bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B-Lymphocyte-Mediated Delayed Cognitive Impairment following Stroke
Authors: Doyle Kristian P. , Quach Lisa N. , Solé Montse , Axtell Robert C. , Nguyen Thuy-Vi V. , Soler-Llavina Gilberto J. , Jurado Sandra , Han Jullet , Steinman Lawrence , Longo Frank M. , Schneider Julie A. , Malenka Robert C. , Buckwalter Marion S.
Published: February 2015

Each year, 10 million people worldwide survive the neurologic injury associated with a stroke. Importantly, stroke survivors have more than twice the risk of subsequently developing dementia compared with people who have never had a stroke. The link between stroke and the later development of dementia is not understood. There are reports of oligoclonal bands in the CSF of stroke patients, suggesting that in some people a B-lymphocyte response to stroke may occur in the CNS. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that a B-lymphocyte response to stroke could contribute to the onset of dementia. We discovered that, in mouse models, activated B-lymphocytes infiltrate infarcted tissue in the weeks after stroke. B-lymphocytes undergo isotype switching, and IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies are found in the neuropil adjacent to the lesion. Concurrently, mice develop delayed deficits in LTP and cognition. Genetic deficiency, and the pharmacologic ablation of B-lymphocytes using an anti-CD20 antibody, prevents the appearance of delayed cognitive deficits. Furthermore, immunostaining of human postmortem tissue revealed that a B-lymphocyte response to stroke also occurs in the brain of some people with stroke and dementia. These data suggest that some stroke patients may develop a B-lymphocyte response to stroke that contributes to dementia, and is potentially treatable with FDA-approved drugs that target B cells.
Medical Genetics in Mexico
Authors: Barahona Ana
Published: February 2015

In this paper, I explore the origins of medical cytogenetic knowledge and practices in the 1960s and 1970s in Mexico, focusing on the work of the group headed by Salvador Armendares, who spent two years in Oxford, England, with human genetics expert Alan C. Stevenson. Upon Armendares’ return from England in 1966, the first Unit for Research in Human Genetics was created at a medical setting, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (Mexican Institute of Social Security). Soon after its creation, Fabio Salamanca and Leonor Buentello began to work with Armendares in the implementation of cytogenetics. Some of the research projects showed the embeddedness of these researchers in both public health policy and medical care, as they tackled the effects of malnutrition on chromosome structure, child mortality, chromosome aberrations, and Down syndrome. Armendares, Salamanca, and Buentello had trained at different academic institutions at many different times, and contributed to transforming hospital medical practice into a medical research discipline. By posing malnutrition, one of the main concerns of Mexican post-revolutionary governments, as both a medical and a genetic problem, the unit contributed to positioning cytogenetics as a medical practice and a medical research domain. The focus of this paper will be this set of institutions, physicians, practices, and ideas that began to reshape medical genetics in Mexico. The reconstruction of the early days of cytogenetics in Mexico demonstrates the major roles played by both the clinic and post-revolution public health policies in the origins of medical genetics in Mexico, within a global movement to deliver the benefits of scientific knowledge to the general population.
Disrupting Genetic Dogma
Authors: Hogan Andrew J.
Published: February 2015

Historians of science, reflecting the disciplinary divides of their actors, have largely examined cytogenetics and molecular biology in separate contributions. In recent years, however, as the historical analysis of postwar genetics has begun to shift toward a focus on the late twentieth century, these distinctions have become increasingly impractical. This paper examines the collaborative use of cytogenetic and molecular analysis by research groups as they examined a unique chromosomal marker associated with inherited intellectual disability, known as the fragile X site. As clinicians and biologists studied the fragile X site during the early 1980s, they noted its unusual behavior under the microscope and in family pedigrees. These findings greatly complicated attempts to use the chromosomally visible fragile X site to warn female carriers and identify fetuses affected by fragile X syndrome, leading to the recruitment of molecular biologists to develop improved diagnostic techniques. Molecular biologists were also drawn to study the fragile X site by the potential basic research implications of its unusual behavior. Collaborating across international and interdisciplinary divides, cytogeneticists and molecular biologists established the fragile X site as a novel and unanticipated example of genomic instability. During the 1980s, cytogenetic and molecular examination of the fragile X site contributed significantly to disrupting the longstanding genetic dogma of intergeneration stability, and demonstrated the role of genomic dynamism in the development of disease-causing mutations.
Diagnosing Sex Chromatin
Authors: Ha Nathan Q.
Published: February 2015

In 1949, Canadian anatomist Murray Barr announced the discovery of a peculiar entity in the cell nucleus that was present in females and absent in males. The identity of this entity remained uncertain for a decade even though Barr hypothesized a relationship between it and the sex chromosomes and called it the “sex chromatin.” This hypothesis inspired the development of the chromatin into a technology that could indicate “chromosomal” or “genetic” sex, which supposedly established male and female sex difference as a binary and fundamental characteristic of humans and other animals at conception. Barr collaborated with other researchers and potential patients who applied the sex chromatin test, hoping that it could identify the “true” sex of intersexuals, homosexuals, and transsexuals. Ironically, the application of the test to intersexuals would lead to a revision of the identity of the sex chromatin itself. The history of the sex chromatin illuminates how the significance and essence of this laboratory object evolved with its use as a clinical and research tool. Researchers had hoped that the test would sort the intersex into just two categories, male and female. Instead, the sex chromatin helped to multiply categories of the intersex, distinguished them from inverts, underpinned psychosocial gender as a new dimension of sex difference, and in the process had its own identity refashioned. Today, we call it the Barr body and its story reminds us of the power and limit of biotechnologies to determine who we are.
Human Chromosomes and Cancer
Authors: Santesmases María Jesús
Published: February 2015

In this paper I analyze the trajectory of research objects and experiments on tumor cells that led the Swedish geneticist, Albert Levan, through successive collaborations with Theodore Hauschka in Philadelphia (U.S.) and Joe Hin Tjio in Lund (Sweden), from plants to mice and from mice to human chromosomes. Tumor chromosomes were created and recreated in mice bodies by Eva Klein and Georg Klein as ascites—fluid—tumors, whereas human tumors were transplanted from the bodies of cancer patients into mice by Helene W. Toolan. The cultures of cytogenetics and microscopic observation were therefore opened up, from agricultural and botanical research to the clinical laboratory. I suggest it was research on tumors and cancer cells that led to a method for obtaining clear slides, thereby providing evidence of the new number of forty-six human chromosomes, as presented by Tjio and Levan in 1956. Along this research trajectory, the knowledge and practices of cytogenetics were medicalized—a medicalization that situated both cancer research and cytogenetics at the origins of biomedicine.
Oral Histories
Authors: Ovnick Merry
Published: February 2015

Excerpts from three oral-history transcripts describe life, people, and places in the agricultural era of the San Fernando Valley, 1860s–1930s. The recorded memories of Catherine Hubbard Dace, Anna Margaret (“Queenie”) Billings, and Jessie Grey Murphy contain common themes that flesh out the challenges, lifestyles, and development of the northern half of the Valley.
Large testicular adrenal rest tumours in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Rajkanna J , Oyibo S O
Published: February 2015

Testicular adrenal rest tumours (TARTs) are benign ACTH-dependent tumours that occur in males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and if left untreated can destroy testicular tissue. Corticosteroid suppressive treatment could result in the regression of these testicular tumours. We present a patient with bilateral large TARTs as a consequence of poor compliance to treatment and follow-up for his CAH, who consequently had to have bilateral orchidectomies and prosthesis replacement.

Learning points

TARTs are frequently seen in males with CAH, and can be misdiagnosed as primary testicular cancer.

Patient compliance to treatment and follow-up are necessary to reduce the risk of testicular damage as a result of TARTs in patients with CAH.

Boys with CAH should have periodic ultrasonographic screening from before adolescent age for early detection of TARTs.

Regular monitoring of renin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androgens levels is required to assess corticosteroid suppressive treatment.

Patients with CAH should be offered psychological support and information concerning CAH support groups.
Functional parathyroid cyst in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Zhang Mei , He Ronghua , Shen Meiping , Liu Wei
Published: February 2015

Functional parathyroid cysts are a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism and are often mistaken for thyroid cysts. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also a very rare cause of hypercalcemia. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with SLE 30 years ago, presenting with clinical and biochemical features of primary hyperparathyroidism. Laboratory investigation revealed increased serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels; neck ultrasonography (USG) revealed 40×34×26 mm cystic mass in the left lobe of thyroid gland. PTH level in the cysts was >2500 pg/ml, determined by USG-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). In this case, no evidence for potential pathogenic association between parathyroid cyst and SLE was uncovered. However, the recognition of this association is very important because the therapeutical strategy is completely different. Operative management is usually straightforward and alleviates symptoms and any biochemical abnormalities caused by the cyst.

Learning points

Functional parathyroid cysts are the rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism and are often mistaken for thyroid cysts.

SLE is also a very rare cause of hypercalcemia.

Ultrasound-guided FNA of cystic fluid with assay for PTH level is an accurate method of differentiating parathyroid cyst from thyroid cyst.

Appropriate management of functional parathyroid cysts is surgical excision.
Partial deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase caused by a novel missense mutation in the canonical cytochrome heme-interacting motif
Authors: Rubtsov Petr , Nizhnik Alexander , Dedov Ivan , Kalinchenko Natalia , Petrov Vasily , Orekhova Anna , Spirin Pavel , Prassolov Vladimir , Tiulpakov Anatoly
Published: February 2015

Background

Deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase is a rare cause of 46,XY disordered sex development.

Objective

We characterize in vitro and in vivo effects of two novel CYP17A1 gene mutations identified in a patient with a mild phenotype of CYP17A1 deficiency.

Subjects and methods

A 46,XY patient presented with ambiguous genitalia. CYP17A1 deficiency was suspected at 2 months on the basis of steroid analysis performed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Mutational analysis of the CYP17A1 gene was performed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. To characterize the effect of CYP17A1 mutation on 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities in vitro, HEK293 cells were transiently transfected with CYP17A1 expression plasmids, incubated with progesterone or 17-OH-pregnenolone and concentrations of 17-OH-progesterone or DHEA were then measured in the cell culture medium by LC–MS/MS.

Results

Clinical and hormonal findings in the patient were consistent with partial combined deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase. The sequencing of the CYP17A1 gene in the patient revealed compound heterozygosity for two novel mutations: c.107delT p.R36fsX107 and p.W121R. After 6-h in vitro culture of transfected HEK293 cells in the presence of 1 μM progesterone, 17α-hydroxylase activity of p.W121R mutant was 60.5±16.3%, while 17,20-lyase activity of mutant measured from the amount of DHEA produced in the presence of 1 μM of 17-OH-pregnenolone was 15.8±2.6% compared with the WT.

Conclusions

p.W121R substitution, affecting the first residue in the conserved heme-interacting WXXXR motif of CYP17A1, is associated with partial combined deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase.
TRANSITION IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Hypogonadism in adolescence
Authors: Dwyer Andrew A , Phan-Hug Franziska , Hauschild Michael , Elowe-Gruau Eglantine , Pitteloud Nelly
Published: February 2015

Puberty is a remarkable developmental process with the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis culminating in reproductive capacity. It is accompanied by cognitive, psychological, emotional, and sociocultural changes. There is wide variation in the timing of pubertal onset, and this process is affected by genetic and environmental influences. Disrupted puberty (delayed or absent) leading to hypogonadism may be caused by congenital or acquired etiologies and can have significant impact on both physical and psychosocial well-being. While adolescence is a time of growing autonomy and independence, it is also a time of vulnerability and thus, the impact of hypogonadism can have lasting effects. This review highlights the various forms of hypogonadism in adolescence and the clinical challenges in differentiating normal variants of puberty from pathological states. In addition, hormonal treatment, concerns regarding fertility, emotional support, and effective transition to adult care are discussed.
Management of subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: are we too simplistic?
Authors: Brabant Georg , Peeters Robin P , Chan Shiao Y , Bernal Juan , Bouchard Philippe , Salvatore Domenico , Boelaert Kristien , Laurberg Peter
Published: February 2015

Guideline advice of many societies on the management of subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy suggests treatment when TSH serum levels exceed 2.5 mU/l. Justification of this procedure is based on limited experience, mainly from studies carried out in patients with positive thyroid-specific antibodies and higher TSH levels that classically define the condition in the non-pregnant state. Taking into account a lack of clear understanding of the regulation of thyroid hormone transport through the utero-placental unit and in the absence of foetal markers to monitor the adequacy of thyroxine treatment, this review attempts to discuss currently available data and suggests a more cautious approach.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Cushing's syndrome causes irreversible effects on the human brain: a systematic review of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Andela Cornelie D , van Haalen Femke M , Ragnarsson Oskar , Papakokkinou Eleni , Johannsson Gudmundur , Santos Alicia , Webb Susan M , Biermasz Nienke R , van der Wee Nic J A , Pereira Alberto M
Published: February 2015

Background

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is characterized by excessive exposure to cortisol, and is associated with both metabolic and behavioral abnormalities. Symptoms improve substantially after biochemical cure, but may persist during long-term remission. The causes for persistent morbidity are probably multi-factorial, including a profound effect of cortisol excess on the brain, a major target area for glucocorticoids.

Objective

To review publications evaluating brain characteristics in patients with CS using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Systematic review of literature published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane databases.

Results

Nineteen studies using MRI in patients with CS were selected, including studies in patients with active disease, patients in long-term remission, and longitudinal studies, covering a total of 339 unique patients. Patients with active disease showed smaller hippocampal volumes, enlarged ventricles, and cerebral atrophy as well as alterations in neurochemical concentrations and functional activity. After abrogation of cortisol excess, the reversibility of structural and neurochemical alterations was incomplete after long-term remission. MRI findings were related to clinical characteristics (i.e., cortisol levels, duration of exposure to hypercortisolism, current age, age at diagnosis, and triglyceride levels) and behavioral outcome (i.e., cognitive and emotional functioning, mood, and quality of life).

Conclusion

Patients with active CS demonstrate brain abnormalities, which only partly recover after biochemical cure, because these still occur even after long-term remission. CS might be considered as a human model of nature that provides a keyhole perspective of the neurotoxic effects of exogenous glucocorticoids on the brain.
Effects of maternal nicotine exposure on thyroid hormone metabolism and function in adult rat progeny
Authors: Lisboa P C , de Oliveira E , Manhães A C , Santos-Silva A P , Pinheiro C R , Younes-Rapozo V , Faustino L C , Ortiga-Carvalho T M , Moura E G
Published: February 2015

Postnatal nicotine exposure leads to obesity and hypothyroidism in adulthood. We studied the effects of maternal nicotine exposure during lactation on thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism and function in adult offspring. Lactating rats received implants of osmotic minipumps releasing nicotine (NIC, 6 mg/kg per day s.c.) or saline (control) from postnatal days 2 to 16. Offspring were killed at 180 days. We measured types 1 and 2 deiodinase activity and mRNA, mitochondrial α-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD) activity, TH receptor (TR), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), hypothalamic TRH, pituitary TSH, andin vitroTRH-stimulated TSH secretion. Expression of deiodinase mRNAs followed the same profile as that of the enzymatic activity. NIC exposure caused lower 5′-D1 and mGPD activities; lower TRβ1 content in liver as well as lower 5′-D1 activity in muscle; and higher 5′-D2 activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT), heart, and testis, which are in accordance with hypothyroidism. Although deiodinase activities were not changed in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid of NIC offspring, UCP1 expression was lower in BAT. Levels of both TRH and TSH were lower in offspring exposed to NIC, which presented higher basalin vitroTSH secretion, which was not increased in response to TRH. Thus, the hypothyroidism in NIC offspring at adulthood was caused, in part, byin vivoTRH–TSH suppression and lower sensitivity to TRH. Despite the hypothyroid status of peripheral tissues, these animals seem to develop an adaptive mechanism to preserve thyroxine to triiodothyronine conversion in central tissues.
Innovative Methodological Instrument for Quantification of Professional Risk Specific to Complex Systems of Work
Authors: Gabriel Vasilescu  , Mihail Vătăsescu  , Passca Mihaela  , Ciprian Jitea
Published: February 2015

This paper presents research on estimating and assessing occupational risks to secure specific activities in the presence of hazards of industrial work systems, and is based on a thorough knowledge of interdisciplinary concepts from various fields related to systems security engineering.
Reactive Molecular Dynamics Study of Oxidation of Aggregated Aluminum Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Ying , Kalia Rajiv K. , Nakano Aiichiro , Vashishta Priya
Published: February 2015

Oxidation behavior of aggregated aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs), specifically the combustion propagation, is studied, when only part of the aggregated Al-NPs is heated to 1100 K and the rest of the system is kept at 300 K. Here, multi-million atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulation reveals the sintering/coalescence phenomena for the different diameters (D = 26, 36 and 46 nm) aggregated systems. Various consuming rates of core aluminum are investigated for different layers and different diameters aggregated systems. The formation of Al2O3 fragments outside the shell (the largest covalently bonded aluminum-oxide cluster) structure is confirmed from AlO and AlO2 intermediates. The smaller size of Al-NPs results in faster trend of transition from Al-rich to O-rich for most outside small clusters. However, more core aluminum reacts with shell oxygen leads to faster decreasing of the ratio of O/Al in the shell fragment for larger Al-NPs system.
Polymer-derived Ceramics as Innovative Oxidation Barrier Coatings for Mo-Si-B Alloys
Authors: Krüger Manja , Hasemann Georg , Baumann Torben , Dieck Sebastian , Rannabauer Stefan
Published: February 2015

Three phase Mo-Mo3Si-Mo5SiB2alloys possess excellent mechanical properties over a wide temperature range. The Mo solid solution phase is needed for balanced mechanical properties at room temperature. However, this phase suffers from catastrophic oxidation behavior at high temperatures caused by the formation and evaporation of MoO3. The oxidation resistance of three phase alloys benefits from a high volume fraction of intermetallic phases. In particular Mo5SiB2leads to the formation of a borosilicate protective glassy layer on the material’s surface while exposed to air at elevated temperatures. Hence, it is unlikely to identify alloy compositions that will yield both optimum mechanical and oxidation performance.

Different coating systems and techniques, such as pack cementation, magnetron sputtering and plasma spraying are discussed in the literature to control the oxidation properties of Mo-based alloys. A different approach is to apply coating systems based on polymer derived ceramics (PDCs). Our present work introduces PDCs as a new type of promising and innovative oxidation-protective coatings for high temperature Mo-based alloys. After dip-coating with perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) and pyrolysis at 800 °C, dense and well-adhered SiNO ceramic layers could be achieved. These were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic oxidation tests at 800 °C and 1100 °C were performed to investigate mass changes due to the thermal treatment. Indeed, even thin pyrolyzed PHPS layers with a thickness of around 70 nm to 175 nm protected the Mo-Si-B substrate during the initial stage of oxidation. By increasing the silicon oxide concentration at the material’s surface a first oxidation barrier was provided and thus, the strong initial mass loss could be decreased as compared to uncoated alloys. Furthermore, first results of the ongoing optimization process on PDC-coatings applied to Mo-Si-B alloys will be presented, involving the enhancement of the coating´s thickness or varying pyrolysis atmospheres.
Irradiation-induced ordering in Pt-Cu alloy focusing on Pt7Cu
Authors: Nagase T. , Seno Y. , Yasuda H. , Mori H.
Published: February 2015

The existence of Pt7Cu ordering phase (intermetallic compound) was investigated by ab initio calculations and high voltage electron microscopy (HVEM) focusing on irradiation-induced ordering. The Pt7Cu ordering phase (cF32, prototype Ca7Ge) was predicted at 0 K through density functional theory (DFT), and using cluster expansion (CE) method and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation, the ordering temperature of fcc-based Pt7Cu ordering phase was estimated to be above room temperature. The formation of Pt7Cu ordering phase was confirmed by a short-time irradiation for 3.6×103 s at 600 K. MeV electron irradiation can reduce drastically the annealing time for the ordering in the Pt-Cu alloy system, indicating that the combination of the prediction by ab initio calculations and HVEM can offer the unique opportunity to investigate the existence of ordering phase in alloys.
In situ synchrotron radiation measurements of orthorhombic phase formation in an advanced TiAl alloy with modulated microstructure
Authors: Rackel M. , Stark A. , Gabrisch H. , Schimansky F.-P. , Schell N. , Schreyer A. , Pyczak F.
Published: February 2015

New low aluminium high niobium TiAl alloys exhibit a nano scale modulated microstructure consisting of lamellae with a tweed substructure. These tweed like appearing lamellae are a modulated arrangement of at least two phases. One constituent of the crystallographic modulation in the lamellae is an orthorhombic phase, which is closely related to both the hexagonal α2-Ti3Al phase and the cubic B2 ordered βo-TiAl phase.

In this study the nature and formation of this orthorhombic phase has been investigated by high-energy X-ray diffraction.

Measurements have shown that the newly formed orthorhombic phase is structurally comparable to the O phase (Ti2AlNb). It forms in the temperature range of 550 °C to 670 °C from the α2 phase by small atomic displacements and chemical reordering. The in situ experiments yielded information about the thermal stability of the orthorhombic phase. After dissolving at temperatures above 700 °C the phase can be re-precipitated by annealing within the temperature range of formation.
Effect of the Microstructure on the Fatigue Strength of a TiAl Intermetallic Alloy Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Filippini M. , Beretta S. , Içöz C. , Patriarca L.
Published: February 2015

In this work we examine a Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy obtained with an additive manufacturing technique by Electron Beam Melting (EBM) by conducting monotonic and cyclic loading experiments both on tension and compression samples for investigating the influence of the microstructure in strain accumulation process by fatigue loading. The residual strain maps corresponding to different applied stress levels, number of cycles and microstructures are obtained through the use of high-resolution Digital Image Correlation (DIC). The strain maps were overlaid with the images of the microstructure and detailed analyses were performed to investigate the features of the microstructure where high local strain heterogeneities arise. Such experiments, conducted ex-situ at room temperature, allow to characterize the effect of different microstructures on the strain accumulation process, and to clearly identify the role of the microstructural features of this TiAl intermetallic alloy on the fatigue initiation process.
Artificial Physical and Chemical Awareness (Proprioception) from Polymeric Motors
Authors: Otero T.F. , Martínez J.G.
Published: February 2015

Designers and engineers have been dreaming for decades with motors sensing, by themselves, working and surrounding conditions, as biological muscles do originating proprioception. The evolution of the working potential, or that of the consumed electrical energy, of electrochemical artificial muscles based on electroactive materials (intrinsically conducting polymers, redox polymers, carbon nanotubes, fullerene derivatives, grapheme derivatives, porphyrines, phtalocyanines, among others) and driven by constant currents senses, while working, any variation of the mechanical (trailed mass, obstacles, pressure, strain or stress) thermal or chemical conditions. They are linear faradaic polymeric motors: applied currents control movement rates and applied charges control displacements. One physically uniform artificial muscle includes one motor and several sensors working simultaneously under the same driving chemical reaction. Actuating (current and charge) and sensing (potential and energy) magnitudes are present, simultaneously, in the only two connecting wires and can be read by the computer at any time. From basic polymeric, mechanical and electrochemical principles a basic equation is attained for the muscle working potential evolution. It includes and describes, simultaneously, the polymeric motor characteristics (rate of the muscle movement and muscle position) and the working variables (temperature, electrolyte concentration and mechanical conditions). By changing working conditions experimental results overlap theoretical predictions. The ensemble computer-generator-muscle-theoretical equation constitutes and describes artificial mechanical, thermal and chemical proprioception of the system. Proprioceptive tools, zoomorphic or anthropomorphic soft robots can be envisaged.
Damage Identification in Continuum Structures From Vibration Modal Data
Authors: Chen H. P. , Bicanic N.
Published: February 2015

A novel procedure for damage identification of continuum structures is proposed, where both the location and the extent of structural damage in continuum structures can be correctly determined using only a limited amount of measurements of incomplete modal data. On the basis of the exact relationship between the changes of structural parameters and modal parameters, a computational technique based on direct iteration and directly using incomplete modal data is developed to determine damage in structure. Structural damage is assumed to be associated ith a proportional (scalar) reduction of the original element stiffness matrices, equivalent to a scalar reduction of the material modulus, which characterises at Gauss point level. Finally, numerical examples for plane stress problem and plate bending problem are utilised to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Chemistry Education Programs Relevant to Materials Science
Authors: Lykos Peter
Published: February 2015

The larger chemical companies worldwide are in the process of major change from a commodities orientation to “downstream” products. “Value-added products,” “engineered materials,” and “effect chemicals” are terms their leaders are using as they try to explain what is happening to their boards of directors, to their stockholders, to their employees, and to their customers.

As these companies go through their reorganizations a major problem has become apparent — many professional chemists are not intellectually equipped by training and experience to be effective in research and development in the design of those new products, and the “pipeline” which is producing their “new hires” has not responded to the changing emphases needed in undergraduate curricula and graduate research programs in chemistry.

The driving force behind this new orientation is coming to be known as the science of materials or materials science. The longer descriptor, materials science and engineering, better suggests its inherently broad and interdisciplinary nature as well as bringing out that how the final product is produced affects (and may effect) its properties. Because this new discipline moves across standard science and engineering boundaries, materials science does not lend itself to neat classification. Descriptive classification is nevertheless possible:

• Materials science is solid state science, both solid state chemistry and solid state physics.
Estimativas de biomassa para plantas de bambu do gênero Guadua
Authors: Mognon Francelo , Corte Ana Paula Dalla , Sanquetta Carlos Roberto , Barreto Tauane Garcia , Wojciechowski Jaime
Published: February 2015

Este trabalho objetivou ajustar equações para estimar a biomassa total de plantas de bambu, do gênero Guadua, bem como comparar o ajuste de equações por regressão linear com a técnica de mineração de dados. Foram utilizados 38 colmos de bambu, nos quais foram mensuradas as variáveis diâmetro à altura do peito (dap), diâmetro do colo do colmo e altura do colmo, seguido da determinação de massa total por método destrutivo. A biomassa determinada em 25 colmos foi utilizada para ajuste de equações pelo método dos mínimos quadrados e 13 colmos serviram para a validação da melhor equação. As frações de biomassa por compartimento diferem significativamente (p < 0,05) entre si. A maior fração da biomassa corresponde ao colmo, representando 69,2% do total, seguida pela dos rizomas, dos galhos e da folhagem, com 15,7; 10,8 e 4,2%, respectivamente. A melhor equação ajustada para estimar a biomassa total apresentou coeficiente de determinação de 0,93 e erro padrão da estimativa de 15%. Já a técnica de mineração de dados apresentou coeficiente de determinação de 0,81, com erro padrão de 23,8%. Pode-se estimar acuradamente a biomassa de Guadua por regressão linear e por mineração dos dados. Neste trabalho, o método de regressão apresentou melhor desempenho. A limitação de dados pode ser o fator determinante para o pior desempenho da técnica de mineração de dados, pois requer uma massa de dados mais ampla para funcionar satisfatoriamente.
Preferência de Cotesia flavipes (Cameron, 1891) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) por lagartas de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) alimentadas com diferentes cultivares de cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Souza Joseane Rodrigues de , Boiça Júnior Arlindo Leal , Perecin Dilermando , Costa Jacqueline Tonielo da , Peixoto Marília Lara
Published: February 2015

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a preferência do parasitoide Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) por lagartas de Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), alimentadas com diferentes cultivares de cana-de-açúcar. O experimento foi conduzido em laboratório, em duas condições de alimentação, uma envolvendo lagartas de D. saccharalis, alimentadas em dieta artificial, e, a outra, com lagartas alimentadas em dieta artificial e mantidas temporariamente nos toletes dos cultivares de cana-de-açúcar. Os cultivares utilizados foram: SP80-1842 e SP81-3250, resistentes, e RB855536, suscetível à D. saccharalis. A preferência para oviposição das fêmeas de C. flavipes foi avaliada em testes com e sem chance de escolha, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e 15 repetições. Lagartas de D. saccharalis com 19 dias de idade foram oferecidas para fêmeas de C. flavipes, acasaladas e com 24 horas de idade, em ambos os testes. No teste com chance de escolha, utilizou-se um olfatômetro, o qual constou de quatro compartimentos, em cujo centro liberaram-se quatro fêmeas de C. flavipes, enquanto, no teste sem chance de escolha, foram utilizadas placas de Petri, no interior das quais se colocou uma lagarta de D. saccharalis, oriunda das duas condições de alimentação. Nestes testes, foi observada a percentagem de parasitismo e, continua-mente, o comportamento da primeira escolha de fêmeas de C. flavipes, em intervalos de zero a um, um a três, três a cinco, cinco a oito e de oito a dez minutos após as liberações. Lagartas de D. saccharalis, oriundas da alimentação em dieta artificial com colmos triturados dos cultivares, foram igualmente preferidas para atratividade de fêmeas do parasitoide C. flavipes. A percentagem de parasitismo de lagartas de D. saccharalis, criadas com dietas artificiais com colmos dos cultivares SP80-1042 e RB855536, foi igualmente parasitadas por C. flavipes.
Alteração do crescimento e dos teores de nutrientes com utilização de fertilizante organomineral em cenoura
Authors: Kaseker Jéssica Fernandes , Bastos Marília Camotti , Consalter Rangel , Mógor Átila Francisco
Published: February 2015

O uso de fertilizantes organominerais contendo extratos de algas é recente no Brasil. Em vista disso, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de fertilizante organomineral contendo extrato da alga Ascophyllum nodosum (Activo®) no desenvolvimento e nos teores de nutrientes em cenoura. O experimento foi conduzido na área de olericultura da Universidade Federal do Paraná, no município de Pinhais, PR, no ano de 2009, em sistema orgânico, utilizando cultivar do tipo Nantes. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, e os tratamentos consistiram na aplicação de fertilizante organomineral à base de extrato de algas. Foi utilizado um esquema fatorial com duas doses (0,2 e 0,4%) e duas épocas de aplicação (25 e 45 dias após o plantio), e um tratamento testemunha. As aplicações aumentaram a altura da parte aérea, o diâmetro radicular e o número de folhas, sendo esta variável também influenciada pela concentração. A produtividade aumentou com a aplicação do fertilizante organomineral, independentemente da concentração e da época de aplicação. Os teores nutricionais na parte aérea e nas raízes também foram alterados em decorrência das aplicações, sendo observada diminuição dos teores foliares de Cu e dos teores radiculares de N, Ca, Mg, Cu e Zn, possivelmente em função de efeito de diluição, pelo incremento da biomassa. Conclui-se que a aplicação do fertilizante organomineral contendo extrato de algas foi benéfica ao crescimento, desenvolvimento e produção das plantas de cenoura, o que resultou em diminuição na concentração de N, Ca, Mg, Cu e Zn na raiz e de Cu na parte aérea.
Application of GA3 and girdling of branches on the production of extemporaneous fruits of 'Tahiti' acid lime
Authors: Pereira Cassiano Spaziani , Siqueira Dalmo Lopes de , Valiati Simone , Ferrari Elisangela
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of girdling of branches and the application of GA3, still in the main crop flowering on the formation of reproductive structures, the fruit set of the following extemporaneous flowering of 'Tahiti' acid lime. This work used a randomized block design with five replications in a 4x3 factorial design. The first factor was the foliar application of GA3, 88 days before extemporaneous flowering at five concentrations (0, 7, 14 and 21 mg.L-1). The second factor was the girdling times, 108 days before flowering onset (A108AF), 78 days before flowering (A78AF) plus no-girdling control (NG). In extemporaneous flowering, the proportion of buds, flowers and fruits that abscised was 38.75, 31.25 and 18.64% respectively and 11.34% of all reproductive structures formed were collected. GA3 did not affect fruit set. Girdling increased fruit set by 229 and 256% at A108DAF and A78DAF respectively, in relation to NG plants. The GA3 reduced the formation of floral structures, which resulted in a quadratic increase in field production by reducing the competition for photoassimilates among fruits. The concentration of 21 mg.L-1 was the most productive, with 15.97 fruit.plant-1.
Eletroquímica de solos modais e de sua matéria orgânica em ambientes tropicais
Authors: Baldotto Marihus Altoé , Velloso Ary Carlos Xavier
Published: February 2015

A química do solo vem estudando o comportamento da fração mineral dos solos tropicais intemperizados, incluindo a eletroquímica, o desenvolvimento de cargas e o fenômeno de adsorção. Por causa do amplo espectro a ser coberto no entendimento do comportamento da fração mineral, somado às dificuldades metodológicas, o estudo da complexa fração orgânica dos solos foi relativamente menos desenvolvido. A atual proposta revisita os primeiros trabalhos referentes à química de solos tropicais, buscando relacioná-los com dados de eletroquímica dos estoques de carbono do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar aspectos de eletroquímica de solos, determinar e relacionar os pontos de carga zero, por diferentes métodos, os potenciais da dupla camada elétricae a eletroquímica do húmus de solos modais brasileiros, em uma sequência típica de intemperismo, visando a gerar informações para o seu manejo e conservação. Os métodos de estimativa dos ponto de carga zero dos solos apresentam resultados variados, mas com a mesma tendência entre os solos. Há predomínio de cargas negativas em ambas as camadas dos solos estudados. As cargas negativas dos coloides estão diretamente associadas à disponibilidade de elétrons do húmus e ambas diminuem com o estádio de intemperismo do solo.
Análise de Cluster e Análise Heurística na construção de uma tipologia de alcoolistas
Authors: Ribeiro Mário Sérgio , Ribeiro Luiz Cláudio , Ferreira Rafael Augusto
Published: February 2015

Objetivos Desenvolver e avaliar uma tipologia binária de alcoolistas. Métodos Analisados registros de 329 alcoolistas acompanhados em estudo prospectivo e observacional. Análise de Correspondência foi aplicada para selecionar o menor número de variáveis capazes de representar a máxima variabilidade dos sujeitos; Análise de Cluster para identificar dois subtipos; e Análise Heurística para organizar as variáveis selecionadas em grupos de sentido. Análises Bivariadas foram utilizadas para testar possíveis associações com 51 variáveis demográficas ou clinicamente relevantes. Resultados A Análise de Correspondência selecionou 20 variáveis, posteriormente categorizadas em três grupos de sentidos por meio de Análise Heurística: “comportamentos”, “crenças” e “sentimentos”. Os pacientes do subgrupo 1 possuem perfil de maior gravidade clínica, psicopatológica e social. Sentimentos e crenças identificados se associaram a variáveis de consumo e recaída e os comportamentos com repercussão social. Conclusões Os resultados deste estudo permitem supor que a tipologia aqui apresentada possa contribuir para o tratamento desses subtipos de alcoolistas identificados por meio de estratégias teórico-práticas adaptadas às necessidades desses sujeitos.
Estudo transversal sobre o uso de risco de álcool em uma amostra de estudantes de uma universidade federal brasileira
Authors: Silva Érika Correia , Tucci Adriana Marcassa
Published: February 2015

Objetivo Avaliar o padrão de consumo de álcool entre estudantes de uma universidade federal brasileira que faz parte do Programa de Apoio a Planos de Reestruturação e Expansão das Universidades Federais (REUNI) e identificar os grupos mais expostos a problemas relacionados ao uso de álcool e fatores associados. Métodos Caracteriza-se como um estudo descritivo, quantitativo e de delineamento transversal no qual se aplicou um questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e o The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) em 787 estudantes universitários de uma universidade federal brasileira. Resultados Entre os estudantes, 82,9% se enquadraram no grupo que faz consumo de baixo risco e 17,1%, no grupo que faz um consumo de risco. A análise de correspondência detectou que os estudantes do gênero masculino, os que não possuíam religião, que praticavam atividade física esporadicamente e que residiam em repúblicas se caracterizaram como pertencentes ao grupo de risco em relação ao consumo de álcool. Conclusões Os resultados indicam predominância de consumo de álcool de baixo risco entre os estudantes e sugerem uma relação entre consumo de álcool de maior risco e gênero masculino, não possuir religião, praticar atividade física esporadicamente e residir em repúblicas. Essas informações devem ser consideradas em programas preventivos no ambiente universitário.
Status de fragilidade entre idosos com indicativo de depressão segundo o sexo
Authors: Tavares Darlene Mara dos Santos , Almeida Esthefânia Garcia de , Ferreira Pollyana Cristina dos Santos , Dias Flavia Aparecida , Pegorari Maycon Sousa
Published: February 2015

Objetivos : Descrever as variáveis socioeconômicas de idosos com indicativo de depressão segundo o sexo, verificar a associação entre o status de fragilidade e o sexo, e descrever o componente do fenótipo de fragilidade mais impactado entre os idosos com indicativo de depressão pré-frágeis e frágeis. Métodos Estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, conduzido com 418 idosos com indicativo de depressão residentes no município de Uberaba, MG. Utilizaram-se a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica Abreviada e o Fenótipo de Fragilidade de Fried. Foram utilizados análise descritiva e o teste Qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados Verificou-se que, entre os idosos com indicativo de depressão, 27,8% eram frágeis e 51,7%, pré-frágeis. O status de fragilidade não esteve associado ao sexo (p = 0,910). Dentre os pré-frágeis, os componentes do fenótipo mais impactados foram o autorrelato de exaustão/fadiga para as mulheres e diminuição da força muscular para os homens. Nos frágeis, prevaleceu a diminuição da força muscular para ambos os sexos. Conclusão Mediante os achados deste estudo, conclui-se que, embora não tenha ocorrido associação entre a síndrome de fragilidade e o sexo, a identificação dos componentes do fenótipo de fragilidade mais impactados pode favorecer o atendimento multiprofissional, considerando as especificidades dos grupos. O diagnóstico precoce contribui para o estabelecimento de condutas e prevenção de agravos.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic review of follow-up studies
Authors: Davis Roberta , Souza Maria Augusta Mansur de , Rigatti Roberta , Heldt Elizeth
Published: February 2015

Objective To conduct a systematic review about the long-term response to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders (ADs) in children and adolescents. Methods The PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases were consulted. Search in the databases was performed in November 2012 and included cohort studies after CBT for ADs in children and adolescents with a follow-up period over 12 months. Results A total of 10 papers met the inclusion criteria. The follow-up period ranged from 12 months to 13 years and the results generally showed maintenance of the short-term benefits with CBT. However, the studies presented limitations, especially regarding methods, such as lack of a control group and losses to follow-up. Conclusion The long-term benefits of CBT were identified, however it would be interesting to conduct other studies with more frequent assessment periods, in order to minimize losses to follow-up, in addition to evaluating children and adolescents in the various stages of their development.
Compostos antioxidantes em frutos de acessos de caramboleira em diferentes ambientes de Pernambuco
Authors: Lira Júnior José Severino de , Bezerra João Emmanoel Fernandes , Lederman Ildo Eliezer , Correia Lídia Cristina dos Santos Alencar , Maciel Maria Inês Sucupira
Published: February 2015

A polpa da carambola contém compostos químicos com propriedades antioxidantes importantes à saúde humana, contra o envelhecimento celular e a prevenção de doenças. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o fruto de acessos de caramboleira quanto às concentrações de compostos antioxidantes. Foram analisadas as concentrações de ácido ascórbico, carotenoides totais, flavonoides, fenólicos totais e taninos em cinco acessos selecionados de carambola, cultivada em três distintas regiões edafoclimáticas de Pernambuco. Os acessos de carambola diferiram significativamente entre si, quanto às concentrações de ácido ascórbico, fenólicos totais e taninos. A significância para os efeitos de ambiente confirmou que os locais de cultivo são heterogêneos, em relação ao potencial produtivo de frutos com diferentes concentrações médias de ácido ascórbico, flavonóis, fenólicos totais e taninos. A interação significativa entre genótipos e ambientes indica que os acessos de carambola apresentam respostas diferenciadas às concentrações de ácido ascórbico, flavonóis, fenólicos totais e taninos, quando cultivadas em diferentes locais. As condições de cultivo da Estação Experimental do IPA Itambé e os acessos IPA-7.2, IPA-22.3 proporcionaram as maiores concentrações de ácido ascórbico, fenólicos totais e taninos.