility.
Knoevenagel Reaction in [MMIm][MSO4]: Synthesis of Coumarins
Authors: Verdía Pedro , Santamarta Francisco , Tojo Emilia
Published: May 2011

The ionic liquid 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate, [MMIm][MSO4], together with a small amount of water (the amount taken up by the ionic liquid upon exposure to air), acts efficiently as both solvent and catalyst of the Knoevenagel condensation reactions of malononitrile with 4-substituted benzaldehydes, without the need for any other solvent or promoter, affording yields of 92%–99% within 2–7 min at room temperature. When L-proline is used as an additional promoter to obtain coumarins from o-hydroxybenzaldehydes, the reaction also proceeds in high yields. Work-up is very simple and the ionic liquid can be reused several times. Some of the coumarins obtained are described for the first time.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Leaf, Stem and Root from Different Varieties of Labisa pumila Benth
Authors: Karimi Ehsan , Jaafar Hawa Z.E. , Ahmad Sahida
Published: May 2011

A local herb, Kacip Fatimah, is famous amongst Malay women for its uses in parturition; however, its phytochemical contents have not been fully documented. Therefore, a study was performed to evaluate the phenolics, flavonoids, and total saponin contents, and antibacterial and antifungal properties of the leaf, stem and root of three varieties of Labisia pumila Benth. Total saponins were found to be higher in the leaves of all three varieties, compared to the roots and stems. Leaves of var. pumila exhibited significantly higher total saponin content than var. alata and lanceolata, with values of 56.4, 43.6 and 42.3 mg diosgenin equivalent/g dry weight, respectively. HPLC analyses of phenolics and flavonoids in all three varieties revealed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and myricetin in all plant parts. Higher levels of flavonoids (rutin, quercitin, kaempferol) were observed in var. pumila compared with alata and lanceolata, whereas higher accumulation of phenolics (gallic acid, pyrogallol) was recorded in var. alata, followed by pumila and lanceolata. Antibacterial activities of leaf, stem and root extracts of all varieties determined against both Gram positive (Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis B145, Bacillus cereus B43, Staphylococcus aureus S1431) and Gram negative (Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia K36, Escherichia coli E256, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PI96) pathogens showed that crude methanolic extracts are active against these bacteria at low concentrations, albeit with lower antibacterial activity compared to kanamycin used as the control. Antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of all plant parts against Fusarium sp., Candida sp. and Mucor using the agar diffusion disc exhibited moderate to appreciable antifungal activities compared to streptomycin used as positive control.