bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroeconomics after the Crisis: Time to Deal with the Pretense-of-Knowledge Syndrome
Authors: Caballero Ricardo J
Published: November 2010

The recent financial crisis has damaged the reputation of macroeconomics, largely for its inability to predict the impending financial and economic crisis. To be honest, this inability to predict does not concern me much. It is almost tautological that severe crises are essentially unpredictable, for otherwise they would not cause such a high degree of distress. What does concern me about my discipline is that its current core —by which I mainly mean the so-called dynamic stochastic general equilibrium approach—has become so mesmerized with its own internal logic that it has begun to confuse the precision it has achieved about its own world with the precision that it has about the real one. This is dangerous for both methodological and policy reasons. To be fair to our field, an enormous amount of work at the intersection of macroeconomics and corporate finance has been chasing many of the issues that played a central role during the current crisis, including liquidity evaporation, collateral shortages, bubbles, crises, panics, fire sales, risk-shifting, contagion, and the like. However, much of this literature belongs to the periphery of macroeconomics rather than to its core. I will discuss the distinction between the core and the periphery of macroeconomics as well as the futile nature of the integrationist movement—that is, the process of gradually bringing the insights of the periphery into the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium structure. I argue that the complexity of macroeconomic interactions limits the knowledge we can ever attain, and that we need to place this fact at the center of our analysis. We should consider what this complexity does to the actions and reactions of the economic agent, and seek analytical tools and macroeconomic policies that are robust to the enormous uncertainty to which we are confined.
Progress and design challenges for high-spin molecules
Authors: Lemaire Martin T.
Published: November 2010

In this short critical review, selected examples of current (within the past two years) synthetic efforts toward the construction of high-spin molecules are explored, including the use of metal complexes containing stable free radical ligands, lanthanide or actinide complexes, and other coordination clusters, or a completely different approach, taking advantage of non-Heisenberg exchange in fully delocalized mixed-valence complexes (spin-dependent delocalization, SDD, or double exchange). A description of reported work in this regard is followed by a brief general discussion that highlights what the future may hold for high-spin molecule design.
Hydrogen Solubility and Microstructural Changes in Zircaloy-4 Due to Neutron Irradiation
Authors: Vizcaíno P. , Flores A. V. , Bozzano P. B. , Banchik A. D. , Versaci R. A. , Ríos R. O.
Published: November 2010

The present work deals with two essential degradation mechanisms of zirconium alloys: Hydrogen behavior and microstructural transformations due to neutron irradiation. The studies were carried out by using samples taken from Zircaloy-4 components, which remained for 14 years in the Atucha I pressurized heavy water reactor, accumulating neutron fluences of up to 1022 neutrons/cm2. A hydrogen/deuterium solubility increase was observed in both dissolution and precipitation processes. With the aim to follow this evolution with radiation damage recovery, the irradiated samples were annealed for different periods at 350 and 400°C in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). These temperatures were chosen to reproduce those reached by spent fuels in the early stages of the dry storage (DS). Between intervals, the terminal solid solubility temperatures in dissolution (TTSSd) and in precipitation (TTSSp) were determined. They were also determined after additional annealing at 500 and 600°C, trying to simulate long periods at DS. The hydride morphology and the metallurgical state of the Zr(Fe,Cr)2 second-phase particles (SPPs) were followed between annealing by optical microscopy, analytical electron microscopy, synchrotron light X-ray diffractionX-ray diffraction diagrams were obtained at the Brazilian Synchrotron (LNLS), Campinas, S. P., Brazil. (SXRD), and DSC. As a brief summary, we found from the first to the last run of the annealing sequence an increase of 55°C in TTSSd and 40°C in TTSSp on average. The optical and transmission electron microscopies (TEM) indicate that in the material in the irradiated condition, exists a hydride size distribution of four orders of magnitude, from 10 nm to 100 μm, but biased to sizes smaller than 5 μm. A complete amorphisation of the SPPs was observed in high fluence samples by TEM and SXRD. Similar TEM observations made in irradiated samples annealed above 400°C show a re-precipitation process of nano-SPPs forming clusters. The re-precipitation is affected by kinetics: The SPPs crystallization temperature, Tc, rises from 450 to 500°C as the heating rate increases from 5 to 20°C/min. The measured heat of crystallization was 27.3±2.1 kJ/mol (Fe+Cr).
Non-alcoholic steatosis/steatohepatitis – 2010
Authors: Hagymási Krisztina , Lengyel Gabriella
Published: November 2010

A nem alkoholos eredetű zsírmáj és a steatohepatitis a kóros májműködés leggyakoribb oka. A szerzők áttekintik a kórkép fő kóroki tényezőit, kialakulásának lehetséges hátterét, klinikumát, valamint a kórisme felállításának nehézségeit. Nagy az igény olyan, nem invazív biomarkerek (TNF-α adiponektin, lipidperoxidáció termékei, citokeratin-18, hialuronsav), pontrendszerek (Fibrotest, APRI), vizsgálatok (Fibroscan) kidolgozására, amelyek a betegség előrehaladását, a gyulladást és a fibrosist jelzik. Mind ez idáig megfelelően hatékony kezelés nem ismert. A terápia részben a kiváltó tényezők eliminálását (testsúlycsökkentés), az anyagcserezavar (diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia) kezelését célozza meg, részben a májvédelmet (antioxidánsok) helyezi előtérbe. Orv. Hetil., 2010,47,1940–1945.
TSH reference values for adult Brazilian population
Authors: Rosario Pedro Weslley , Xavier Arthur Cezar Malard , Calsolari Maria Regina
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE: To establish limits of normal serum TSH for the adult (18 to 60 years) Brazilian population according to recommendations of the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Healthy volunteers were evaluated and those fulfilling the following clinical criteria were selected: absence of known thyroid disease; no use of any interfering medications; no history of head and neck external radiotherapy, type 1 diabetes or autoimmune disease; no family history of thyroid disease, and absence of goiter or palpable nodules. Subjects with anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies and/or altered free T4 were excluded. The sample consisted of 960 subjects (480 males and 480 females). RESULTS: TSH values corresponding to the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the sample were 0.43 and 3.24 mIU/L, respectively. TSH values > 2.5 mIU/L were observed in 9.15% of the volunteers and levels > 3 mIU/L in 3.11%. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests an upper limit of normal TSH of approximately 3.5 mIU/L.
Acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico associado à acidente ofídico por serpente do gênero bothrops: relato de caso
Authors: Machado Amanda Silva , Barbosa Fabíola Brasil , Mello Giselle da Silva , Pardal Pedro Pereira de Oliveira
Published: November 2010

Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico, associado à acidente ofídico por serpente do gênero bothrops e hipertensão arterial sistêmica grave. Apesar do ofidismo botrópico ser frequente no Estado do Pará, tais associações são incomuns, necessitando de uma abordagem especializada e precoce, visando menores complicações.
Uso da vespa social Polistes versicolor no controle de desfolhadores de eucalipto
Authors: Elisei Thiago , Nunes Juliana Vaz e , Ribeiro Junior Cleber , Fernandes Junior Aluisio José , Prezoto Fábio
Published: November 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os recursos forrageados por Polistes versicolor em área de reflorestamento com eucalipto e identificar as presas forrageadas. No período de janeiro a dezembro de 2007, foram realizadas 24 observações da atividade forrageadora de colônias de P. versicolor presentes em um reflorestamento de eucalipto, em Juiz de Fora, MG, totalizando 240 horas de registros. Durante as dez horas de observação diária, foram registrados e qualificados, a cada 30 minutos, os retornos das operárias para a colônia. Foram registrados 1.809 retornos, dos quais 51,63% foram com néctar; 6,85%, com água; 4,7%, com fibra vegetal; 17,41%, com presas; e 19,40%, sem recurso forrageado (improdutivos). As operárias de P. versicolor predaram exclusivamente lagartas de lepidópteros, que foram a única fonte de proteína animal oferecida aos insetos imaturos, na colônia. Dessa forma, a espécie estudada apresenta potencial como agente controlador biológico de herbívoros desfolhadores de eucalipto.
É possível prever o comprimento de tendões flexores do joelho por antropometria?
Authors: Stieven Filho Edmar , Sampaio Eduardo B. , Namba Mario , Silva João Luiz Vieira da , Albano Mauro , Rocha Luis Eduardo Munhoz da , Agulham Miguel Ângelo , Cunha Luiz Antonio Munhoz da
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: Comparar os dados de antropometria e prática esportiva com as dimensões dos tendões flexores do joelho, de forma prospectiva, a fim de criar uma regra para pré-determinar suas dimensões. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados os dados gerais e antropométricos de 30 pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior e correlacionados com os dados de comprimento e diâmetro dos tendões flexores do joelho. Os dados coletados foram: altura, peso, idade, joelho acometido, índice de massa corporal, nível esportivo, comprimento do fêmur, comprimento da tíbia, circunferência da coxa, circunferência do joelho. As correlações foram feitas pelo coeficiente de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Houve correlação estatisticamente significante apenas com a altura e comprimento da tíbia versus comprimento do músculo semitendíneo e grácil. Pelo método da regressão linear simples as relações podem ser expressas nas seguintes equações: comprimento do semitendíneo = -2,276 + 0,177 x altura; comprimento do semitendíneo = 13,048 + 0,46 x comprimento da tíbia; comprimento do grácil = -9,413 + 0,207 x altura; comprimento do grácil = 7,036 + 0,583 x comprimento da tíbia. CONCLUSÃO: É possível a previsão do comprimento dos tendões flexores do joelho através de equações de regressão antes do procedimento cirúrgico.
O Plano nacional de educação e as tecnologias da informação e comunicação
Authors: Zuin Antonio A. S.
Published: November 2010

A tecnologia ocupa cada vez mais posição-chave na sociedade atual, de modo que ela não mais pode ser definida como uma somatória de novas técnicas operacionais, mas sim como um modus vivendi, como um processo social que determina as configurações identitárias dos indivíduos e as do processo educacional/formativo. Dentro desse contexto, os autores desse artigo têm como objetivo refletir sobre o modo como as tecnologias de informação e comunicação, as denominadas TIC, foram consideradas no Documento Final da Conferência Nacional de Educação (CONAE), cujos apontamentos servirão de base para a elaboração das diretrizes e estratégias de ação do novo Plano Nacional da Educação (PNE) 2011-2020.
Estrutura comunitária e amplitude ecológica do componente lenhoso de uma floresta de restinga mal drenada no sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Menezes Luis Fernando Tavares de , Araujo Dorothy Sue Dunn de , Nettesheim Felipe Cito
Published: November 2010

Analisamos a estrutura de uma floresta mal drenada na Restinga da Marambaia, RJ, e a amplitude ecológica das espécies quanto à tolerância à inundação do solo. Foram amostrados em 50 parcelas contíguas de 10 X 10m (0,5 ha), indivíduos com diâmetro do caule a altura do peito (DAP) >2,5 cm. Registramos 1.223 indivíduos vivos (distribuídos em 24 famílias, 43 gêneros e 57 espécies). O índice de diversidade de Shannon (H') foi de 2,87 e a equabilidade (J') foi de 0,68. A densidade total foi de 2.446 ind. ha-1 e a área basal de 25,14 m². ha-1. As famílias mais ricas em espécies foram Myrtaceae (13), Leguminosae (5), Annonaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrsinaceae e Sapindaceae (4). Dez espécies apresentaram valor de importância (VI) acima de nove, correspondendo o somatório de seus valores a 75% do VI total. As espécies com maiores valores de VI foram Tapirira guianensis Aubl. (42,42), Amaioua intermedia Mart. ex Roem. & Schult. (40,77) e Chaetocarpus myrsinites Baill. (39,98), que juntas detiveram 41% do VI total. A comunidade arbórea analisada foi composta principalmente por espécies preferenciais de áreas secas, ou seja, espécies com preferência por alagamento periódico do solo ou solos mais secos, mas não com alagamento permanente ou quase permanente do solo. A maior similaridade da floresta mal drenada da Marambaia foi observada com as florestas inundáveis do Parque Nacional de Jurubatiba, RJ (21,4 e 23,8%). Nossos resultados permitiram concluir que não existe uma flora particular para as formações inundáveis nas restingas do sul e sudeste brasileiro e que mudanças do padrão florístico da vegetação dessas áreas ocorrem em função da proximidade da fonte de propágulos de espécies com alta tolerância à inundação do solo e secundariamente relacionada a questões fitogeográficas, ligadas à limitação da distribuição de espécies pelas condições climáticas das regiões subtropicais.
Comportamento mecânico e termo-mecânico de blendas poliméricas PBT/ABS
Authors: Ferreira Luís Antonio S. , Pessan Luiz Antonio , Hage Júnior Elias
Published: November 2010

RESUMO: Blendas de poli(tereftalato de butileno) (PBT) e copolímero ABS foram estudadas usando-se três tipos diferentes de ABS. As blendas foram caracterizadas mecanicamente através de ensaios de tração e de impacto, e termo-mecanicamente através da determinação da temperatura de deflexão térmica (HDT). Uma influência mais pronunciada foi observada para a variação da composição química do ABS, em relação às diferentes composições de fase, onde blendas com ABS de maior proporção de acrilonitrila mostraram melhor comportamento. Foi observado que baixos níveis de ABS nas blendas proporcionam principalmente um aumento pronunciado da HDT e sem variação da resistência ao impacto, em relação ao PBT puro. Por outro lado, baixos níveis de PBT nas blendas não alteram as propriedades em relação ao ABS puro, com exceção da resistência ao impacto, que mostrou uma redução significativa.
Consequências sociais e emocionais da dislexia de desenvolvimento: um estudo de caso
Authors: Carvalhais Lénia Sofia de Almeida , Silva Carlos
Published: November 2010

A dislexia de desenvolvimento é uma dificuldade específica de aprendizagem da leitura e escrita que condiciona a forma como o indivíduo se percepciona e como se relaciona com os seus pares nos mais diversos contextos desde educacionais até familiares. No sentido de avaliar as consequências emocionais e sociais decorrentes de um diagnóstico de dislexia de desenvolvimento, foram efectuados duas entrevistas, orientadas por inquéritos construídos para o efeito, a uma criança portuguesa e ao seu Encarregado de Educação, resultante de um estudo de caso, de carácter longitudinal. Os resultados comprovaram a necessidade de uma avaliação da dislexia efectuada precocemente, o que permite, por sua vez, uma intervenção adequada, no sentido de combater o insucesso escolar. Verifica-se ainda ser fundamental alertar professores e profissionais da educação para esta dificuldade de aprendizagem no sentido de evitar situações de discriminação, como as que identificamos neste estudo.
Variáveis da primeira fase da integração universitária e mudança de curso
Authors: Diniz António M. , Almeida Leandro S.
Published: November 2010

Estudou-se a relação entre variáveis académicas e psicossociais da primeira fase da integração universitária (escolha e colocação num curso) e a Mudança de Curso (MC). As análises bivariadas dos dados de uma amostra de conveniência de 375 estudantes do primeiro ano mostraram que mudaram mais frequentemente de curso aqueles que: tinham Notas de Candidatura (NC) ao Ensino Superior mais baixas; frequentavam cursos ligados a Recursos Tecnológicos (RT); e, atribuíam menor importância aos Determinantes Intrínsecos (DI) na escolha de curso (competências e interesses). Para operacionalizar esta última variável recorreu-se à Escala de Determinantes da Escolha de Curso (EDEC). Entretanto, as variáveis atrás referidas, bem como as outras duas dimensões da EDEC (Agentes Mediadores e Estrutura Ocupacional), também discriminavam os estudantes de acordo com Género. Presume-se, então, que o Género se relaciona indirectamente com a MC, através da interveniência das variáveis NC, Área de Estudos e DI.
Caracterização do processamento auditivo das crianças com distúrbio de leitura e escrita de 8 a 12 anos em tratamento no Centro Clínico de Fonoaudiologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais
Authors: Machado Cíntia Santos Silva , Valle Hálida Larissa Batista da Silva do , Paula Karen Maria de , Lima Sheilla da Silva
Published: November 2010

OBJETIVO: verificar possíveis desordens do processamento auditivo em crianças com distúrbio de leitura e escrita. MÉTODOS: foram selecionadas 15 crianças, com audição normal, na faixa etária de 8 a 12 anos, com baixo rendimento escolar e que se encontravam em tratamento no setor de linguagem escrita no Centro Clínico de Fonoaudiologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais. Os indivíduos foram submetidos aos testes: Pediatric Speech Intelligibility test, - Staggered Spondaic Word test, Fala com Ruído, Fala Filtrada, Gap in Noise e Padrão de Duração e Freqüência Melódicos. RESULTADOS: verificou-se que todos os indivíduos apresentaram alterações em pelo menos uma habilidade auditiva do processamento auditivo. CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se estreita e estrita relação entre as habilidades do processamento auditivo e o distúrbio de leitura e escrita. Os procedimentos que se destacaram na identificação de anormalidades no processamento neurológico da informação auditiva foram os testes SSW, PSI com palavras no ruído e Teste de Padrão de Freqüência melódico.
ICOLD meeting in Hanoi – May 2010
Authors: Airey Martin
Published: November 2010

Overview of the 78th annual meeting of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) that was held in Hanoi, Vietnam in May 2010.
A time to deliver
Authors: Jowitt Paul W.
Published: November 2010

The British Dam Society had the great pleasure of the company of the ICE president, Paul Jowitt, at the 16th biennial conference during the evening of the 24 June 2010. He gave the conference dinner speech – a call to action for dams engineers, which is reproduced below.
Issues in Cross-Cultural Comparative Research
Authors: Harrison Tracie , Parker Ramona Ann
Published: November 2010

It is the purpose of this article to describe the methodological issues when designing qualitative cultural comparative studies, which may be used to address health disparities. Overall, two broad types of comparative studies were found: primary and secondary comparative studies. Methodological issues to consider when designing primary studies were reviewed. The main areas discussed in this article relate to sampling and study purpose, sample boundaries, theoretical context, concept development, analogous comparisons, and systematic comparisons. Nurses are in a prime position to pose the qualitative research questions needed to address health disparities within their clinical settings. It is suggested that awareness of the method types and issues might inspire further qualitative comparative work.
The DSM-V Project: Bad Science Produces Bad Psychiatry
Authors: McLaren Niall
Published: November 2010

The project to develop the successor to fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has been under way for 10 years, yet it is still several years from completion, and the field trials, the most difficult and expensive part, have not even started. This article explores the reasons why the project is struggling, arguing that the defects the Diagnostic and Statistical Model-V (DSM-V) Committee has found are not chance or random problems that can be overcome by more money but rather represent serious conceptual errors in the very basis of the ideas underlying the project. As a result of these errors, it is predicted that the entire notion of valid categories of mental disorder will collapse in self-contradiction. One of the most recent suggestions for a new disorder, psychotic risk syndrome (now APSS), is used to demonstrate how the principles of science cannot accommodate the unstated ideological demands driving the DSM-V project.
Examining the Relationship Between Personality Characteristics and Unethical Behaviors Resulting in Economic Crime
Authors: Elliott Rebecca T.
Published: November 2010

The current downward economic spiral in the United States has forced diffi cult, sometimes unethical financial decisions brought to public attention by high-profi le offenders. Previous research has not supported personality as a signifi cant factor in white-collar crime (Alalehto, 2003; Blickle, Schlegel, Fassbender, & Klein, 2006; Freeley, 2006). Current data and small research efforts indicate that some personality traits are more evident than others in the case of economic crime. Systematically examining personality traits as a factor in instances of embezzlement and fraudulent acts may provide insight into profi ling or deterring criminal behavior. Research examining personality and fraudulent behavior is warranted.
Vasectomy Affects Cysteine‐Rich Secretory Protein Expression Along the Human Epididymis and Its Association With Ejaculated Spermatozoa Following Vasectomy Surgical Reversal
Authors: Légaré Christine , Boudreau Luc , Thimon Véronique , Thabet Michel , Sullivan Robert
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: The epididymis is essential for the acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability and forward motility. After vasectomy, the flux and composition of the epididymal fluid are modified, causing possible sequelae to the occluded excurrent duct. Some of these sequelae may not be reversible following vasovasostomy, affecting sperm physiology and their fertilizing ability. We previously demonstrated that the epididymal expression in men of a major glycoprotein secreted by the epididymis, cysteine‐rich secretory protein 1 (CRISP1), and its encoding mRNA are affected by vasectomy. In this study we showed that following vasectomy, the increased level of CRISP1 is not due to a secretory defect but to its accumulation in the intraluminal compartment of the cauda epididymidis. Western blot analyses were performed to determine the amount of CRISP1 associated with spermatozoa of men who had undergone surgical vasectomy reversal. Spermatozoa of vasovasostomized men are characterized by a significant increase (P < .05) in CRISP1 levels when compared with normal donors. There was no linear correlation between CRISP1 levels and the period of time elapsed between vasectomy and vasovasostomy. CRISP1 was also present in seminal plasma of normal and vasovasostomized men, but not in vasectomized individuals. The soluble concentration of CRISP1 was significantly higher (P < .05) in seminal plasma of vasovasostomized men when compared with normal men. Knowing that one of the proposed functions of CRISP1 is to modulate sperm capacitation, we evaluated the level of tyrosine protein phosphorylation of 2 AXAP proteins of the fibrous sheath, p81 and p105. Spermatozoa of vasovasostomized men were characterized by a 50% increase of protein tyrosine phosphorylation when compared to spermatozoa of normal men (P < .05). Our results are discussed with regard to the fertilizing ability of ejaculated spermatozoa of some vasovasostomized men.
Replication Needed to Detect Alterations in the Composition of Rodent, Rabbit, or Human Testes via Volume Density Approaches
Authors: Berndtson William E.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Sperm production is an important variable affecting the reproductive capacity of men and other male mammals. Because spermatogenesis is highly susceptible to disruption, volume density techniques that enable the composition of testicular tissue to be characterized or sperm production rates to be quantified are used extensively to assess potential impacts of known or suspected reproductive toxins, the safety of proposed human or animal drugs, and basic studies on spermatogenesis in normal individuals. The number of subjects used per treatment group for such studies has been variable. However, the power and sensitivity of any experiment is dependent on the inherent variability associated with the end point(s) of interest and the number of replicates (ie, animals or men per treatment group) employed per treatment group. Because the reliability of one's experimental outcome should be of utmost consideration, it is important to characterize the typical levels of inherent variability associated with one's chosen end point(s) and to answer the question: how many subjects are required per treatment group to provide an experiment with a given power and sensitivity for detecting actual treatment effects? This study was undertaken to 1) characterize the inherent variability associated with the volume density of several testicular components in rodents, rabbits, and humans and among cell numbers derived from volume density data and 2) identify the approximate number of replicates that would be required to provide future studies of predictable power and sensitivity for which data were to be generated via the volume density approach. Replication requirements differed, sometimes by several orders of magnitude, among these species and among end points within a single species. In addition, for many of these species and end points, the number of replicates necessary to ensure modest power and sensitivity for detecting treatment differences exceeded that used in most investigations. These findings are discussed in relation to the design and interpretation of future investigations with these species and end points.
Insulin Affects Tissue Organization and the Kinetics of Epithelial Cell Death in the Rat Ventral Prostate After Castration
Authors: Damas‐Souza Danilo M. , Oliveira Cláudio A. , Carvalho Hernandes F.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Prostate growth and physiology are regulated by steroid hormones and modulated by multiple endocrine factors. We investigated the action of insulin on the tissue organization and kinetics of epithelial cells in the rat ventral prostate (VP) in response to castration up to 120 hours after surgery by using an acute protocol of alloxan‐induced diabetes. Diabetes caused a reduction in volume density (Vv%) and volume of the epithelium. The effects of castration on the epithelium were accelerated in the diabetic animals, as determined by changes in Vv% and volume. The smooth muscle cells became atrophic and apparently relaxed in response to castration, in contrast to the spinous aspect observed in nondiabetic castrated rats. Counting of apoptotic nuclei in the epithelium showed the classical apoptosis peak at 72 hours in nondiabetic rats and an advance of the apoptosis peak to 48 hours after castration in diabetic rats. Insulin restored the time of the peak to 72 hours. These results were confirmed after immunostaining for cleaved caspase‐3 and suggest a survival and antiapoptotic effect on VP epithelial cells in both the presence and absence of androgen stimulation. This idea is supported by the observation that insulin also reduced the overall rate of apoptosis at all experimental points analyzed before and after castration.
Peritoneal Albumin and Protein Losses Do Not Predict Outcome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Balafa Olga , Halbesma Nynke , Struijk Dirk G. , Dekker Friedo W. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

Peritoneal clearance of albumin—unlike the transport of small molecules—is defined by both vascular surface area and size-selective permeability. Few studies have supported a positive correlation between peritoneal albumin loss and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether baseline peritoneal loss and clearance of albumin and other proteins is a risk factor of death in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

All incident peritoneal dialysis patients in our center during the last 15 years were included. Mass-transfer area coefficient of creatinine and peritoneal clearances of albumin, β2-microglobulin, α2-macroglobulin, and immunoglobulin G were calculated during a standard peritoneal permeability analysis. The total amount of albumin loss in the dialysate was also calculated. Overall mortality was studied with an intention-to-treat analysis.

Results

Two hundred fifty-seven patients were included. High baseline albumin clearance was associated with fast transport status, the presence of peripheral arterial disease, and a high comorbidity index, whereas C-reactive protein levels did not differ from the patients with low albumin clearance. Age, high comorbidity score, C-reactive protein levels >10 mg/L, and a low serum albumin were associated with mortality. Peritoneal albumin clearances and albumin loss were not associated with death in crude and adjusted analysis. Similarly, peritoneal clearances of immunoglobulin G, α2-macroglobulin, and β2-microglobulin were not determinants of survival.

Conclusions

Baseline peritoneal albumin and protein clearances are associated with signs of comorbidity, but this does not have a measurable effect on patient survival.
Association between Hemoglobin Level and Endothelial Function in Uncomplicated, Untreated Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Maio Raffaele , Sciacqua Angela , Bruni Rosamaria , Pascale Alessandra , Carullo Giuseppe , Scarpino Paola E. , Addesi Desirée , Spinelli Ines , Leone Giulia Galiano , Perticone Francesco
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

Hemoglobin (Hb) is an important nitric oxide (NO) buffer and a modulator of NO bioavailability. In addition, endothelial dysfunction is common in hypertensive patients, suggesting a pivotal role of hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) in vascular function. To investigate the potential role of [Hb] in endothelium-dependent vasodilation, the relationship between Hb and endothelial function was tested in a group of patients with essential hypertension.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this retrospective study, 174 nonsmoking, uncomplicated, never-treated hypertensives were enrolled. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation was assessed by measurement of forearm blood flow response during intra-arterial infusion of increasing doses of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) using strain-gauge plethysmography. Correlation with established risk factors of endothelial dysfunction was performed.

Results

The vasodilatory response to ACh was inversely (P < 0.001) related to [Hb], and this relationship was dose dependent (P < 0.001), being minimal at the lowest dose and maximal at the highest dose. No association was found between Hb and the vasodilatory response to SNP. In a multiple linear regression model adjusted for Framingham risk factors (age, sex, BP, cholesterol, body mass index, glucose) and emerging risk factors (homeostasis model assessment index, C-reactive protein, estimated GFR), [Hb] maintained a strong and independent link with the vasodilatory response to ACh (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In a large group of nonsmoking untreated hypertensives, [Hb] is inversely related to forearm endothelium-dependent vasodilation. [Hb] should be taken into account, especially in conditions associated with low [Hb], when performing vascular function studies.
Design of median-type filters with an impulse noise detector using decision tree and particle swarm optimization for image restoration
Authors: Chang Bae-Muu , Tsai Hung-Hsu , Lin Xuan-Ping , Yu Pao-Ta
Published: November 2010

This paper proposes the median-type filters with an impulse noise detector
using the decision tree and the particle swarm optimization, for the recovery
of the corrupted gray-level images by impulse noises. It first utilizes an
impulse noise detector to determine whether a pixel is corrupted or not. If
yes, the filtering component in this method is triggered to filter it.
Otherwise, the pixel is kept unchanged. In this work, the impulse noise
detector is an adaptive hybrid detector which is constructed by integrating
10 impulse noise detectors based on the decision tree and the particle swarm
optimization. Subsequently, the restoring process in this method respectively
utilizes the median filter, the rank ordered mean filter, and the progressive
noise-free ordered median filter to restore the corrupted pixel. Experimental
results demonstrate that this method achieves high performance for detecting
and restoring impulse noises, and outperforms the existing well-known
methods.
Design pattern instantiation directed by concretization and specialization
Authors: Kajsa Peter , Majtas Lubomir , Navrat Pavol
Published: November 2010

Design patterns provide an especially effective way to improve the quality of
a software system design as they provide abstracted, generalized and verified
solutions of non-trivial design problems that occur repeatedly. The paper
presents a method of design pattern instantiation support based on the key
principles of both MDD and MDA. The method allows specification of the
pattern instance occurrence via the semantic extension of UML directly on the
context. The rest of the pattern instantiation is automated by model
transformations of the specified pattern instances to lower levels of
abstraction. Such approach enables the use of higher levels of abstraction in
the modeling of patterns. Moreover, the model transformations are driven by
models of patterns besides the instance specification, and thus the approach
provides very useful ways how to determine and control the results of
transformations. The method is not limited to design pattern support only, it
also provides a framework for the addition of support for custom model
structures which are often created in models mechanically.
The effect of water potential on accumulation of some essential elements in sugarbeet leaves, Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris
Authors: Maksimovic Ivana , Kastori Rudolf , Petrovic Novica , Kovacev Lazar , Sklenar Pavle
Published: November 2010

An investigation has been conducted on the effect of reduced water potential in nutrient solution on the accumulation of some essential macro- and micro nutrients in the aboveground pails of young sugarbeet plants. Plants of 8 different sugarbeet genotypes were exposed for 21 days to a nutrient solution whose water potential of 0.1 MPa was regulated by PEG. Contents of N, P, K Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn declined in all genotypes under water deficiency but the intensity of reduction varied among the genotypes. The results indicated that some harmful effects of water deficiency could be attributed to disturbances in plant mineral nutrition, especially the lack of N, P, and Mg, as well as to impaired ratios between the contents of particular elements, especially K/Ca.
Aquatic macrophytes as indicators of heavy metal pollution of water in DTD canal system
Authors: Pajevic Slobodanka , Vuckovic Mirjana , Kevresan Zarko , Matavulj Milan , Radulovic Snezana , Radnovic Dragan
Published: November 2010

The aim of this investigation was to establish the presence or absence of chemical contamination of water and the littoral zone (banks) of Danube-Tisza-Danube (DTD) canal system. The investigation covered the canal section from Bezdan to Prigrevica. By analyzing the chemical composition of dominant aquatic species in four locations of the section, we defined the species with the highest capacity to accumulate nutrients and heavy metals. Concentrations of P and K as well as of a beneficial element Na in the tissues of the analyzed macrophytes were both species- and site-dependent. The highest accumulation was registered for Ceratophyllum demersum while the species Elodea canadensis showed increased P and K accumulation values in the location Sombor. The lowest concentrations of almost all heavy metals were recorded near Sombor, indicating that this section suffered the lowest chemical pollution. Highest concentrations of all of the analyzed heavy metals were recorded in the tissue of Ceratophyllum demersum from the location Prigrevica, possibly due to the influx of polluted drainage waters from surrounding agricultural areas as well as industrial wastewaters. The obtained results showed that the enforcement of biomonitoring and analyses of other parameters indicative of ecosystem conditions might be useful for improved protection of areas experiencing a strong human impact.
Fistulas secondary to gynecological and obstetrical operations
Authors: Jakovljevic Branislava , Draca Tatjana , Draca Petar
Published: November 2010

The authors present urogenital and rectogenital fistulas treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Novi Sad in the period from 1976 to 1999. The study comprised 28 cases of fistula out of which 17 were vesicovaginal, 3 ureterovaginal, 1 vesicorecto vaginal and 7 recto vaginal. During the investigated period there were 182 Wertheim operations, 3864 total abdominal hysterectomies, 1160 vaginal hysterectomies and 7111 cesarean sections. The vesicovaginal fistulas were most frequent with the incidence of 0.33%, whereas the tocogenic fistulas did not occur. Urogenital fistulas secondary to radical hysterectomy are extremely rare thanks to the administered measures of prevention during the surgical procedure.
Strategies for Improving the Acquisition and Integration of Evidence Into Diabetes Care
Authors: Stetson Barbara A. , Ruggiero Laurie , Jack Leonard L.
Published: November 2010

Purpose. Research findings can help support diabetes care providers' efforts to provide optimal education and clinical care in their practices. Much has been written about the importance of using evidence-based approaches to help ensure quality patient care. This article highlights practical strategies for helping diabetes care providers maintain an evidence-based practice. Topical content includes 1) an overview of common types of evidence available, 2) recommendations for useful resources to find the evidence, and 3) examples of strategies that diabetes care providers could use to stay informed regarding available evidence.

Conclusion. By using available resources to personally examine the evidence, diabetes care providers can make informed decisions regarding ways to optimally educate and treat patients using the best practices available. Guidelines for enhancing acquisition of best evidence and integrating the evidence into daily practice include being familiar with the types of evidence available; knowing where to find the best sources of evidence to inform practice; keeping current on landmark randomized, controlled trials in the field; and using the evidence in clinical practice by applying evidence in daily clinical decision-making.
The Hybrid Coordinate Measurement System as a Response to Industrial Requirements
Authors: Sładek Jerzy , Sitnik Robert , Kupiec Magdalena , Błaszczyk Paweł
Published: November 2010

The Hybrid Coordinate Measurement System as a Response to Industrial Requirements

The tendencies of modern industry are to increase the quality of manufactured products, simultaneously decreasing production time and cost. The hybrid system combines advantages of the high accuracy of contact CMM and the high measurement speed of non-contact structured light optical techniques. The article describes elements of a developed system together with the steps of the measurement process of the hybrid system, with emphasis on segmentation algorithms. Additionally, accuracy determination of such a system realized with the help of a specially designed ball-plate measurement standard is presented.
Patient Satisfaction With Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hush Julia M. , Cameron Kirsten , Mackey Martin
Published: November 2010

Background

Patient satisfaction is an important patient-centered health outcome. To date, no systematic review of the literature on patient satisfaction with musculoskeletal physical therapy care has been conducted.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to systematically and critically review the literature to determine the degree of patient satisfaction with musculoskeletal physical therapy care and factors associated with satisfaction.

Data Sources

The databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EBM Reviews were searched from inception to September 2009.

Study Selection

Articles were included if the design was a clinical trial, observational study, survey, or qualitative study; patient satisfaction was evaluated; and the study related to the delivery of musculoskeletal physical therapy services conducted in an outpatient setting. The search located 3,790 citations. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction

Two authors extracted patient satisfaction data and details of each study.

Data Synthesis

A meta-analysis of patient satisfaction data from 7 studies was conducted. The pooled estimate of patient satisfaction was 4.44 (95% confidence interval=4.41–4.46) on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 indicates high satisfaction and 1 indicates high dissatisfaction. Additional data were summarized in tables and critically appraised.

Limitations

Nonrespondent bias from individual studies may affect the accuracy and representativeness of these data.

Conclusion

Patients are highly satisfied with musculoskeletal physical therapy care delivered across outpatient settings in northern Europe, North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The interpersonal attributes of the therapist and the process of care are key determinants of patient satisfaction. An unexpected finding was that treatment outcome was infrequently and inconsistently associated with patient satisfaction. Physical therapists can enhance the quality of patient-centered care by understanding and optimizing these determinants of patient satisfaction.
Subjective Well-Being Mediates the Effects of Resilience and Mastery on Depression and Anxiety in a Large Community Sample of Young and Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Burns Richard A. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Windsor Timothy D.
Published: November 2010

Objective: The tripartite model of depression and anxiety hypothesizes that positive and negative affect is related to depression and anxiety. However, the specific role of cognitive or psychological well-being constructs like resilience and mastery within a tripartite context and throughout adulthood is unclear.

Method: Data was drawn from two longitudinal population-based cohorts, aged 20–24 and 40–44 based in Canberra, Australia (N = 3989). We sought to determine the interrelatedness of two affective measures of subjective well-being, positive and negative affect, with two cognitive measures of psychological well-being, resilience and mastery. We then tested their independent effects on depression and anxiety, and hypothesized, following the tripartite model, that subjective well-being would mediate the effects of the psychological well-being variables on mental health and that the psychological well-being variables would be more strongly related to positive subjective well-being.

Results: Principal axis factoring delineated four affective and cognitive dimensions of well-being comprising positive and negative affect, resilience and mastery. Structural equation models identified the psychological well-being variables as significantly related to subjective well-being, which fully mediated the effects of resilience and partially mediated the effect of mastery on depression and anxiety. These findings were consistent throughout both young and middle adulthood.

Conclusions: Psychological well-being components are significant predictors of subjective well-being affect states that increase vulnerability to depression and anxiety.
Knowledge Management in Vocational Training - A Case Study of the EU Project RELOAD
Authors: Welter Florian , Thiele Thomas , Pfeiffer Olivier , Richert Anja , Jeschke Sabina
Published: November 2010

The need of diverse businesses to qualify their employees by means of vocational training is in most cases connected with high efforts due to expensive face-to-face courses and downtimes of the employees. Although, the emergence of IT-based knowledge management and

e-learning tools led to a broader range of education possibilities during the last years, the fact remained that too many approaches were not user- or learner-centred. Besides, a lot of vocational training approaches did not include modern didactic concepts which foster a self-directed way of learning. Hence a stronger consideration of the interplay of the aspects â??human, organisation and technology
Enzymatic Synthesis and Anti-Allergic Activities of Curcumin Oligosaccharides
Authors: Shimoda Kei , Hamada Hiroki
Published: November 2010

Curcumin 4‘- O-glucooligosaccharides were synthesized by a two step-enzymatic method using almond β-glucosidase and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase). Curcumin was glucosylated to curcumin 4‘- O-β-D-glucopyranoside by almond β-glucosidase in 19% yield. Curcumin 4‘- O-β-D-glucopyranoside was converted into curcumin 4‘- O-β-glucooligosaccharides, i.e. 4‘- O-β-maltoside (51%) and 4‘- O-β-maltotrioside (25%), by further CGTase-catalyzed glycosylation. Curcumin 4‘- O-β-glycosides showed suppressive action on IgE antibody formation and inhibitory effects on histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells.
Identification of Gene Networks Associated with Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Comparative Molecular Methylation and Expression Profiling
Authors: Dellett Margaret , O'Hagan Kathleen Ann , Colyer Hilary Ann Alexandra , Mills Ken I.
Published: November 2010

Around 80% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients achieve a complete remission, however many will relapse and ultimately die of their disease. The association between karyotype and prognosis has been studied extensively and identified patient cohorts as having favourable [e.g. t(8; 21), inv (16)/t(16; 16), t(15; 17)], intermediate [e.g. cytogenetically normal (NK-AML)] or adverse risk [e.g. complex karyotypes]. Previous studies have shown that gene expression profiling signatures can classify the sub-types of AML, although few reports have shown a similar feature by using methylation markers. The global methylation patterns in 19 diagnostic AML samples were investigated using the Methylated CpG Island Amplification Microarray (MCAM) method and CpG island microarrays containing 12,000 CpG sites. The first analysis, comparing favourable and intermediate cytogenetic risk groups, revealed significantly differentially methylated CpG sites (594 CpG islands) between the two subgroups. Mutations in the NPM1 gene occur at a high frequency (40%) within the NK-AML subgroup and are associated with a more favourable prognosis in these patients. A second analysis comparing the NPM1 mutant and wild-type research study subjects again identified distinct methylation profiles between these two subgroups. Network and pathway analysis revealed possible molecular mechanisms associated with the different risk and/or mutation sub-groups. This may result in a better classification of the risk groups, improved monitoring targets, or the identification of novel molecular therapies.