bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative chemoradiation for resected gastric cancer - is the Macdonald Regimen Tolerable? a retrospective multi-institutional study
Authors: Kundel Yulia , Purim Ofer , Idelevich Efraim , Lavrenkov Konstantin , Man Sofia , Kovel Svetlana , Karminsky Natalia , Pfeffer Raphael M , Nisenbaum Bella , Fenig Eyal , Sulkes Aaron , Brenner Baruch
Published: September 2011

Background

Postoperative chemoradiation as per Intergroup-0116 trial ("Macdonald regimen") is considered standard for completely resected high risk gastric cancer. However, many concerns remain with regards to the toxicity of this regimen. To evaluate the safety and tolerability of this regimen in a routine clinical practice setting, we analyzed our experience with its use. As we did not expect a different toxic profile in patients (pts) with positive margins (R1 resection), these were studied together with pts after complete resection (R0).

Patients and Methods

Postoperative chemoradiation therapy was given according to the original Intergroup-0116 regimen. Overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Comparison of OS and DFS between R0 and R1 pts was done using the log-rank test.

Results

Between 6/2000 and 12/2007, 166 pts after R0 (129 pts) or R1 (37 pts) resection of locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma received postoperative chemoradiation; 61% were male and the median age was 63 years (range, 23-86); 78% had T ≥ 3 tumors and 81% had N+ disease; 87% of the pts completed radiotherapy and 54% completed the entire chemoradiation plan; 46.4% had grade ≥ 3 toxicity and 32% were hospitalized at least once for toxicity. Three pts (1.8%) died of toxicity: diarrhea (1), neutropenic sepsis (1) and neutropenic sepsis complicated by small bowel gangrene (1). The most common hematological toxicity was neutropenia, grade ≥ 3 in 30% of pts and complicated by fever in 15%. The most common non-hematological toxicities were nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. With a median follow-up of 51 months (range, 2-100), 62% of the R0 patients remain alive and 61% are free of disease. Median DFS and OS for R0 were not reached. R0 pts had a significantly higher 3-year DFS (60% vs. 29%, p = 0.001) and OS (61% vs. 33%, p = 0.01) compared with R1 pts.

Conclusions

In our experience, postoperative chemoradiation as per Intergroup-0116 seems to be substantially toxic, with a mortality rate which seems higher than reported in that trial. Efficacy data appears comparable to the original report. Following postoperative chemoradiation, involvement of surgical margins still has a detrimental impact on patient outcome.
Intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defects in the Older Population
Authors: Zhang Hui , Chen Qiang , Chen Liang-Wan , Cao Hua , Zhang Gui-Can , Chen Dao-Zhong
Published: September 2011

Objective

This study sought to prove the safety and feasibility of intraoperative device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) with transthoracic minimal invasion in the older patients.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2009, 47 patients aged 50 years or more and suffered from atrial septal defect were enrolled in our institution. Patients were divided into two groups, 27 of which in group I with intraoperative device closure and the other 20 in group II with surgical closure. In group I, the method involved a minimal intercostal incision, which was performed after full evaluation of the atrial septal defect by transthoracic echocardiography, and the insertion of the device through the delivery sheath to occlude the atrial septal defect.

Results

In group I, implantation was ultimately successful in all patients. The complete closure rate at 24 hours and 1 year were 81.5% and 100% respectively. In 6 of 27 patients, minor complications occurred: transient arrhythmia (n = 5) and blood transfusion (n = 3). In group II, all patients were closured successfully; almost all of them needed blood transfusion and suffered from various minor complications though. During a follow-up period of 1 to 5 years, no residual shunt, noticeable mitral regurgitation, significant arrhythmias, thrombosis, or device failure were found. In our comparative studies, group II had significantly longer ICU stay and hospital stay than group I (p < 0.05). The cost of group I was less than that of group II(p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Minimally invasive transthoracic device closure of the atrial septal defect at advanced age with a domestically made device without cardiopulmonary bypass is safe and feasible under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance. It was cost-savings, yielding better cosmetic results and leaving fewer traumas than surgical closure. Early and mid-term results are encouraging. However, it is necessary to evaluate the long-term results.
Identification and characterization of six novel tetraspanins from Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Jiang Yanyan , Xu Xindong , Qing Xiaoxing , Pan Weiqing
Published: September 2011

Background

Tetraspanins (TSPs), also known as members of the trans-membrane 4 super-family (TM4SF), comprise an assemblage of surface antigens reported in eukaryotic organisms. In the work presented here, six novel TSP proteins from the human blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) were produced and analyzed through a combination of bioinformatics and experimental approaches.

Results

Six novel TSP proteins of Schistosoma japonicum (designated as Sj-TSP-#1~6) contained four trans-membrane regions and one large extracellular loop (LEL) with a conserved CCG motif. Size of the proteins varied from 227 to 291 amino acid residues. All the six proteins were produced in E.coli and immune sera to each protein were prepared. Analysis of transcription profiles of the proteins by RT-PCR showed that Sj-TSP-#4 was transcribed only in the egg stage while transcription of the Sj-TSP-#2 was detected in female worms but not in males. The similar results were obtained by Western blot. Immunolocalization of the TSP proteins by immunofluorescence assay showed that the Sj-TSP-#2, Sj-TSP-#5 and Sj-TSP-#6 were located in the tegument of worms.

Conclusions

This study provided six novel TSP members of S. japonicum including their sequences and recombinant proteins. Availability of the novel proteins and information on their expression profile and location provided a basis for further investigation of the TSP proteins for their biological functions and as vaccine candidates.
Changes in the expression and subcellular distribution of galectin-3 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Straube Tamara , Elli Alexandra F , Greb Christoph , Hegele Axel , Elsässer Hans-Peter , Delacour Delphine , Jacob Ralf
Published: September 2011

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a solid growing tumor, is the most common tumor in human kidney. Evaluating the usefulness of β-galactoside binding galectin-3 as a diagnostic marker for this type of cancer could open avenues for preventive and therapeutic strategies by employing specific inhibitors of the lectin. To study a putative correlation between the extent of galectin-3 and the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, we monitored the quantity and distribution of this lectin in tissue samples from 39 patients.

Methods

Galectin-3 concentrations in normal, intermediate and tumor tissues were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy and on immunoblots with antibodies directed against galectin-3 and renal control proteins. The cell nuclei were isolated to determine quantities of galectin-3 that were transferred into this compartment in normal or tumor samples.

Results

Immunofluorescence data revealed a mosaic pattern of galectin-3 expression in collecting ducts and distal tubules of normal kidney. Galectin-3 expression was significantly increased in 79% of tumor samples as compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, we observed an increase in nuclear translocation of the lectin in tumor tissues.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that changes in the cellular level of galectin-3 correlate with the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which is in line with previously published data on this specific type of tumor. In most of these studies the lectin tends to be highly expressed in tumor tissues. Furthermore, this study suggests that the increase in the proportion of galectin-3 affects the balance from a cytosolic distribution towards translocation into the nucleus.
Importance of cumulative exposure to elevated cholesterol and blood pressure in development of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective proof-of-concept cohort study
Authors: Nikpour Mandana , Urowitz Murray B , Ibanez Dominique , Harvey Paula J , Gladman Dafna D
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that traditional risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension account for only a small proportion of the dramatically increased risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, in these studies, exposure to risk factors was measured only at baseline. In this study, our objective was to compare measures of cumulative exposure with remote and recent values for each of total cholesterol (TC), systolic (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in terms of ability to quantify risk of atherosclerotic CAD in patients with SLE.

Methods

Patients in the Toronto lupus cohort had TC and BP measured at each clinic visit and were followed up prospectively for the occurrence of CAD. For each patient, arithmetic mean, time-adjusted mean (AM) and area-under-the-curve (AUC) were calculated for serial TC, SBP, and DBP measurements. Proportional hazards regression models were used to compare these summary measures with recent and first-available ("remote") measurements in terms of ability to quantify risk of CAD events, defined as myocardial infarction, angina, or sudden cardiac death.

Results

The 991 patients had a mean ± SD of 19 ± 19 TC measurements per patient. Over a follow-up of 6.7 ± 6.4 years, 86 CAD events occurred; although remote TC was not significantly predictive of CAD, mean and AM TC were more strongly predictive (hazard ratio (HR) 2.07; P = 0.003) than recent TC (HR 1.86, P = 0.001). AUC TC was not predictive of CAD. A similar pattern was seen for DBP and SBP. Older age, male sex, higher baseline and recent disease activity score, and corticosteroid use also increased CAD risk, whereas antimalarials were protective.

Conclusions

In contrast to the population-based Framingham model, first-available TC and BP are not predictive of CAD among patients with SLE, in whom measures reflecting cumulative exposure over time are better able to quantify CAD risk. This is an important consideration in future studies of dynamic risk factors for CAD in a chronic relapsing-remitting disease such as SLE. Our findings also underpin the importance of adequate control of SLE disease activity while minimizing corticosteroid use, and highlight the cardioprotective effect of antimalarials.
Increase in IL-21 producing T-cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dolff Sebastian , Abdulahad Wayel H , Westra Johanna , Doornbos-van der Meer Berber , Limburg Pieter C , Kallenberg Cees GM , Bijl Marc
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease accompanied by a disturbed T-cell balance skewed towards effector T-cells, in particular Th17-cells. The novel cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) is suggested to be crucial for triggering T-cell responses towards IL-17 producing cells. Thus, we aimed to investigate the ability of T-cells to produce IL-21 and IL-17 in SLE patients.

Methods

Peripheral blood of 34 SLE patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) was stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (Ca-Io). Percentages of IL-21- and IL-17A expressing T-cells were analysed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of the transcription factors B-cell lymphoma-6 (BCL-6) and factors retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR-γt) were assessed in T-cells by real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Additionally, IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression on B- and T-cells of patients and HC was analyzed.

Results

Significantly increased percentages of IL-21 expressing CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells were found in SLE patients as compared to HC. The percentages of IL-21+ CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells correlated significantly with the percentages of IL-17A+ CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells, respectively. The relative expression of BCL-6 and ROR-γt did not differ between SLE patients and HC. IL-21R expression occurred mainly on B-cells and was not different comparing SLE patients and HC.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an increased proportion of IL-21+ T-cells in SLE patients correlating with the proportion of IL-17+ T-cells. This suggests a pivotal role of IL-21 in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Genomic and phenotypic analysis of BRCA2mutated breast cancers reveals co-occurring changes linked to progression
Authors: Stefansson Olafur A , Jonasson Jon G , Olafsdottir Kristrun , Bjarnason Hordur , Th Johannsson Oskar , Bodvarsdottir Sigridur K , Valgeirsdottir Sigridur , Eyfjord Jorunn E
Published: September 2011

Background

Inherited mutations in the BRCA2 gene greatly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Consistent with an important role for BRCA2 in error-free DNA repair, complex genomic changes are frequently observed in tumors derived from BRCA2 mutation carriers. Here, we explore the impact of DNA copy-number changes in BRCA2 tumors with respect to phenotype and clinical staging of the disease.

Methods

Breast tumors (n = 33) derived from BRCA2 999del5 mutation carriers were examined in terms of copy-number changes with high-resolution aCGH (array comparative genomic hybridization) containing 385 thousand probes (about one for each 7 kbp) and expression of phenotypic markers on TMAs (tissue microarrays). The data were examined with respect to clinical parameters including TNM staging, histologic grade, S phase, and ploidy.

Results

Tumors from BRCA2 carriers of luminal and basal/triple-negative phenotypes (TNPs) differ with respect to patterns of DNA copy-number changes. The basal/TNP subtype was characterized by lack of pRb (RB1) coupled with high/intense expression of p16 (CDKN2A) gene products. We found increased proportions of Ki-67-positive cells to be significantly associated with loss of the wild-type (wt) BRCA2 allele in luminal types, whereas BRCA2wt loss was less frequent in BRCA2 tumors displaying basal/TNP phenotypes. Furthermore, we show that deletions at 13q13.1, involving the BRCA2wt allele, represents a part of a larger network of co-occurring genetic changes, including deletions at 6q22.32-q22.33, 11q14.2-q24.1, and gains at 17q24.1. Importantly, copy-number changes at these BRCA2-linked networking regions coincide with those associated with advanced progression, involving the capacity to metastasize to the nodes or more-distant sites at diagnosis.

Conclusions

The results presented here demonstrate divergent paths of tumor evolution in BRCA2 carriers and that deletion of the wild-type BRCA2 allele, together with co-occurring changes at 6 q, 11 q, and 17 q, are important events in progression toward advanced disease.
Major sources of critical incidents in intensive care
Authors: Welters Ingeborg D , Gibson James , Mogk Martin , Wenstone Richard
Published: September 2011

Introduction

In recent years, critical incident (CI) reporting has increasingly been regarded as part of ongoing quality management. CI databanks also aim to improve health and safety issues for patients as well as staff. The aim of this study was to identify frequent causes of adverse events in critical care with the potential to harm patients, staff or visitors by analysing data from a voluntary and optionally anonymous critical incident reporting system.

Methods

The study includes all critical incidents reported during a 90-month period in a 13-bed adult general intensive care unit (ICU). Reporting of incidents was performed via an electronic reporting system or by a manual critical incident report. All CIs were classified in the following main categories: equipment, administration, pharmaceuticals, clinical practice, and health & safety hazards. The overall distribution of incidents within the different categories was compared with the regional database of ICUs in the Cheshire and Mersey region of northwest England for 2008.

Results

A total of 1127 CIs were reported during the study period. The frequencies within the main categories were: equipment 338 (30%), clinical practice 257 (22.8%), pharmaceuticals 238 (21.1%), administration 213 (18.9%), health and safety hazards 81 (7.2%). The regional database had a similar frequency of critical incidents within the different categories, suggesting that our results may reflect a general distribution pattern of CIs in intensive care.

Conclusions

Critical incident reporting helps to identify frequent causes of adverse events in critical care. Improvements in quality of care following implementation of preventative strategies such as introduction of regular equipment training sessions will have to be assessed further in future studies.
Plasma from septic shock patients induces loss of muscle protein
Authors: van Hees Hieronymus WH , Schellekens Willem-Jan M , Linkels Marianne , Leenders Floris , Zoll Jan , Donders Rogier , Dekhuijzen PN Richard , van der Hoeven Johannes G , Heunks Leo MA
Published: September 2011

Introduction

ICU-acquired muscle weakness commonly occurs in patients with septic shock and is associated with poor outcome. Although atrophy is known to be involved, it is unclear whether ligands in plasma from these patients are responsible for initiating degradation of muscle proteins. The aim of the present study was to investigate if plasma from septic shock patients induces skeletal muscle atrophy and to examine the time course of plasma-induced muscle atrophy during ICU stay.

Methods

Plasma was derived from septic shock patients within 24 hours after hospital admission (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 12). From nine patients with septic shock plasma was additionally derived at two, five and seven days after ICU admission. These plasma samples were added to skeletal myotubes, cultured from murine myoblasts. After incubation for 24 hours, myotubes were harvested and analyzed on myosin content, mRNA expression of E3-ligase and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFκB) activity. Plasma samples were analyzed on cytokine concentrations.

Results

Myosin content was approximately 25% lower in myotubes exposed to plasma from septic shock patients than in myotubes exposed to plasma from controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, patient plasma increased expression of E3-ligases Muscle RING Finger protein-1 (MuRF-1) and Muscle Atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) (P < 0.01), enhanced NFκB activity (P < 0.05) and elevated levels of ubiquitinated myosin in myotubes. Myosin loss was significantly associated with elevated plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in septic shock patients (P < 0.001). Addition of antiIL-6 to septic shock plasma diminished the loss of myosin in exposed myotubes by approximately 25% (P < 0.05). Patient plasma obtained later during ICU stay did not significantly reduce myosin content compared to controls.

Conclusions

Plasma from patients with septic shock induces loss of myosin and activates key regulators of proteolysis in skeletal myotubes. IL-6 is an important player in sepsis-induced muscle atrophy in this model. The potential to induce atrophy is strongest in plasma obtained during the early phase of human sepsis.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to liver transplantation for acute respiratory distress syndrome-induced life-threatening hypoxaemia aggravated by hepatopulmonary syndrome
Authors: Monsel Antoine , Mal Hervé , Brisson Hélène , Luo Rubin , Eyraud Daniel , Vézinet Corinne , Do Chung Hi , Lu Qin , Vaillant Jean-Christophe , Hannoun Laurent , Houssel Pauline , Durand François , Rouby Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Combined with massive lung aeration loss resulting from acute respiratory distress syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome, a liver-induced vascular lung disorder characterized by diffuse or localized dilated pulmonary capillaries, may induce hypoxaemia and death in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Methods

The case of such a patient presenting with both disorders and in whom an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used is described.

Results

A 51-year-old man with a five-year history of alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted for acute respiratory failure, platypnoea and severe hypoxaemia requiring emergency tracheal intubation. Following mechanical ventilation, hypoxaemia remained refractory to positive end-expiratory pressure, 100% of inspired oxygen and inhaled nitric oxide. Two-dimensional contrast-enhanced (agitated saline) transthoracic echocardiography disclosed a massive right-to-left extracardiac shunt, without patent foramen ovale. Contrast computed tomography (CT) of the thorax using quantitative analysis and colour encoding system established the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome aggravated by hepatopulmonary syndrome. According to the severity of the respiratory condition, a veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was implemented and the patient was listed for emergency liver transplantation. Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed at Day 13. At the end of the surgical procedure, the improvement in oxygenation allowed removal of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (Day 5). The patient was discharged from hospital at Day 48. Three months after hospital discharge, the patient recovered a correct physical autonomy status without supplemental O2.

Conclusions

In a cirrhotic patient, acute respiratory distress syndrome was aggravated by hepatopulmonary syndrome causing life-threatening hypoxaemia not controlled by standard supportive measures. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, by controlling gas exchange, allowed the performing of a successful liver transplantation and final recovery.
A comparative analysis of exome capture
Authors: Parla Jennifer S , Iossifov Ivan , Grabill Ian , Spector Mona S , Kramer Melissa , McCombie W Richard
Published: September 2011

Background

Human exome resequencing using commercial target capture kits has been and is being used for sequencing large numbers of individuals to search for variants associated with various human diseases. We rigorously evaluated the capabilities of two solution exome capture kits. These analyses help clarify the strengths and limitations of those data as well as systematically identify variables that should be considered in the use of those data.

Results

Each exome kit performed well at capturing the targets they were designed to capture, which mainly corresponds to the consensus coding sequences (CCDS) annotations of the human genome. In addition, based on their respective targets, each capture kit coupled with high coverage Illumina sequencing produced highly accurate nucleotide calls. However, other databases, such as the Reference Sequence collection (RefSeq), define the exome more broadly, and so not surprisingly, the exome kits did not capture these additional regions.

Conclusions

Commercial exome capture kits provide a very efficient way to sequence select areas of the genome at very high accuracy. Here we provide the data to help guide critical analyses of sequencing data derived from these products.
Editorial: Granulopoiesis versus monopoiesis: a consequence of transcription factors dancing with the right partners
Authors: Sakamoto Kathleen M
Published: September 2011

Discussion on the intricate regulation of C/EBPA transcriptional activity and the delicate balance between normal myelopoiesis and transformation to AML.
Control of Tonal Fan Noise Using Flow Induced Secondary Sound Sources Generated by Air Jet Actuation
Authors: Lemke O. , Neise W. , Enghardt L. , Möser M.
Published: September 2011

To reduce the tonal noise of axial fans loudspeakers are typically used to generate the required anti-phase sound field. The space requirement and the weight of the loudspeakers inhibit practical application of this method. In the present study the secondary sound field is generated by perturbing the flow in the blade tip regime by using high speed air jets. It has been shown, that this approach is very effective in controlling higher-order mode sound fields at blade passage frequency and its harmonics. The focus of the present work is to study the effect of various nozzle parameters on the generated secondary sound field. From the experimental data presented it can be concluded that when using circular nozzles an injection angle of α = 45° relative to the casing wall combined with an injection direction of β = 90° relative to the main flow (against the impeller rotation) are most efficient in reducing the tone levels. While it is principally possible to control acoustic modes at the blade passing frequency as well as at its harmonics, the injected mass flow rates and circumferential nozzle positions necessary for reducing two different blade tone harmonics are generally not the same. However, when using slit nozzles the differences between the circumferential nozzle positions where significant level reductions of two dominant acoustic modes can be observed can be reduced down to 4% of a stator vane pitch.

Future studies will involve two rings of injection nozzles at close axial distance to reduce two dominant blade tone acoustic modes simultaneously. Finally, experiments are also planned with a model fan stage of a modern high bypass ratio aircraft engine.
Noise Control of a High Reynolds Number High Speed Heated Jet Using Plasma Actuators
Authors: Kearney-Fischer Martin , Kim Jin-Hwa , Samimy Mo
Published: September 2011

Localized arc filament plasma actuators (LAFPAs) have been used to control the flow and far-field acoustics of high Reynolds number, high-speed unheated jets at the Gas Dynamics and Turbulence Laboratory. The jet facility consists of an axisymmetric jet of exit diameter 2.54 cm with different nozzle blocks and variable jet temperature in an anechoic chamber. The focus of this paper is on the effect of control on far-field noise in a high subsonic ( Mj = 0.9) jet over a wide range of temperatures. A total of sixteen combinations of forcing azimuthal modes ( m = 0, 1, 3, and ±4) and temperature ratios ( To/ Ta = 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5) at a wide range of forcing frequencies were utilized to explore LAFPAs' effect on far-field noise. LAFPAs show significant noise reduction around the peak frequency in shallow angles and a small increase in higher frequencies. The level of reduction is lower and the level of increase is higher towards the sideline. Consistent with previous works, the results show that forcing with higher azimuthal modes produces greater noise reduction. LAFPAs produce large amplitude narrowband tones in this small jet that are believed to be less significant in larger jets. The impact of these forcing tones is isolated and discussed. Across the range of temperatures explored, the effectiveness of LAFPAs improves as temperature increases. Possible reasons for the increase in effectiveness are discussed.
Coordination Variability Changes with Fatigue in Sprinters
Authors: Trezise Joanne , Bartlett Roger , Bussey Melanie
Published: September 2011

Coordination variability is an inherent factor in athletic performance and characterises the fluctuations that occur in an individual's movement patterns. Fatigue restructures the inter-segmental organization of the neuromuscular system and alters the movement patterns necessary for a skilled performance. The current study investigated how fatigue altered coordination variability during the multi-joint movement of sprinting. Using a dual case study design, two sprinters performed six 80 m sprints with decreasing rest periods, as required for their scheduled training session. The sprinters were filmed from the maximal speed stage of the sprint until the finish line. The unique effects shown by each sprinter at different phases throughout the trials and the strides suggest that the effect of fatigue on movement variability cannot be generalised across sprinters. Along with the effects of fatigue on strength and fitness, other factors (such as mental focus or determination) might influence movement variability.
Does Visual-Perceptual Training Augment the Fielding Performance of Skilled Cricketers?
Authors: Hopwood Melissa J. , Mann David L. , Farrow Damian , Nielsen Tim
Published: September 2011

This study examined the effectiveness of visual-perceptual training for improving fielding performance in cricket. Twelve highly-skilled cricket players completed a video-based decision-making test and an in-situ fielding test before and after a six-week training intervention. During this period, all participants completed the same on-field training program, but seven players completed three additional perceptual training sessions per week (TRAIN). The remaining five players acted as a control (CON). Despite no group differences at pre-test, TRAIN scored significantly higher than CON at post-test for decision accuracy within the video-based test. For the in-situ fielding test, TRAIN demonstrated greater improvements in fielding success following the intervention compared to CON. The results indicate that six weeks of on-field training combined with visual-perceptual training can lead to improvements in the fielding performance of skilled cricketers above those of on-field training alone. Findings are discussed from empirical and applied coaching perspectives.
The Choice Between Joint Ventures and Acquisitions: Insights from Signaling Theory
Authors: Reuer Jeffrey J. , Ragozzino Roberto
Published: September 2011

This paper extends information economics in corporate strategy and organizational governance research by using signaling theory to explain firms' market entry modes. We exploit features of the initial public offering (IPO) context to investigate how signals on newly public firms shape other companies' governance choices to form joint ventures with them versus acquiring them. We also develop theoretical arguments on how the value of these signals will vary across exchange partners. The results reveal that companies are more apt to acquire, versus partner with, IPO firms taken public by reputable investment banks compared with IPO firms associated with less prominent underwriters. Venture capitalist backing also appears to be a valuable signal for prospective acquirers, particularly when the acquirer and target reside in different industries and possess dissimilar knowledge bases. We also present evidence that signals affect target selection and the emergence of market segmentation for joint venture partners and acquisition candidates.
How Knowledge Transfer Impacts Performance: A Multilevel Model of Benefits and Liabilities
Authors: Levine Sheen S. , Prietula Michael J.
Published: September 2011

When does knowledge transfer benefit performance? Combining field data from a global consulting firm with an agent-based model, we examine how efforts to supplement one's knowledge from coworkers interact with individual, organizational, and environmental characteristics to impact organizational performance. We find that once cost and interpersonal exchange are included in the analysis, the impact of knowledge transfer is highly contingent. Depending on specific characteristics and circumstances, knowledge transfer can better, matter little to, or even harm performance. Three illustrative studies clarify puzzling past results and offer specific boundary conditions: (1) At the individual level, better organizational support for employee learning diminishes the benefit of knowledge transfer for organizational performance. (2) At the organization level, broader access to organizational memory makes global knowledge transfer less beneficial to performance. (3) When the organizational environment becomes more turbulent, the organizational performance benefits of knowledge transfer decrease. The findings imply that organizations may forgo investments in both organizational memory and knowledge exchange, that wide-ranging knowledge exchange may be unimportant or even harmful for performance, and that organizations operating in turbulent environments may find that investment in knowledge exchange undermines performance rather than enhances it. At a time when practitioners are urged to make investments in facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration, appreciation of the complex relationship between knowledge transfer and performance will help in reaping benefits while avoiding liabilities.
A new analytical formulation of retention effects on particle diffusion processes
Authors: Bevilacqua Luiz , Galeão Augusto C.N.R. , Costa Flavio P.
Published: September 2011

The ultimate purpose of this paper is to present a new analytical formulation to simulate diffusion with retention in a reactive medium under stable thermodynamic conditions. The analysis of diffusion with retention in a continuum medium is developed after the solution of an equivalent problem using a discrete approach. The new law may be interpreted as the reduction of all diffusion processes with retention to a unifying phenomenon that can adequately simulate the retention effect namely a circulatory motion. It is remarkable that the governing equation requires a fourth order differential term as suggested by the discrete approach. The relative fraction of diffusion particles β is introduced as a control parameter in the diffusion-retention law as suggested by the discrete approach. This control parameter is essential to avoid retention isolated from the diffusion process. Two matrices referring to material properties are introduced and related to the real phenomenon through the circulation hypothesis. The governing equation may be highly non-linear even if the material properties are constant, but the retention effect is a function of the concentration level, that is, β is a function of the concentration.
Quantificação de matéria orgânica do solo através de modelos matemáticos utilizando colorimetria no sistema Munsell de cores
Authors: Demattê José A. M. , Bortoletto Marco Antonio Melo , Vasques Gustavo M. , Rizzo Rodnei
Published: September 2011

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver modelos matemáticos para a quantificação do teor de matéria orgânica, a partir da cor do solo, obtida por aparelho colorímetro no sistema Munsell de cores. Para esse fim, 912 amostras de solo foram coletadas na região de Porto Grande (Amapá) e enviadas para análises química, granulométrica e determinação da cor em amostras secas e úmidas. Os componentes valor e croma da cor do solo no sistema Munsell, obtidos por colorímetro, foram utilizados para quantificar através de regressão múltipla passo a passo (stepwise) o teor de matéria orgânica do solo. O modelo de predição com base em todas as amostras apresentou R² de 0,66 para amostras úmidas e 0,56 para amostras secas, ao serem validados utilizando amostras independentes. Foi possível ainda melhorar os modelos quando as amostras foram separadas por classe de solo ou textura, e os modelos gerados com base em cores de amostras úmidas foram sistematicamente superiores àqueles utilizando amostras secas. Em relação às classes de solo, os melhores resultados foram obtidos para Argissolos e Latossolos, ambos gerando um R² de validação independente de 0,73 (amostra úmida). Para textura, os melhores resultados foram obtidos para solos de textura muito argilosa, com R² de validação de 0,81 (amostra úmida). Os modelos de predição de matéria orgânica em função da cor do solo possuem simplicidade e potencial para serem utilizados no laboratório e no campo, especialmente para Argissolos e Latossolos de textura argilosa, de maneira automática e sem necessidade de uso de produtos ou reagentes.
Controvérsias acerca do sistema de custos ABC
Authors: Khoury Carlos Yorghi , Ancelevicz Jacob
Published: September 2011

Em vista do modismo em analisar e implantar nas empresas o Sistema de Custos ABC, reforçado pelas organizações internacionais de consultoria, o artigo traz a controvérsia que persiste na literatura especializada. A maior acurácia embutida no custeio ABC, principal premissa dos seus proponentes, é questionada por seus opositores alegando que nem sempre leva às melhores decisões empresariais. Pesquisa sobre utilização de sistemas de custos nas empresas mostra seu uso não generalizado e sinaliza sua maior adequação em situações específicas.
Modelos de avaliação de marca
Authors: Louro Maria João Soares
Published: September 2011

As marcas emergem progressivamente como uma dimensão central e um ativo estratégico na ação das organizações. Neste sentido, a avaliação do desempenho das marcas assume uma grande importância para a sua gestão. Adicionalmente, tornam-se necessários o desenvolvimento e a articulação de um vocabulário comum. Perante a multiplicidade de conceitos e modelos de avaliação, são contrastadas e sintetizadas as abordagens acadêmicas e empresariais dominantes.
Budgeting and resource allocation in universities: a public choice approach
Authors: Silva Marcos Fernandes Gonçalves da
Published: September 2011

The calls for colleges and universities to improve their productivity are coming thick and fast in Brazil. Many studies are suggesting evaluation systems and external criteria to control the quality of teaching and research in universities. Since universities and colleges are not profit-oriented organizations (considering only the legitimate and serious research and teaching organizations, of course), the traditional microeconomics and administrative variables used to measure efficiency do not have any direct function. An alternative would be to create an "as if" market control system to evaluate performance in universities and colleges. Internal budget and resources allocation mechanism can be used as incentive instruments to improve quality and productivity. It will be the main issue of this article.
Perspectivas de expansão da previdêncna privada fechada no Brasil
Authors: Rabelo Flávio Marcílio
Published: September 2011

O artigo discute os principais condicionantes da expansão da previdência privada fechada no Brasil. A análise destaca a importância de fatores como a distribuição da renda, a distribuição do emprego formal de acordo com o tamanho do estabelecimento e o setor de atividade econômica e o grau de formalização do mercado de trabalho. Procura-se mostrar que o diferencial de custo não é o principal obstáculo à difusão de planos privados entre as pequenas empresas. Explora-se a viabilidade de algumas medidas voltadas a favorecer a expansão do grau de cobertura da previdência privada fechada no país. A regulamentação de planos criados por entidades de classe e a definição de um tratamento tributário adequado são algumas das alternativas tratadas.
E-service em bibliotecas: gera ao de valor para pesquisadores por meio de coopera ao indireta
Authors: Aranha Francisco
Published: September 2011

O conceito de cooperação indireta aplicado a dados de transações de empréstimos do acervo de uma biblioteca pode ser usado para gerar recomendações de itens relevantes para usuários e pesquisadores. O modelo proposto utiliza a Análise de Agrupamentos e a Análise de Cestas e tem aplicabilidade direta em livrarias virtuais, podendo ser adaptado a praticamente qualquer tipo de empreendimento em e-business.
Effects of water deficit in two phenological stages on production of japanese cucumber cultived in greenhouse
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo C. , Carvalho Jacinto de A. , Silva Wellington G. da , Rezende Fátima C. , Almeida Willian F. de
Published: September 2011

The experiment was performed in the experimental area of the Engineering Department Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. It aimed at identifying the adequate irrigation management of the greenhouse-cultivated Japanese cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). complete randomized design, with four levels of soil water potential (15; 30; 60 e 120 kPa) at two phenological phases (vegetative and reproductive), and 5 replications. Overall, the results showed decrease of yield according to increase of soil water potentials. During the reproductive stage, Japanese cucumber plants were more sensitive to water deficit, resulting in further decrease in yield compared to applied water deficit during the vegetative stage of the culture.
Intensity-duration-frequency ratios obtained from annual records and partial duration records in the locality of Pelotas - RS, Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Claudia F. A. , Damé Rita de C. F. , Rosskoff José L. C.
Published: September 2011

The intensity-duration-frequency occurrence ratio (IDF) is a tool commonly used for precipitation-runoff data transformation, which is established from observations of intense precipitations over a period sufficiently long as to allow the occurrence of extremes at the observation site. This study focused on verifying the existence or absence of new data, in terms of IDF ratio, by using partial duration records produced from data on maximum daily disaggregated rainfall for pre determined durations. The partial duration records considered a base value of 55 mm, totaling 279 values. After the rainfall series were established, their independence and seasonality were assessed. Using the Student's t-test statistics, it was established that no new data, as IDF ratio, emerged from the analysis of the partial duration series with the recommended base value of precipitation, as compared to the historical records.
Eficiência e qualidade da aplicação de misturas em tanque com adjuvantes na dessecação de corda-de-viola
Authors: Maciel Cleber D. de G. , Neto Antonio M. de Oliveira , Guerra Naiara , Justiniano Wagner
Published: September 2011

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar se a utilização de adjuvantes nas misturas em tanque de glyphosate + chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl influenciam na qualidade da aplicação e eficiência de controle de Ipomoea grandifolia. Treze tratamentos, dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, foram constituídos pelas misturas em tanque de glyphosate + chlorimuron-ethyl (1.440 + 12,5 g ha-1) e glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl (1.440 + 10 g ha-1) isoladas e associados aos adjuvantes Nimbus®, Joint Oil®, Naturl'Oil®, Triunfo 515® e All Fix ®, e uma testemunha sem aplicação. Os adjuvantes utilizados foram eficientes na redução da tensão superficial das caldas; no entanto, não influenciaram nos valores de deposição e na eficiência do controle. Os adjuvantes proporcionaram efeitos distintos na redução da tensão superficial, no pH e na qualidade da aplicação (diâmetro mediano volumétrico, densidade de gotas, potencial de perdas por deriva, área coberta e diâmetro médio das gotas) das misturas em tanque de glyphosate + chlorimuron-ethyl e glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl, mas não interferiram na deposição da calda de pulverização sobre os alvos I. grandifolia e lâminas de vidro. Glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl apresentou maior velocidade de controle de I. grandifolia em relação ao glyphosate + chlorimuron-ethyl, na ausência ou na presença dos adjuvantes, apesar de o glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl associado com Nimbus® e Joint Oil® terem proporcionado às plantas-alvo início de desenvolvimento de novas folhas.
Mathematical models to describe the volumetric shrinkage rate of red beans during drying
Authors: Corrêa Paulo C. , Resende Osvaldo , Garin Silvia A. , Jaren Carmen , Oliveira Gabriel H. H. de
Published: September 2011

The present study aimed to determine the volumetric shrinkage rate of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds during air-drying under different conditions of air, temperature and relative humidity, and to adjust several mathematical models to the empiric values observed, and select the one that best represents the phenomenon. Six mathematical models were adjusted to the experimental values to represent the phenomenon. It was determined the degree of adjustment of each model from the value of the coefficient of determination, the behavior of the distribution of the residuals, and the magnitude of the average relative and estimated errors. The rate of volumetric shrinkage that occurred in bean seeds during drying is between 25 and 37%. It basically depends on the final moisture content, regardless of the air conditions during drying. The Modified Bala & Woods' model best represented the process.
A decision support system for cost determination in grain storage facility operations
Authors: Valente Domingos S. M. , Queiroz Daniel M. de , Corrêa Paulo C. , Silva Luis C. da , Vale Sônia M. L. R. do
Published: September 2011

Many research works have being carried out on analyzing grain storage facility costs; however a few of them had taken into account the analysis of factors associated to all pre-processing and storage steps. The objective of this work was to develop a decision support system for determining the grain storage facility costs and utilization fees in grain storage facilities. The data of a CONAB storage facility located in Ponta Grossa - PR, Brazil, was used as input of the system developed to analyze its specific characteristics, such as amount of product received and stored throughout the year, hourly capacity of drying, cleaning, and receiving, and dispatch. By applying the decision support system, it was observed that the reception and expedition costs were exponentially reduced as the turnover rate of the storage increased. The cleaning and drying costs increased linearly with grain initial moisture. The storage cost increased exponentially as the occupancy rate of the storage facility decreased.
Tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura em reatores anaeróbios horizontais seguidos de reator aeróbio em batelada sequencial
Authors: Santos Ariane C. dos , Oliveira Roberto A. de
Published: September 2011

Avaliou-se o desempenho de um sistema combinado anaeróbio-aeróbio para o tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura, com concentrações médias de sólidos suspensos totais (SST) de 18.624 e 11.395 mg L-1. Foram utilizados quatro reatores anaeróbios horizontais com volume total de 49,5 L cada, um com manta de lodo (RAHML) e três de leito fixo (RAHLF), instalados em série e seguidos de um reator aeróbio operado em batelada sequencial (RBS) com volume total de 339 L e com alimentação contínua. Nos RAHLF, foram utilizados como meios suporte de anéis de bambu, anéis plásticos de eletroduto corrugado e anéis de bucha (Luffa cillyndrica), respectivamente. Os tempos de detenção hidráulica (TDH) e as cargas orgânicas volumétricas (COV) aplicadas no RAHML foram de 12 e 10 h e 53 e 61 g DQO (L d)-1, respectivamente. O RBS foi operado com ciclo de 24 h e COV de 0,34 e 0,50 g DQO (L d)-1. As eficiências médias de remoção de DQOtotal e SST para o conjunto de reatores anaeróbios horizontais, em série, foram de 96 e 99%, e de 96 e 95%, respectivamente. As maiores produções volumétricas de metano ocorreram nos RAHLF, com valores médios de até 0,744 m³ CH4 (m³ reator d)-1. A inclusão do RBS permitiu melhorar a qualidade do efluente e a estabilidade do sistema de tratamento, atingindo eficiências de remoção de DQOtotal e SST de 99 e 99%, e de 98 e 99%, respectivamente. No RBS, ocorreu nitrificação e desnitrificação, com remoções de N-amoniacal de até 65%.