bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High throughput synthesis of ceramic nanofibers
Authors: Sood S. , Zheng G. , Gouma P.
Published: March 2014

High yield nanomanufacturing is important to turning nanotechnology advances into industrial products. Electrospinning is a nanomanufacturing process that has been used to process advanced ceramic nanofibers suitable for functional applications in sensing and catalysis, yet it has been limited in its scalability thus far. In this study a novel design of the electrospinning process and related equipment that could produce large qualities of ceramic nanofibers is described. This scaled-up approach to traditional needle electrospinning allows the formation of 24 jets operating under the same conditions as those set in the single jet lab-based process. Due to a thin metallic disc design, with tiny (0.5mm) holes drilled at the bottom corner of the disc, all jets experience a uniform impact of the electrostatic field. Continuous replenishment of the source disk at higher flow rates allows for high yields of nanofibers.
Charge Transport Phenomena Unique to Diamond
Authors: Kovi Kiran K. , Suntornwipat Nattakarn , Majdi Saman , Gabrysch Markus , Hammersberg Johan , Isberg Jan
Published: March 2014

Diamond is a unique material in many respects. One of the most well-known extreme properties of diamond is its ultrahardness. This property of diamond actually turns out to have interesting consequences for charge transport, in particular at low temperatures. In fact, the strong covalent bonds that give rise to the ultrahardness results in a lack of short wavelength lattice vibrations which has a strong impact on both electron and hole scattering. In some sense diamond behaves more like a vacuum than other semiconductor materials. In this paper we describe some interesting charge transport properties of diamond and discuss possible novel electronic applications.
Improvement of methanol oxidation catalytic activities of radiochemically synthesized PtRu/C nanoparticles by post annealing process
Authors: Seino Satoshi , Morisue Masato , Ohkubo Yuji , Kugai Junichiro , Nakagawa Takashi , Yamamoto Takao A.
Published: March 2014

Electrode catalysts composed of carbon supported PtRu nanoparticles (PtRu/C) synthesized by radiochemical process were annealed to control the PtRu substructure to enhance catalytic activity. The substructure of the PtRu nanoparticles synthesized by using high-energy electron beam under acidic condition was Pt-rich core/Ru-rich shell type, reflecting the redox potentials of each precursor ions. The material characterization techniques revealed that the reductive annealing led to the mixing of PtRu both in the core and on the surface. The sample with annealing temperature of 300°C for 5 hour showed the highest methanol oxidation current, 2.3 times higher than that obtained with before annealing.
Public hearings as a tool to improve participation in regulatory policies: case study of the National Agency of Electric Energy
Authors: Castro Camila Moreira de
Published: March 2014

The participation of citizens in public policies is an opportunity not only to educate them, but also to increase their empowerment. However, the best way for deploying participatory policies, defining their scope and approach, still remains an open and continuous debate. Using as a case study the Brazilian National Agency of Electric Energy (Aneel), with its public hearings about tariff review, this paper aims at analyzing the democratic aspects of these hearings and challenges the hypothesis of many scholars about the social participation bias in this kind of procedure. This study points out a majority participation of experts, contrasting with the political content of discussions. And, this way, it contributes to a critical analysis of the public hearings as a participatory tool, indicating their strengths and their aspects which deserve a special attention.
Percurso recente da política penitenciária no Brasil: o caso de São Paulo
Authors: Cruz Marcus Vinicius Gonçalves da , Souza Letícia Godinho de , Batitucci Eduardo Cerqueira
Published: March 2014

Esse artigo analisa a trajetória recente da política penitenciária em São Paulo, o estado brasileiro com o maior número de pessoas encarceradas. A partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, realizou-se pesquisa analisando os diferentes contextos e indicativos das políticas públicas utilizadas, ressaltando as dificuldades existentes para sua institucionalização. Os levantamentos revelam que a expansão do sistema é marcada por um endurecimento dos regimes de aplicação da pena, encerrando um breve período de humanização nos anos 1980. O recrudescimento das ações da "sociedade dos cativos", a disseminação de controles mais rígidos, como o Regime Disciplinar Diferenciado, o embate político e midiático reforçaram um ciclo vicioso voltado para o aumento da repressão. Conclui-se que foram mantidas as características paradoxais do sistema prisional, em que de um lado a sociedade assume a custódia de seus agressores e a defesa de sua dignidade humana como obrigação moral, enquanto falha na perspectiva de garantia de suas necessidades básicas. Assim, o equilíbrio entre as estratégias de expansão do sistema carcerário e outras ações de respeito aos direitos dos presos somente terá efetividade com a firme adoção de processos de inclusão social dos encarcerados.
Os efeitos da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal no endividamento dos municípios do Piauí
Authors: Linhares Fabricio , Penna Christiano , Borges Glenda
Published: March 2014

A Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal (LRF) procura, em seu bojo, imprimir a austeridade na efetivação dos gastos públicos. Sua finalidade é equilibrar os gastos públicos imprimindo em seu contexto uma nova perspectiva fiscal. Este artigo aplica uma modificação da metodologia proposta por De Jesus Macedo e Corbari (2009) para avaliar os efeitos da LRF no endividamento municipal, tendo como base de dados os municípios do estado do Piauí. Posto que a LRF foi implantada em 2000, o objetivo do artigo é verificar se houve alteração no endividamento municipal a partir da implementação dessa lei. O estudo sugere que os municípios piauienses reduziram sua dívida em aproximadamente 7% após a implementação da LRF.
Organizações públicas e espaços às margens do Estado: contribuições para investigações sobre poder e território em favelas
Authors: Brulon Vanessa , Peci Alketa
Published: March 2014

As organizações públicas não assumem o protagonismo de sua influência na reconfiguração territorial e não conseguem impor sua ordem em determinados territórios, que acabam por se constituir como espaços às margens do Estado. Um exemplo são as favelas do Rio de Janeiro. Entretanto, as organizações públicas parecem estar voltando a atentar para sua capacidade de ação no reordenamento territorial. Para analisar de que forma essas organizações interferem na reconfiguração de espaços em favelas, é preciso investigar relações de poder, tendo em vista que os territórios são definidos por e a partir de relações de poder. Assim, este ensaio tem por objetivo propor questões norteadoras que possibilitem investigar de que forma a ação de organizações públicas em espaços às margens do Estado interfere nas relações de poder que lá se dão e, como consequência, na reconfiguração de territórios nesses espaços.
A competição eleitoral gera governos mais eficientes? Um estudo comparado das prefeituras no Brasil
Authors: Cavalcante Pedro
Published: March 2014

Quão eficientes são os governos municipais brasileiros? Quais os efeitos da dinâmica política, sobretudo da competição eleitoral, sobre o seu desempenho? Para responder essas questões, este artigo tem por objetivo analisar os determinantes do desempenho dessas unidades governamentais, mensurados por indicadores de eficiência relativa nas áreas de educação, saúde e assistência social - formulados a partir do método de análise envoltória de dados. As premissas teóricas que fundamentam as hipóteses desta pesquisa remontam ao debate acerca da importância da política em relação aos resultados governamentais. Aplica-se regressão espacial para testar como fatores estruturais e, principalmente, políticos impactam o desempenho das prefeituras. Os resultados sugerem que a dimensão política explica parte do desempenho das prefeituras, apesar de a competição eleitoral não influenciar a eficiência governamental.
Predominância ou coexistência?: modelos de administração pública brasileira na Política Nacional de Habitação
Authors: Drumond Alexandre Matos , Silveira Suely de Fátima Ramos , Silva Edson Arlindo
Published: March 2014

No Brasil, identifica-se que a administração pública tem sido conduzida ao longo dos anos por diferentes modelos de gestão: patrimonialista, burocrático, gerencial e societal, cada qual representando determinado contexto histórico, econômico e político. Este artigo verifica quais elementos desses modelos predominam na administração pública brasileira, tendo como objeto de análise a Política Nacional de Habitação e suas etapas no ciclo político. Constata-se que essa política pública é marcada pelo hibridismo de elementos característicos dos modelos de administração pública burocrático, gerencial e com predominância do modelo societal, por se tornar evidente em todas as etapas do ciclo político analisadas.
A teoria da comunicação de Charles S. Peirce e os equívocos de Ciro Marcondes Filho
Authors: Nöth Winfried
Published: March 2014

Este artigo apresenta uma resenha crítica do artigo "Esquecer Peirce?" de Ciro Marcondes Filho (Galáxia 24, 2012) na qual o autor defende a tese de que a obra de C. S. Peirce não apresenta nenhuma contribuição à teoria da comunicação. O artigo esboça alguns dos elementos da teoria da comunicação peirciana e discute em detalhes que a tese de Marcondes é inválida por estar baseada em evidência textual insuficiente e fontes não qualificadas.
Esquecer Peirce?: Dificuldades de uma teoria da comunicação que se apoia no modelo lógico e na religião. Parte II
Authors: Marcondes Filho Ciro
Published: March 2014

No primeira parte deste ensaio, que comenta a semiótica peirceana, falou-se que Peirce é, antes de tudo, um lógico e um metafísico, não um teórico da comunicação. Apoiando-se na ideia de que todo real é racional, busca enquadrar em suas vacilantes trilogias todas as interpretações sob uma lei do signo e um imperativo do código. Seu rigor lógico-positivista não prevê espaço para objetos da percepção nem para o extralinguístico. Nesta segunda parte, comentam-se os limites do método diagramático, a tendência paradoxal de sua regressão infinita terminar na ideia e na metafísica religiosa. E,last but not least, fala-se do uso da semiótica para compromissos escusos com as novas formas de poder.
Marcos históricos do talk show no Brasil: uma análise dos programas Globo Gente e Jô Soares Onze e Meia
Authors: Silva Fernanda Mauricio da
Published: March 2014

O artigo discute a formação do gênero talk show no Brasil, com base nas configurações históricas dos programas Globo Gente (Globo, 1973) e Jô Soares Onze e Meia (SBT, 1988 a 2000), ambos apresentados por Jô Soares. A questão que norteia este artigo é: quais as diferenças contextuais que possibilitaram o fracasso do Globo Gente e o sucesso do Onze e Meia de modo a fomentar e popularizar o gênero talk show no Brasil? A partir da noção de gênero como categoria cultural desenvolvida por Jason Mittell, procura-se na crítica televisiva e acadêmica os discursos sobre o talk show no Brasil e as condições que levaram a seu fortalecimento na grade de programação.
Teorias de jornalismo para gêneros jornalísticos
Authors: Seixas Lia
Published: March 2014

Este artigo traz as primeiras considerações teóricas de uma pesquisa sobre metodologia de gêneros jornalísticos. O objetivo é observar até onde categorias como "finalidade", "propósito", lead e enfoque operam e como noções capitais para os estudos do jornalismo (atualidade, instantaneidade, periodicidade, valor-notícia, fato, acontecimento) podem operar na análise dos gêneros jornalísticos. Durante cinco dias pelo método da "semana construída", analisamos os principais destaques das homes de dois sites noticiosos de referência: elpais.com e oglobo.globo.com. As primeiras considerações são: 1) a noção de instantaneidade revela a importância das noções de fato e acontecimento para a compreensão de gêneros jornalísticos; 2) finalidade é uma noção de dimensão sociocultural associada à noção de "função do jornalismo", determinada pelas noções de formato e estrutura ("sequências"); 3) periodicidade é a noção da ordem do produto, outro elemento que deve fazer parte dos estudos de gêneros jornalísticos; 4) a noção de enfoque não opera; e 5) a lógica do chamado texto informativo não é necessariamente de sequências expositivas e/ou explicativas como se afirma e reafirma nos estudos de gêneros jornalísticos, podendo ter, ao contrário, domínio das sequências argumentativas e de variadas sequências.
O bem-viver contemporâneo em revistas: uma análise do tensionamento entre consumo e simplicidade no discurso da Vida Simples
Authors: Reginato Gisele Dotto , Amaral Márcia Franz
Published: March 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é trabalhar com o tensionamento entre consumo e simplicidade no discurso da revista Vida Simples, editada pela editora Abril. A base desse questionamento é a construção do bem-viver contemporâneo em revistas - contexto em que o jornalismo cria novos parâmetros de estilo e normalidade. Entendemos que a revista Vida Simples propõe uma vida simplificada, que preconiza uma redução do consumo, mas, de outra forma, a maneira que a sociedade oferece para ter uma vida mais simples é através do consumo como forma de construção de identidades. Utilizando o aporte teórico-metodológico da análise de discurso de linha francesa, observamos que o discurso da revista está tensionado entre a incitação a um consumo individualista, a um consumo que considera o ambiental e a um consumo politizado.
O dilema do rebelde: persuasão ou sectarismo
Authors: Wainberg Jacques Alkalai
Published: March 2014

Este estudo examina o dilema linguístico que o rebelde enfrenta para superar o sectarismo. O exame dos comunicados dos grupos revolucionários que militaram, nas décadas de 1960 e 1970, e de grupos salafistas que atuam agora em várias partes do mundo mostra que seus pronunciamentos demandavam e continuam a demandar inferências interpretativas que o público em geral tinha e tem dificuldade de realizar. Com base nas teorias pragmáticas, é documentado com exemplos variados esse principal obstáculo pragmático à comunicação política de contestação.
O jornalismo como tradução: fabulação narrativa e imaginário social
Authors: Silva Gislene da , Soares Rosana de Lima
Published: March 2014

A proposta deste trabalho é articular dois campos aparentemente desconexos, os estudos de jornalismo e de tradução. Tem entre seus objetivos demonstrar possibilidades que ultrapassem a visão hegemônica de que o jornalismo mostra fatos cotidianos para aqueles que não os vivenciaram e que a tradução linguística traduz textos originais para os que não podem decodificá-los, ambos os processos afeitos ao modo fiel, objetivo e veraz. Tais visões compartilham a crença em certas dicotomias, como a separação entre verdade e linguagem, referencialidade e ficcionalidade, realidade e fantasia, fato e relato. Busca-se, desse modo, questionar a tradição da objetividade jornalística e da fidelidade ao texto por meio da assunção do caráter narrativo desses discursos e das marcas culturais neles presentes e das implicações disso no imaginário social.
Metajornalismo com os diabos e o obsceno em João do Rio
Authors: Medeiros Gutemberg
Published: March 2014

Na primeira década do século XX é implantado no Brasil o moderno jornalismo dos Estados Unidos e da Europa, e a imprensa nacional propõe reflexões sobre as práticas jornalísticas no país em diferentes produções textuais, antes mesmo de o papel do ombudsman ser estabelecido; um movimento chamado neste artigo de metajornalismo. São discutidas transformações na semiosfera midiática que trazem subsídios para reflexões sobre memória social e história do jornalismo brasileiro, por meio de uma análise de reportagens da Gazeta Mercantil e de textos de João do Rio.
Entre o Borralho e o Divino: a emergência musical da "periferia"
Authors: Trotta Felipe da Costa
Published: March 2014

A periferia está em evidência em diversos discursos midiáticos e sociais no Brasil e no mundo. Este texto busca discutir o papel da música no processamento dessa emergência da periferia a partir da análise de alguns exemplos das trilhas sonoras das novelas Cheias de charme (Globo, 2012, 19h00) e Avenida Brasil (Globo, 2012, 21h00). Argumenta-se que, apesar de suas diversificadas sonoridades e conteúdos, a circulação de músicas em larga escala em torno da ideia de periferia estabelece uma continuidade entre esse vocábulo e uma (re)posição política dos setores "populares". A "periferia" é um termo que aparece positivado no repertório musical compartilhado e a partir dessa positivação articula tensões e enfrentamentos sociais variados. As músicas são formas de pensamento e ação no mundo que negociam valores e ideias. Nesse caso, as músicas periféricas, de massa, produzem modos de elaborar assimetrias de poder e pertencimentos sociais hierarquizados.
O caso Hope: sensualidade feminina na vida doméstica e na vida pública
Authors: Lana Lígia Campos de Cerqueira
Published: March 2014

No final de 2011, uma campanha publicitária de lingerie, protagonizada por Gisele Bündchen, tornou-se um acontecimento ao ser denunciada pelo governo por contribuir para a manutenção das desigualdades entre homens e mulheres. No enredo da propaganda, a modelo resolve seus problemas domésticos através da sensualidade. Este artigo analisa a estrutura do acontecimento gerado pela denúncia governamental com base em textos veiculados na mídia. O objetivo não é avaliar a campanha publicitária, mas identificar em diversos textos midiáticos a maneira como a sensualidade feminina foi observada na experiência pública. A análise mostra que a condenação da ação do governo se sobrepõe ao debate das questões que envolvem a legitimidade da participação das mulheres na vida pública. Apesar da constante exaltação cultural da sensualidade feminina no Brasil, o caso pouco mobilizou o tema.
Exendin-4 effects on islet volume and number in mouse pancreas
Authors: Khorsandi Layasadat , Nejad-Dehbashi Fereshteh
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate Exendin-4 (EX-4) effects on islet volume and number in the mouse pancreas. Thirty-two healthy adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. EX-4 was injected intraperitoneally (i. p.) at doses of 0.25 (E1 group), 0.5 (E2 group), and 1 µg/kg (E3 group), twice a day for 7 consecutive days. One day after the final injection, the mice were sacrificed, and the pancreas from each animal dissected out, weighed, and fixed in 10% formalin for measurement of pancreas and islet volume, and determination of islet number by stereological assessments. There was a significant increase in the weight of pancreases in the E3 group. Islet and pancreas volumes in E1 and E2 groups were unchanged compared to the control group. The E3 group showed a significant increase in islet and pancreas volume (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the total number of islets in all three experimental groups. The results revealed that EX-4 increased pancreas and islet volume in non-diabetic mice. The increased total islet mass is probably caused by islet hypertrophy without the formation of additional islets.
Formulation and in vitro evaluation of fast dissolving tablets of metoprolol tartrate
Authors: Satpute Mangesh Machhindranath , Tour Nagesh Shivaji
Published: March 2014

The demand for fast dissolving tablets has been growing during the last decade, especially for elderly and children who have swallowing difficulties. In the present work, fast dissolving tablets of metoprolol tartrate, were prepared using sodium starch glycolate, sodium croscarmellose and crospovidone as superdisintegrants, by the direct compression method. The tablets prepared were evaluated for various parameters including weight variation, hardness, friability, in vitro dispersion time, drug-polymer interaction, drug content water absorption ratio, wetting time, in vitro drug release, FTIR and DSC studies. The tablets prepared by the direct compression method had a weight variation in the range of 145 mg to 152 mg, which is below ± 7.5%, a hardness of 3.6 kg/cm² to 4.5 kg/cm², percentage friability of 0.46% to 0.73%, in vitro dispersion time of 18 s to 125 s, drug content uniformity of between 98.12% and 100.03%, a water absorption ratio of 67% to 87%, wetting time of 32 sec. to 64 sec., and an in vitro drug release of 53.92% - 98.82% within 15 min. The IR spectral analysis and DSC study showed no drug interaction with formulation additives of the tablet, and the formulations indicated no significant changes in hardness, friability, drug content or in vitro drug release. Fast dissolving tablets of metoprolol tartrate have enhanced dissolution and will lead to improved bioavailability and more effective therapy.
Floating tablets of hydralazine hydrochloride: optimization and evaluation
Authors: Vanitha Kondi , Varma Mohan , Ramesh Alluri
Published: March 2014

Hydralazine hydrochloride has a half-life of 2 to 4 hours with an oral bioavailability of 26-50%. Since hydralazine has a demethylating effect on various suppressor genes, it can be used in various types of cancer to support chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to optimize and evaluate floating tablets of hydralazine hydrochloride designed to prolong the gastric residence time and to provide controlled release of the drug for 14 h. The floating tablets of hydralazine hydrochloride were prepared by the wet granulation method. Semi-synthetic polymers of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K100M) and ethyl cellulose were used as the release retarding agents. A 2² factorial design was applied to systematically optimize the drug release profile. The concentrations of HPMC K100M and ethyl cellulose were optimized to provide controlled release of hydralazine for 14h. Non-Fickian diffusion release transport was confirmed as the release mechanism for the optimized formulation and the predicted values agreed well with the experimental values. Drug excipient compatibility studies were investigated by FTIR, DSC and XRD. These data indicate that there were no chemical interactions between the drug and the polymer. In vivo X-ray imaging showed floating tablet performance in rabbits.
Changes in local‐scale intraspecific trait variability of dominant species across contrasting island ecosystems
Authors: Kumordzi Bright B. , Nilsson Marie-Charlotte , Gundale Michael J. , Wardle David A.
Published: March 2014

There is growing recognition of the need to incorporate intraspecific trait variability (ITV) into trait‐based studies to improve understanding of community assembly and how plant communities drive ecosystem processes. However, most studies have focused on ITV across plant communities, with few quantifying it at local scales. Further, little is known about how ITV at local scales differs among communities or across environmental gradients. Here, we studied a well characterized 5000‐year‐old chronosequence involving 30 islands that differed greatly in size, soil fertility, spatial heterogeneity, and species diversity. On each island we measured foliar and litter (including nutrient resorption) traits for ten individuals for each of three species that occur on all islands, i.e., Betula pubescens, Vaccinum myrtillus and Vaccinium vitis‐idaea. For each trait for each species we estimated its within‐island mean, and coefficient of variation as a measure of local scale ITV. We predicted within‐island ITV should be highest for larger islands that have the greatest spatial heterogeneity of soil resources but lowest species diversity. Further, we predicted that the species most dominant in the most resource heterogeneous environment (V. myrtillus) should have the greatest within‐island ITV. First, we found that within‐island ITV of foliar traits was generally unresponsive to island size, while for litter traits it was responsive to island size only for V. myrtillus in a direction consistent with our prediction. The within‐island ITV of resorption efficiency of C, N and P for the three species was often responsive to island size, but not in a consistent direction. Second, against our prediction, V. myrtillus had the lowest within‐island ITV for most traits, but its within‐island ITV was generally more responsive than that of the other species to island size. While plant traits are well known to vary among and within species at broad spatial scales across environmental gradients, our results show that at local scales, ITV can also be highly responsive to fine scale environmental gradients, particularly for litter and nutrient resorptive traits. Understanding how local scale ITV varies across communities offers opportunities for improving our understanding of what drives community assembly, functional diversity and ecosystem processes.
Biological carryover effects: linking common concepts and mechanisms in ecology and evolution
Authors: O'Connor Constance M. , Norris D. Ryan , Crossin Glenn T. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: March 2014

The term ‘carryover effect' originally arose from repeated measures clinical experiments. However, the term has more recently been applied to ecological and evolutionary studies, often in migratory systems, which has led to an emphasis on non‐lethal effects across seasons. In this article, we suggest that ecological carryover effects can also occur between life‐history stages, developmental stages, physiological states, or social situations, and each will be associated with a discrete time‐scale. Therefore, we propose the working definition:In an ecological context, carryover effects occur in any situation in which an individual's previous history and experience explains their current performance in a given situation. This concept of carryover effects provides an explicit but highly flexible context for examining the mechanisms that drive non‐lethal interactions between distinct periods of an organism's lifetime, and unites the currently disparate fields investigating these effects in ecological systems. Greater communication among research fields and identifying mechanisms of carryover effects at different time scales will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the factors influencing variation in individual fitness.
Examination of a Theoretical Model for Oral Health–Related Quality of Life Among Youths With Cleft
Authors: Broder Hillary L. , Wilson-Genderson Maureen , Sischo Lacey
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We evaluated relationships among physical and psychological indicators and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQOL) in youths with cleft.

Methods. We recruited youths aged 7 to 18 years with cleft palate (n = 282) or cleft lip and palate (n = 918) and their caregivers into a 5-year observational investigation at 6 US treatment centers from 2009 to 2011. At baseline, youths completed surveys to assess psychological status. After clinical evaluation, 433 youths received a recommendation for surgery. We developed structural models from the baseline data incorporating age, gender, race, and cleft diagnosis to examine direct relationships between depressive symptoms and, in separate models, self-concept and sense of mastery and OHRQOL. Subsequent models examined the possible mediating effect of surgical recommendation.

Results. Depressive symptoms were negatively and self-concept and self-efficacy were positively associated with OHRQOL. Surgical recommendation appeared to mediate the effect of psychological well-being, but not depression, on OHRQOL, even after adjustment for cleft diagnosis. In some models, individual-level characteristics were significant.

Conclusions. Path analyses support the theoretical model and underscore the importance of examining positive psychosocial characteristics such as resiliency and self-concept in this patient population.
Cigarette Smoking, Desire to Quit, and Tobacco-Related Counseling Among Patients at Adult Health Centers
Authors: Lebrun-Harris Lydie A. , Fiore Michael C. , Tomoyasu Naomi , Ngo-Metzger Quyen
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We determined cigarette smoking prevalence, desire to quit, and tobacco-related counseling among a national sample of patients at health centers.

Methods. Data came from the 2009 Health Center Patient Survey and the 2009 National Health Interview Survey. The analytic sample included 3949 adult patients at health centers and 27 731 US adults.

Results. Thirty-one percent of health center patients were current smokers, compared with 21% of US adults in general. Among currently smoking health center patients, 83% desired to quit and 68% received tobacco counseling. In multivariable models, patients had higher adjusted odds of wanting to quit if they had indications of severe mental illness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19, 8.97) and lower odds if they had health insurance (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.86). Patients had higher odds of receiving counseling if they had 2 or more chronic conditions (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.11, 3.78) and lower odds if they were Hispanic (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.96).

Conclusions. Cigarette smoking prevalence is substantially higher among patients at health centers than US adults in general. However, most smokers at health centers desire to quit. Continued efforts are warranted to reduce tobacco use in this vulnerable group.
Access to Supermarkets and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Authors: Aggarwal Anju , Cook Andrea J. , Jiao Junfeng , Seguin Rebecca A. , Vernez Moudon Anne , Hurvitz Philip M. , Drewnowski Adam
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We examined whether supermarket choice, conceptualized as a proxy for underlying personal factors, would better predict access to supermarkets and fruit and vegetable consumption than mere physical proximity.

Methods. The Seattle Obesity Study geocoded respondents’ home addresses and locations of their primary supermarkets. Primary supermarkets were stratified into low, medium, and high cost according to the market basket cost of 100 foods. Data on fruit and vegetable consumption were obtained during telephone surveys. Linear regressions examined associations between physical proximity to primary supermarkets, supermarket choice, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Descriptive analyses examined whether supermarket choice outweighed physical proximity among lower-income and vulnerable groups.

Results. Only one third of the respondents shopped at their nearest supermarket for their primary food supply. Those who shopped at low-cost supermarkets were more likely to travel beyond their nearest supermarket. Fruit and vegetable consumption was not associated with physical distance but, with supermarket choice, after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions. Mere physical distance may not be the most salient variable to reflect access to supermarkets, particularly among those who shop by car. Studies on food environments need to focus beyond neighborhood geographic boundaries to capture actual food shopping behaviors.
Neighborhood Food Environment and Obesity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Individual and Neighborhood Effects
Authors: Pruchno Rachel , Wilson-Genderson Maureen , Gupta Adarsh K.
Published: March 2014

Objectives. We tested hypotheses about the relationship between neighborhood-level food sources and obesity, controlling for individual-level characteristics.

Methods. Data (collected November 2006–April 2008) derived from a random-digit-dial sample of 5688 community-dwelling adults aged 50 to 74 years residing in 1644 census tracts in New Jersey. Using multilevel structural equation models, we created latent constructs representing density of fast-food establishments and storefronts (convenience stores, bars and pubs, grocery stores) and an observed indicator for supermarkets at the neighborhood level, simultaneously modeling obesity and demographic characteristics (age, gender, race, education, household income) at the individual level.

Results. When we controlled for individual-level age, gender, race, education, and household income, densities of fast-food establishments and storefronts were positively associated with obesity. Supermarkets were not associated with obesity.

Conclusions. Because people living in neighborhoods with a higher density of fast food and storefronts are more likely to be obese, these neighborhoods may be optimal sites for interventions.
Vaccination Interest and Trends in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake in Young Adult Women Aged 18 to 26 Years in the United States: An Analysis Using the 2008–2012 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Schmidt Susanne , Parsons Helen M.
Published: March 2014

Objectives. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been approved since 2006, yet vaccination rates remain low. We investigated HPV vaccination trends, interest, and reasons for nonvaccination in young adult women.

Methods. We used data from the 2008–2012 National Health Interview Survey to analyze HPV vaccine uptake trends (≥ 1 dose) in women aged 18 to 26 years. We used data from the 2008 and 2010 National Health Interview Survey to examine HPV vaccination interest and reasons for nonvaccination among unvaccinated women.

Results. We saw significant increases in HPV vaccination for all young women from 2008 to 2012 (11.6% to 34.1%); however, Hispanics and women with limited access to care continued to have lower vaccination rates. Logistic regression demonstrated lower vaccination interest among unvaccinated women in 2010 than 2008. Respondents in 2010 were significantly less likely to give lack of knowledge as a primary reason for nonvaccination.

Conclusions. Uptake of HPV vaccine has increased from 2008 to 2012 in young women. Yet vaccination rates remain low, especially among women with limited access to care. However, unvaccinated women with limited health care access were more likely to be interested in receiving the vaccine.
From the Sidelines to the Frontline: How the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Embraced Smoking Cessation
Authors: Santhosh Lekshmi , Meriwether Margaret , Saucedo Catherine , Reyes Reason , Cheng Christine , Clark Brian , Tipperman Doug , Schroeder Steven A.
Published: March 2014

Smoking is a major contributor to premature mortality among people with mental illness and substance abuse. Historically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) did not include smoking cessation in its mission.

We describe the development of a unique partnership between SAMHSA and the University of California, San Francisco’s Smoking Cessation Leadership Center. Starting with an educational summit in Virginia in 2007, it progressed to a jointly sponsored “100 Pioneers for Smoking Cessation” campaign that provided grants and technical assistance to organizations promoting cessation. By 2013, the partnership established 7 “Leadership Academies,” state-level multidisciplinary collaboratives of organizations focused on cessation.

This academic–public partnership increased tobacco quit attempts, improved collaboration across multiple agencies, and raised awareness about tobacco use in vulnerable populations.
Are Latino Immigrants a Burden to Safety Net Services in Nontraditional Immigrant States? Lessons From Oregon
Authors: López-Cevallos Daniel
Published: March 2014

The significant growth of the Latino population in the midst of an economic recession has invigorated anti-Latino, anti-immigrant sentiments in many US states. One common misconception is that Latino immigrants are a burden to safety net services. This may be particularly true in nontraditional immigrant states that have not historically served Latino immigrants.

Oregon data suggest that despite a higher prevalence of poverty, use of safety net services among Latino immigrants in Oregon is lower than that among non-Latino Whites. Immigration status, costs, lack of insurance coverage, and discrimination are among the reasons for this group’s limited use of services.

Nevertheless, policies designed to strengthen community and institutional support for Latino immigrant families should be considered in the context of current health care and immigration reform efforts.
Comparative study on membrane fouling between membrane-coupled moving bed biofilm reactor and conventional membrane bioreactor for municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Yang W. , Syed W. , Zhou H.
Published: March 2014

This study compared the performance between membrane-coupled moving bed biofilm reactor (M-MBBR) and a conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR) in parallel. Extensive tests were conducted in three pilot-scale experimental units over 6 months. Emphasis was placed on the factors that would affect the performance of membrane filtration. The results showed that the concentrations of soluble microbial product (SMP), colloidal total organic carbon and transparent exopolymer particles in the M-MBBR systems were not significantly different from those in the control MBR system. However, the fouling rates were much higher in the M-MBBR systems as compared to the conventional MBR systems. This indicates membrane fouling potential was related not only to the concentration of SMP, but also to their sources and characteristics. The addition of polyaluminum chloride could reduce the fouling rate of the moving bed biofilm reactor unit by 56.4–84.5% at various membrane fluxes.
Treatment of tetrahydrofuran wastewater by the Fenton process: response surface methodology as an optimization tool
Authors: Cao Xianzhong , Lou Huiqing , Wei Wei , Zhu Lijuan
Published: March 2014

In this study, the Box-Benkhen design and response surface method (RSM) were applied to evaluate and optimize the operating variables during the treatment of tetrahydrofuran (THF) wastewater by Fenton process. The four factors investigated were initial pH, Fe2+ dosage, H2O2 dosage and reaction time. Statistical analysis showed the linear coefficients of the four factors and the interactive coefficients such as initial pH/Fe2+ dosage, initial pH/H2O2 dosage and Fe2+ dosage/H2O2 dosage all significantly affected the removal efficiency. The RSM optimization results demonstrated that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency could reach up to 47.8% when initial pH was 4.49, Fe2+ dosage was 2.52 mM, H2O2 dosage was 20 mM and reaction time was 110.3 min. Simultaneously, the biodegradability increased obviously after the treatment. The main intermediates of 2-hydroxytetrahydrofuran, γ-butyrolactone and 4-hydroxybutanoate were separated and identified and then a simple degradation pathway of THF was proposed. This work indicated that the Fenton process was an efficient and feasible pre-treatment method for THF wastewater.
Geochemical modelling of the evolution and fate of metal pollutants arising from an abandoned gold mine tailings facility in Johannesburg
Authors: Camden-Smith B. P. C. , Tutu H.
Published: March 2014

Analytical techniques were combined with geochemical modelling to study the release mechanisms of pollutants from an abandoned gold mining tailings storage facility near Johannesburg. Inverse modelling of sampled tailings pond water and experimental single extractions using various solutions indicated which combination of naturally occurring leaching solutions were likely to give rise to the observed pond water quality. The potential fate of metals in the pond was predicted by modelling the formation of efflorescent crusts and adsorption onto hydrated iron oxide minerals.
Facile decolorization of methylene blue with flower-like manganese wads
Authors: Yang Aili , Huang Chinpao , Wei Bingqing , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: March 2014

Flower-like manganese wads (MWs) were synthesized via a simple and inexpensive ultrasonic irradiation method for the first time. MWs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and transmission electronic microscopy. The decolorization efficiency of MWs for methylene blue (MB) azo dye was examined as a function of pH, stirring time, MW dosage and initial concentration of the MB solution. Results show that MWs have excellent decolorization performance for MB with a higher efficiency (and without using H2O2 or other devises such as UV light and ultrasonic irradiation) compared to other catalysts, such as the mixture of Mn3O4 and H2O2 (with a maximum decolorization rate of 99.7% in 3 h), ZnS and CdS under light irradiation (with a maximum decolorization rate of 73% in 6 h), and sulfate modified titania under solar radiation (with a maximum decolorization rate of nearly 100% in 4 h).
Exercise Training Induces Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Glucose Uptake in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Through eNOS-Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Trevellin Elisabetta , Scorzeto Michele , Olivieri Massimiliano , Granzotto Marnie , Valerio Alessandra , Tedesco Laura , Fabris Roberto , Serra Roberto , Quarta Marco , Reggiani Carlo , Nisoli Enzo , Vettor Roberto
Published: March 2014

Insulin resistance and obesity are associated with a reduction of mitochondrial content in various tissues of mammals. Moreover, a reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability impairs several cellular functions, including mitochondrial biogenesis and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, two important mechanisms of body adaptation in response to physical exercise. Although these mechanisms have been thoroughly investigated in skeletal muscle and heart, few studies have focused on the effects of exercise on mitochondria and glucose metabolism in adipose tissue. In this study, we compared the in vivo effects of chronic exercise in subcutaneous adipose tissue of wild-type (WT) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) knockout (eNOS−/−) mice after a swim training period. We then investigated the in vitro effects of NO on mouse 3T3-L1 and human subcutaneous adipose tissue–derived adipocytes after a chronic treatment with an NO donor: diethylenetriamine-NO (DETA-NO). We observed that swim training increases mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial DNA content, and glucose uptake in subcutaneous adipose tissue of WT but not eNOS−/− mice. Furthermore, we observed that DETA-NO promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and elongation, glucose uptake, and GLUT4 translocation in cultured murine and human adipocytes. These results point to the crucial role of the eNOS-derived NO in the metabolic adaptation of subcutaneous adipose tissue to exercise training.
Improved Survival and Renal Prognosis of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy With Improved Control of Risk Factors
Authors: Andrésdóttir Gudbjörg , Jensen Majken L. , Carstensen Bendix , Parving Hans-Henrik , Rossing Kasper , Hansen Tine W. , Rossing Peter
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term survival, development of renal end points, and decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (DN) after renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition and multifactorial treatment of cardiovascular risk factors have become standard of care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All patients with type 2 diabetes and DN (n = 543) at the Steno Diabetes Center were followed during 2000–2010. GFR was measured yearly with 51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance. Annual decline in GFR was determined in patients with at least three measurements over a minimum of 3 years (∆GFR cohort, n = 286). Results were compared with historical data, obtained using identical criteria at our hospital, before implementation of current treatment guidelines.

RESULTS

Baseline mean (SD) GFR was 74 (32) mL/min/1.73 m2. More than 93% received RAS inhibition. During median 7.8 (interquartile range 5.7–9.8) years, mean (SE) annual GFR decline was 4.4 (0.24) compared with previously 5.2 (0.27) mL/min/1.73 m2/year (P = 0.04). Doubling of plasma creatinine or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) developed in 19%, and 37% died during 5.7 (3.3–8.8) years. Mortality from onset of DN in the ∆GFR cohort was compared with that of our prior ∆GFR cohort from 1983 to 2003 (n = 227). Crude mortality risk was reduced by 42% and after age adjustment by 50% (P < 0.001 for both). In a multistate model accounting for competing risks of ESRD and death, prior cardiovascular disease and lower GFR were predictors of mortality, whereas albuminuria, HbA1c, and low GFR predicted ESRD.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall prognosis has improved considerably with current multifactorial treatment of DN in type 2 diabetes, including long-term RAS inhibition.
Association of Serum Concentration of TNFR1 With All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: Follow-up of the SURDIAGENE Cohort
Authors: Saulnier Pierre-Jean , Gand Elise , Ragot Stéphanie , Ducrocq Grégory , Halimi Jean-Michel , Hulin-Delmotte Charlotte , Llaty Pierre , Montaigne David , Rigalleau Vincent , Roussel Ronan , Velho Gilberto , Sosner Philippe , Zaoui Philippe , Hadjadj Samy ,   for the SURDIAGENE Study Group
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

Renal dysfunction is a key risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Circulating tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) was recently suggested as a strong biomarker for end-stage renal failure in T2D. However, its relevance regarding all-cause death has yet to be conclusively established. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of serum TNFR1 concentration for all-cause death in T2D and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the SURDIAGENE (Survie, Diabete de type 2 et Genetique) study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 522 T2D patients with DKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 and/or urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio [uACR] >30 mg/mmol) were followed for a median duration of 48 months, and 196 deaths occurred.

RESULTS

Incidence rate (95% CI) for death increased as quartiles of TNFR1 concentration increased (first quartile: 4.7% patient-years [3.0–6.3%]; second quartile: 7.7% [5.4–10.0%]; third quartile: 9.3% [6.7–11.9%]; fourth quartile: 15.9% [12.2–19.5%]). In multivariate analysis taking age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, uACR, and eGFR into account, compared with the first quartile, patients from the fourth quartile had an adjusted hazard ratio for death of 2.98 (95% CI 1.70–5.23). The integrated discrimination improvement index was statistically significant when adding TNFR1 concentration to the UK Prospective Diabetes Study outcome equation (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

TNFR1 is a strong prognostic factor for all-cause mortality in T2D with renal dysfunction, and its clinical utility is suggested in addition to established risk factors for all-cause mortality.