bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leo Strauss’s discovery of the theologico-political problem
Authors: Smith Steven Benjamin
Published: March 2013

Leo Strauss once called the theologico-political problem ‘ the theme of my investigations’ from the 1920s on. What justified this remark is by no means obvious. This article examines the origins of Strauss’s concern with political theology in his earliest writings on Zionism and Jewish thought during the Weimar period. Here we see Strauss, at the outset of his career as a young Zionist committed to a programme of political atheism, slowly begin to develop the idea that the conflict between unbelief and belief ( Unglauben und Glauben) was the ‘deepest theme of world history’. This awareness, I argue, slowly led Strauss to reassess the adequacy of political Zionism as an answer to the Jewish question and to justify his later claim about the centrality of the theologico-political problem.
Additional Issues on Screening, Prevention, and Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Giannoukas Athanasios D.
Published: March 2013

The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and AAA-related deaths are steadily declining in some countries as a result of the reduction in smoking rates. It was thus suggested that screening programs that do not target high-risk populations are likely to have very low AAA detection rates. However, this may not apply to other countries that do not exhibit similar reductions in smoking rates. It was assumed that by using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening criteria (men 65-75 years with smoking history) less than 30% of AAAs would be captured. A more extensive scoring system that includes additional risk factors such as the presence of carotid artery or peripheral arterial disease, obesity, hypertension, and so on, may identify almost 90% of AAAs. This article discusses this and other issues on screening, prevention, and treatment of AAAs.
Is test anxiety a peril for students with intellectual disabilities?
Authors: Datta Poulomee
Published: March 2013

Test anxiety is one of the most confronting issues in modern times with the increase in the number of standardised and high-stakes testing. Research has established that there is a direct link between test anxiety and cognitive deficits. The aim of this study is to determine the test anxiety scores of the students with intellectual disabilities in South Australia. It also provided insights into the reasons for high-test anxiety in the participants under study. The Spielberger’s Test Anxiety Questionnaire was administered on students with intellectual disabilities in stage 1. Interviews were conducted with participants with intellectual disabilities, parents and teachers in stage 2. Questionnaire findings revealed that the majority of the adolescent females and males and all adult females with intellectual disabilities had high test anxiety scores. However, the majority of adult males with intellectual disabilities obtained moderate test anxiety scores. In the worry and emotionality subscales, it was also found that the majority of adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities were found to score high. The high test anxiety scores have been justified by the interview responses obtained from the three groups of respondents. A number of factors have been identified to be the major predictors of test anxiety in students with intellectual disabilities.
From Breaking News to the Traditional News Cycle
Authors: LaPoe Victoria Bemker , Reynolds Amy
Published: March 2013

Through qualitative content analysis of breaking and traditional news coverage of the balloon boy hoax, this article expands on research that explores how journalists craft resonance through storytelling. Scholars haven’t applied resonance to breaking news; yet, it is an important context in which to study resonance—news values and routines differ, and the impact on audiences is greater. Because journalists apply different news values and storytelling techniques in breaking news, this storytelling context heightens resonance.
Anthocyanin-Rich Purple Corn Extract and Its Effects on the Blood Pressure of Adults
Authors: Finkel Madelon L. , Sanchez Sixto , Mak Tracy , Granstein Justin , Lefkowitz Arnold
Published: March 2013

This small-scale pilot study studied the potential benefit of taking a concentrated dose of anthocyanin 300 mg once a day for 3 weeks (purple corn extract) on blood pressure among untreated Peruvian adults with mild-to-moderate hypertension. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial using intention-to-treat analysis was conducted on 30 healthy men and women who received care at the Dos de Mayo Hospital (Lima, Peru) between September 2010 and August 2011. The 4-phase study compared blood pressure readings on placebo and on purple corn extract. Blood pressure readings decreased from baseline levels to end of study, especially after taking a purple corn extract capsule for 3 weeks, regardless of age, gender, body mass index level, or initial average blood pressure reading. Individuals who had higher blood pressure readings at baseline showed the most marked reduction in systolic and diastolic readings. Additional study of the possible mechanisms of action and the pharmacokinetics of purple corn extract warrants further investigation.
Comprehensive genetic analysis of cytarabine sensitivity in a cell-based model identifies polymorphisms associated with outcome in AML patients
Authors: Gamazon Eric R. , Lamba Jatinder K. , Pounds Stanley , Stark Amy L. , Wheeler Heather E. , Cao Xueyuan , Im Hae K. , Mitra Amit K. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Raimondi Susana , Campana Dario , Crews Kristine R. , Wong Shan S. , Welsh Marleen , Hulur Imge , Gorsic Lidija , Hartford Christine M. , Zhang Wei , Cox Nancy J. , Dolan M. Eileen
Published: March 2013

Key Points

A preclinical cell-based model identifies SNPs associated with cytarabine sensitivity that also associate with outcome in leukemia patients. SNPs within the MCC gene were associated with cytarabine sensitivity in lymphoblastoid cell lines and leukemic blasts from patients.
The passage of cells can improve the detection rate of avian leukosis virus to facilitate the elimination of avian leukosis in chickens
Authors: Wang Xiuzhen , Wang Bo , Zhang Peipei , Cheng Hegang , Sun Shuhong
Published: March 2013

Avian leukosis (AL) is one of the most harmful diseases to the poultry industry in China. The detection of the avian leukosis virus (ALV) p27 antigen plays a decisive role in the elimination of avian leukosis. To explore the influence of passaging cells on the detection rate of the ALV p27 antigen, 21 aseptic anticoagulated blood samples were collected from 21 chickens for which the cloacal swabs were positive for the p27 antigen to inoculate two sets of cell culture plates containing DF1 cells. The cells were cultured for 4 d, one set was passaged, and the other set was not. After the DF1 cells had been cultured for 9 d, the ALV p27 antigen in the supernatants of the two sets was detected by ELISA. The results showed that the p27 antigen-positive rate for the passaged cells was 71.43% (15/21), higher than that of the cells that were directly cultured, which was 42.86%. There was a strong correlation, as high as 0.928, with respect to the S/P value of the p27 antigen in the supernatant between the two sets. In conclusion, there was a strong correlation between the results for the passaged and unpassaged cells, and the passage of cells greatly improved the detection of the p27 antigen.
Preincubation of Pituitary Tumor Cells With the Epidrugs Zebularine and Trichostatin A Are Permissive for Retinoic Acid-Augmented Expression of the BMP-4 and D2R Genes
Authors: Yacqub-Usman Kiren , Duong Cuong V. , Clayton Richard N. , Farrell William E.
Published: March 2013

Retinoic acid (RA)-induced expression of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) inhibits in vitro and in vivo cell proliferation and ACTH synthesis in corticotroph-derived tumor cells. Reduced expression of BMP-4 in this adenoma subtype is associated with epigenomic silencing, and similar silencing mechanisms are also associated with the RA-responsive dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in somatolactotroph cells. We now show that preincubation with the epidrugs zebularine and trichostatin A is obligate and permissive for RA-induced expression of the BMP-4 and the D2R genes in pituitary tumor cells. Combined epidrug challenges are associated with marginal reduction in CpG island methylation. However, significant change to histone tail modifications toward those associated with expression-competent genes is apparent, whereas RA challenge alone or in combined incubations does not have an impact on these modifications. Epidrug-mediated and RA-augmented expression of endogenous BMP-4 increased or decreased cell proliferation and colony-forming efficiency in GH3 and AtT-20 pituitary tumor cells, respectively, recapitulating recent reports of challenges of these cells with exogenous ligand. The specificity of the BMP-4–mediated effects was further supported by knock-down experiments of the BMP-4 antagonist noggin (small interfering RNA [siRNA]). Knock-down of noggin, in the absence and the presence of epidrugs, induced and augmented BMP-4 expression, respectively. In cell proliferation assays, challenge with either epidrugs or siRNA led to significant increase in cell numbers at the 72-hour time point; however, in siRNA-treated cells coincubated with epidrugs, a significant increase was apparent at the 48-hour time point. These studies show the potential of combined drug challenges as a treatment option, where epidrug renders silenced genes responsive to conventional therapeutic options.
Human Red Blood Cells Alterations in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Bordin Luciana , Donà Gabriella , Sabbadin Chiara , Ragazzi Eugenio , Andrisani Alessandra , Ambrosini Guido , Brunati Anna Maria , Clari Giulio , Armanini Decio
Published: March 2013

Context:

Aldosterone (Aldo) effects include NADPH oxidase activation involved in Aldo-related oxidative stress. Red blood cells (RBCs) are particularly sensitive to oxidative assault, and both the formation of high molecular weight aggregates (HMWAs) and the diamide-induced Tyr phosphorylation (Tyr-P) level of membrane band 3 can be used to monitor their redox status.

Objective:

The Aldo-related alterations in erythrocytes were evaluated by comparing in vitro evidence.

Design:

This was a multicenter comparative study.

Study Participants:

The study included 12 patients affected by primary aldosteronism (PA) and 6 healthy control subjects (HCs), whose RBCs were compared with those of patients with PA. For in vitro experiments, RBCs from HCs were incubated with increasing Aldo concentrations.

Main Outcome Measures:

The Tyr-P level, band 3 HMWA formation, and autologous IgG binding were evaluated.

Results:

In patients with PA, both Tyr-P levels and band 3 HMWAs were higher than those in HCs. RBCs from HCs were treated with increasing Aldo concentrations in both platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and charcoal-stripped (CS)-PPP. Results showed that Aldo had dose- and time-dependent effects on band 3 Tyr-P and HMWA formation in CS-PPP more than in PPP. These effects were almost completely prevented by canrenone or cortisol. Aldo-related membrane alterations led to increased autologous IgG binding.

Conclusions:

Erythrocytes from patients with PA show oxidative-like stress evidenced by increased HMWA content and diamide-induced band 3 Tyr-P level. Aldo effects are mediated by the mineralocorticoid receptor, as suggested by the inhibitory effects of canrenone, an antagonist of Aldo. In CS-PPP, in which Aldo induces remarkable membrane alterations leading to IgG binding, Aldo may be responsible for premature RBC removal from circulation.
CD26/DPP4 Levels in Peripheral Blood and T Cells in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lee Sang Ah , Kim Young Ree , Yang Eun Jin , Kwon Eun-Jeong , Kim Sun Hyung , Kang Sung Ha , Park Doek Bae , Oh Byung-Chul , Kim Jinseok , Heo Sang Taek , Koh Gwanpyo , Lee Dae Ho
Published: March 2013

Context:

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (CD26/DPP4) is expressed on blood T cells and also circulates in a soluble form (sCD26/DPP4).

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate blood T cell and circulating CD26/DPP4 and its association with metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Designs:

We measured CD26/DPP4 expression (percentage of CD26+ cells using flow cytometry) on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, serum CD26/DPP4 level and activity, and various metabolic parameters in T2DM patients not on DPP4 inhibitor therapy (n = 148). Nondiabetic subjects (n = 50) were included as a control group.

Results:

Compared with the healthy controls, CD26/DPP4 expression on CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells was higher in T2DM patients. Serum CD26/DPP4 levels and enzymatic activities were also higher in patients with T2DM than in the control group only when metformin and/or thiazolidinedione-treated T2DM patients were excluded; metformin and/or thiazolidinedione-treated T2DM patients had lower values compared with other T2DM patients. Various parameters in T2DM patients were related to CD26/DPP4 expression on the T cells (hemoglobin A1c), serum sCD26/DPP4 (hemoglobin A1c and insulin resistance assessed by updated homeostasis model assessment), and serum CD26/DPP4 activity (insulin resistance assessed by updated homeostasis model assessment, γ-glutamyl transferase, and alanine aminotransferase) by multivariate analyses. After active glucose control for 12 weeks in drug-naive T2DM patients (n = 50), CD26/DPP4 expression on blood T cells was significantly decreased.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the CD26/DPP4 level on blood T cells was associated with glucose control status in patients with T2DM.
Dexamethasone (DEX) induces Osmotic stress transcription factor 1 (Ostf1) through the Akt-GSK3β pathway in freshwater Japanese eel gill cell cultures
Authors: Chow S. C. , Tse William K. F. , Wong Chris K. C.
Published: March 2013

Osmosensing and osmoregulatory processes undertaken in gills of euryhaline fish are coordinated by integrative actions of various signaling molecules/transcriptional factors. Considerable numbers of studies report the hyper- and hypo-osmoregulatory functions of fish gills, by illustrating the process of gill cell remodeling and the modulation of the expression of ion channels/transporters. Comparatively mechanistic information relayed from signal integration to transcriptional regulation in mediating gill cell functions has not yet been elucidated. In this study we demonstrate the functional links from cortisol stimulation, to Akt activation, to the expression of the transcriptional factor, Ostf1. Using the synthetic glucocorticoid receptor agonist, dexamethasone (DEX), Ostf1 expression is found to be activated via glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mediated by the Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway. Pharmacological experiments using kinase inhibitors reveal that the expression of Ostf1 is negatively regulated by Akt activation. The inhibition of PI3K or Akt activities, by the specific kinase inhibitors (wortmannin, LY294002 or SH6), stimulates Ostf1 expression, while a reduction of GSK3β activity by LiCl reduces Ostf1 expression. Collectively, our report for the first time indicates that DEX can induce Ostf1 via GR, with the involvement of the Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway in primary eel gill cell cultures. The data also suggest that Ostf1 may play different roles in gill cell survival during seawater acclimation.
Book Reviews
Authors: Rand Graham K.
Published: March 2013

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an e-mail from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor.

The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 43(2), March–April 2013: Decision Support: An Examination of the DSS Discipline, David Schuff, David Paradice, Frada Burstein, Daniel Power, and Ramesh Sharda, eds.; Quantitative Methods in Supply Chain Management Models and Algorithms, Ioannis T. Christou; Multi-Criteria Analysis in the Renewable Energy Industry (Green Energy and Technology), José Ramón San Cristóbal Mateo; Decision Policies for Production Networks, Dieter Armbruster and Karl G. Kempf, eds.; Taming the Big Data Tidal Wave, Bill Franks; and Demand Flexibility in Supply Chain Planning, Joseph Geunes.
Designing Production-Inventory-Transportation Systems with Capacitated Cross-Docks
Authors: Abouee-Mehrizi Hossein , Berman Oded , Baharnemati M. Reza
Published: March 2013

We consider a two-echelon supply chain problem, where the demand of a set of retailers is satisfied from a set of suppliers and shipped through a set of capacitated cross-docks that are to be established. The objective is to determine the number and location of cross-docks and the assignment of retailers to suppliers via cross-docking so that the total cost of pipeline and retailers inventory, transportation, and facility location is minimized. We formulate the problem as a nonlinear mixed integer programming. We first derive several structural results for special cases of the problem. We also demonstrate that the Capacitated Plant Fixed-Charge Transport Location Problem is a special case of our problem. To solve the general problem, we show that it can be written as a cutting stock problem and develop a column generation algorithm to solve it. We investigate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm numerically. We then extend the problem by allowing different truck capacities as decision variables.
Design and Application of Simple Shear Liquefaction Box
Authors: Eseller-Bayat E. , Gokyer S. , Yegian M. K. , Ortakci E. , Alshawabkeh A.
Published: March 2013

A cyclic simple shear liquefaction box (CSSLB) was designed and manufactured to allow laboratory testing of saturated sands under cyclic or transient strain-controlled conditions. The box accommodates pore water pressure transducers, linear variable displacement transducers, and bender elements and bending disks. To induce shear strains, the box has two rotating walls connected to two translating rigid walls with a flexible sealant. When the tops of the rotating walls are fixed against translation and the base of the CSSLB, which rests on a shaking table, is excited with a displacement time history, shear strains are induced in a soil specimen. Two-dimensional numerical analyses of plan and elevation sections of the CSSLB were performed, demonstrating that the design of the box and the mechanism for shearing can induce controlled shear strains in sand specimens with minimal boundary effects. Example test results from sand specimens subjected to cyclic and earthquake shear strain time histories are presented and illustrate how well the CSSLB with its instrumentation is suited for conducting tests on relatively large soil specimens.
Preliminary Laboratory-Scale Model Auger Installation and Testing of Carbonated Soil-MgO Columns
Authors: Yi Yaolin , Liska Martin , Akinyugha Akinyemi , Unluer Cise , Al-Tabbaa Abir
Published: March 2013

This paper presents details of the installation and performance of carbonated soil-MgO columns using a laboratory-scale model auger setup. MgO grout was mixed with the soil using the auger and the columns were then carbonated with gaseous CO2 introduced in two different ways: one using auger mixing and the other through a perforated plastic tube system inserted into the treated column. The performance of the columns in terms of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), stiffness, strain at failure and microstructure (using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy) showed that the soil-MgO columns were carbonated very quickly (in under 1 h) and yielded relatively high strength values, of 2.4–9.4 MPa, which on average were five times that of corresponding 28-day ambient cured uncarbonated columns. This confirmed, together with observations of dense microstructure and hydrated magnesium carbonates, that a good degree of carbonation had taken place. The results also showed that the carbonation method and period have a significant effect on the resulting performance, with the carbonation through the perforated pipe producing the best results.
Experimental Study of the Applications of Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensors in Detecting Seepage in Soils
Authors: Xiao Henglin , Huang Jie
Published: March 2013

Fiber optic distributed temperature sensors (FODTS), based on Brillouin and Raman scattering, have been successfully used in various applications such as fire detection, petroleum pipeline leakage detection, and concrete dam crack monitoring. In recent years, FODTS have been used to monitor the seepage of reservoirs, earth dams, water channels, embankments, tunnels, and levees. Unlike other applications, monitoring the seepage of these structures involves acquiring, processing, and analyzing the temperature information of porous media that are mainly rocks and soils. Detailed studies on the thermal interaction among rocks/soils, water, and optic fibers are essential to improve judgment on the occurrence of seepage and explore the possibility of quantifying the seepage rate. This paper describes a large-scale experimental study that investigated the thermal interaction. The study was carried out on three different soils (i.e., poorly graded gravel, poorly graded sand, and silty sand) in both non-seepage and seepage conditions. The effects of soil types, moisture content, seepage rates, and heat source powers on temperature changes were assessed in this study. It was found that, with a heat source, FODTS could effectively detect seepage under most circumstances. The temperature change differs in different soils. For all the soils investigated, the moisture content and the heat power showed significant influence on the temperature change. The seepage rate has insignificant influence on temperature change.
Effect of Geosynthetic Reinforcement in Active Zone on the Behavior of Sheet Pile Walls
Authors: Nasr Ahmed M. A. , Nazir Ashraf K.
Published: March 2013

The potential benefits of reinforcing the active zone behind a model sheet pile wall were studied. A series of plane strain laboratory model tests were performed on both unreinforced and reinforced active zones loaded with a rigid strip footing. Parameters including the sand relative density, reinforcement embedment depth, type of reinforcement, footing location relative to the sheet pile wall, length of reinforcement, and number of reinforcing layers were varied. The sheet pile wall deflection during loading was measured. Finite element (FE) analyses were performed on a prototype sheet pile wall to supplement the results of the model tests. A two-dimensional plane strain FE model using the computer code PLAXIS was used. Close agreement between the experimental and numerical results was observed (about 4 % to 11 %). The results indicate that the inclusion of reinforcement in the active zone leads to a reduction by about 48 % to 75 % in the lateral deflection. The effectiveness of the reinforcement in decreasing the lateral deflection of the sheet pile wall is attributed to its tensile strength and type. Based on the results of the laboratory model and the numerical analyses, critical values of reinforcement parameters for maximum reinforcing effects are suggested. The results are used to development linear regression equations relating the ultimate lateral capacity of the sheet pile wall to the aforementioned parameters.
Evaluation of Transfer Function and Dynamic Properties from Strain-Controlled Resonant Column Tests
Authors: Khan Zahid , Cascante Giovanni , Moayerian Soheil , Grabinsky Murray
Published: March 2013

Dynamic properties of soils can be inferred via curve fitting of the transfer function between the excitation and the induced strain using a resonant column device. The shape of the measured transfer function is distorted and differs from that of the theoretical transfer function because of different shear strain levels at different frequencies in the specimen. The difference becomes more pronounced with increasing shear strain levels. This study presents a new methodology for the evaluation of dynamic properties from an improved transfer function. In this methodology, the soil specimen is excited using a sinusoidal carrier excitation at the desired strain level coupled with simultaneous excitation of a very small strain random noise. The desired strain level induced by the fixed sine controls the resonant frequency of the specimen, whereas the small strain random noise (always kept small) determines the shape of the transfer function and thus the damping coefficient. The results indicate excellent matching of the transfer function obtained from the proposed method and the theoretical transfer function at all shear strain levels. The new methodology also shows good potential for the evaluation of dynamic properties of soils as a function of frequency in resonant column testing.
Geotechnical Properties of Sucrose-Saturated Fused Quartz for Use in Physical Modeling
Authors: Guzman Ivan L. , Iskander Magued
Published: March 2013

This study presents the geotechnical properties of a synthetic transparent soil made of fused quartz saturated with a water-based sucrose solution that is suitable for modeling the behavior of sand in small-scale model tests. Geotechnical properties presented include particle size, dry density, peak angle of friction, hydraulic conductivity, and compressibility index. Sucrose is inert and non-toxic, which facilitates its use in educational settings. The availability of a safe and easy-to-use transparent sand permits measurement of three-dimensional deformation patterns and flow characteristics in controlled research experiments. The introduction of an aqueous solution permits the use of two immiscible pore fluids, one made of mineral oil and the other made of a sucrose solution, for modeling multi-phase flow problems, as well as coupled flow–deformation problems.
Back-Calculated Soil–Water Characteristic Curve From Fluid Flow Data
Authors: Pasha Amin Y. , Hu Liming , Meegoda Jay N. , Ebadi Taghi
Published: March 2013

The soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) is a fundamental property of an unsaturated soil that is used to predict multiphase flow and transport through porous media. Direct measurement of the SWCC using conventional testing devices is time consuming. A methodology with which to estimate the SWCC is proposed in this paper based on the recorded data of transient fluid flow into soil during a 50 g centrifugal test. An inverse analysis was performed to fit the numerical simulation results, obtained using a finite element multiphase flow code NAPL simulator, to the centrifugal model test data. For the numerical simulations, several sets of representative SWCC parameters of the modeled soil were assumed. Based on an optimization scheme, the parameters that produced the best match between measured and simulated data were selected, and the SWCC for the soil was predicted. To validate the proposed method, the predicted SWCC was compared with that obtained via a conventional test. The comparison showed that the SWCC obtained via inverse analysis with a van Genuchten model parameter set of α = 0.4 m−1 and η = 3 compared relatively well to the measured one. Thus this new method, based on inverse analysis of the fluid flow data from centrifugal modeling, could be used as a reliable, indirect technique for predicting field SWCCs.
Substratos e níveis de água no potencial germinativo de sementes de uvaia
Authors: Scalon Silvana de Paula Quintão , Jeromine Tatiane Sanches
Published: March 2013

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o substrato e a disponibilidade de água no potencial germinativo das sementes de uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis). Os substratos avaliados foram: areia (A), latossolo + areia (L + A) (1:1), latossolo + areia + cama de frango semidecomposta (L + A1 + CF) (1:1:0,5), latossolo + areia + cama de frango semidecomposta (L + A2 + CF) (1:2:0,5), latossolo + Bioplant® (L + B) (1:1) aliados aos seguintes níveis de irrigação 25, 50, 75 e 100% da capacidade de retenção de água. As maiores porcentagens de emergência e melhor crescimento de plântulas foram observados no substrato latossolo + areia + cama de frango (1:2:0,5), na capacidade de retenção de água de 50%.
Padrões de miniestacas e sazonalidade na produção de mudas clonais de Eucalyptus grandis Hill X E. urophylla S. T. Black
Authors: Souza Cibele Chaves , Xavier Aloisio , Leite Fernando Palha , Santana Reynaldo Campos , Leite Hélio Garcia
Published: March 2013

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência de diferentes padrões de miniestacas no enraizamento e produção de mudas do híbrido do Eucalyptus grandis Hill x E. urophylla S.T. Black no verão e no inverno. Experimentos com cinco clones e 12 diferentes padrões de miniestacas foram conduzidos em duas épocas do ano (verão e inverno). A sobrevivência e enraizamento das miniestacas foram avaliados na saída da casa de vegetação e na saída da casa de sombra e, a pleno sol, a sobrevivência, a altura, o diâmetro do colo, o peso de massa seca da parte aérea e o da raiz. Os resultados indicaram que a manutenção das folhas é importante para o enraizamento de miniestacas de Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla, e as folhas basais obtiveram maiores valores de enraizamento. Mudas produzidas no verão, utilizando miniestacas de 10 cm de tamanho, tiveram maior crescimento. A metodologia de não redução das folhas mostrou-se procedimento adequado para produção de mudas nas duas épocas do ano.
Crescimento de mudas de moringa em função da salinidade da água e da posição das sementes nos frutos
Authors: Oliveira Francisco de Assis de , Oliveira Mychelle Karla Teixeira de , Silva Ricardo Carlos Pereira da , Silva Otaciana Maria dos Prazeres da , Maia Priscila de Melo Evangelista , Cândido Willame dos Santos
Published: March 2013

A escolha das sementes é de fundamental importância para a obtenção de mudas de qualidade, principalmente quando são produzidas sob condições ambientais adversas. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a influencia da salinidade sobre o desenvolvimento de mudas de moringa provenientes de sementes localizadas em diferentes posições no fruto. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 3 x 4 e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos resultaram da combinação de três posições de sementes no fruto (basal, mediana e apical) com quatro níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (0,5; 2,0; 3,5; e 5,0 dS m-1). Foram avaliadas as seguintes características de crescimento: altura (ALT), diâmetro do caule (DC), diâmetro da raiz principal (DRP), número de folhas (NF), área foliar (AF), massa seca da parte aérea (MSPA), massa seca do sistema radicular (MSR) e massa seca total (MST). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias, comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade, para o efeito da posição da semente no fruto; e por análise de regressão, para os dados provenientes da salinidade. Houve interação significativa na maioria das características avaliadas. A salinidade da água de irrigação diminuiu em todas as variáveis. As mudas provenientes de sementes localizadas na porção basal dos frutos foram mais afetadas pela salinidade da água de irrigação.
Desenvolvimento de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais para recuperação de áreas degradadas na floresta ombrófila densa, Paraty, RJ
Authors: Souza Márcia Cristina Soares de , Piña-Rodrigues Fatima Conceição Márquez
Published: March 2013

Os sistemas agroflorestais implantados consistiram da combinação de espécies leguminosas e não leguminosas em plantio "solteiro" (uma planta/cova) e "casado" (duas plantas/cova). Aos quatro anos após o plantio, foram realizadas medições de circunferência na altura do peito (CAP), altura comercial (Hc) e altura total (Ht). Os resultados indicaram a eficiência do plantio "casado" nos sistemas agroflorestais, independente do uso de espécies leguminosas ou não leguminosas, indicando seu potencial de produção silvicultural para a recuperação de áreas degradadas.
Biomassa e macronutrientes de uma floresta estacional decidual em Itaara-RS, Brasil
Authors: Vogel Hamilton Luiz Munari , Schumacher Mauro Valdir , Trüby Peter
Published: March 2013

Este trabalho foi realizado no Município de Itaara-RS, Brasil, em uma Floresta Estacional Decidual secundária. Teve como objetivo quantificar os nutrientes na biomassa acima do solo, de essências florestais. Foram abatidas 20 árvores, distribuídas em cinco classes de diâmetros (3,2-13,5 cm; 13,6-23,9 cm; 24,0-33,6 cm; 33,7-44,6 cm; e 44,7-55,0 cm). A parte aérea foi fracionada em madeira do fuste, casca do fuste, galhos e folhas. Nas amostras da biomassa foram determinados os teores de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. O estoque de nutrientes na biomassa de cada componente foi obtido com base na biomassa seca estimada, multiplicada pelo teor de nutrientes. O rendimento total de biomassa foi estimado em 210,0 Mg ha-1. Para esse rendimento, as contribuições percentuais dos galhos, madeira do fuste, casca do fuste e folhas foram de 48,8; 43,3; 5,4; e 2,4, respectivamente. As folhas foram o componente com os maiores teores de N, P, K, Mg e S, enquanto no componente casca se observou o maior teor de Ca. A madeira do fuste foi o componente que apresentou os menores teores de nutrientes em sua biomassa. De modo geral, o Ca, N e o K foram os nutrientes com maiores estoques na biomassa acima do solo. Nos galhos, devido à maior biomassa, foram verificados os maiores estoques de nutrientes, seguidos pela madeira do fuste.
A riqueza e composição de formigas como indicadores dos efeitos do manejo florestal de baixo impacto em floresta tropical no estado do Acre
Authors: Miranda Patricia Nakayama , Morato Elder Ferreira , Oliveira Marco Antonio , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles
Published: March 2013

A sustentabilidade da extração madeireira seletiva depende de avaliações de impacto e monitoramento dos fatores abióticos, vegetação e fauna. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar e comparar a riqueza e composição de formigas em área de manejo florestal sustentável de baixo impacto, no Projeto de Assentamento Chico Mendes, no Acre. As coletas foram realizadas com armadilhas pitfall e extrator de Winkler, em 30 parcelas de 10 x 10 m. As parcelas foram igualmente distribuídas em três tratamentos: (1) manejo - base de árvores exploradas em 2007; (2) queda natural - base de árvores caídas naturalmente em área não manejada; e (3) controle - parcela sem queda de árvore na mesma área não manejada. Para a caracterização da vegetação, foram tomadas medidas das variáveis: densidade arbórea e arbustiva, área basal arbórea e de árvores caídas, espessura de serapilheira e cobertura de dossel. A densidade arbórea foi significantemente maior no tratamento controle que no manejo. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas em cobertura de dossel entre os tratamentos controle e manejo e controle e queda natural. Foram coletadas 88 espécies de formigas, distribuídas em sete subfamílias. Não houve diferença na riqueza de espécies entre os tratamentos. Embora menor similaridade tenha sido encontrada entre os tratamentos manejo e controle, não foram observadas grandes diferenças na composição entre eles. Esses resultados indicaram que, nessa área, a atividade de extração madeireira de baixo impacto não afetou a assembleia de formigas, portanto, funcionalmente, essa forma de manejo não acarretou alterações no ecossistema em relação aos serviços associados às formigas.
Risco de preço na comercialização da soja: uso de derivativos pelos produtores rurais de Maracaju-MS
Authors: Mühlen Alex Sandro Richter Won , Cezar Ivo Martins , Costa Fernando Paim
Published: March 2013

O presente trabalho analisou o comportamento do produtor de soja de Maracaju-MS quanto ao risco de preço e ao uso de derivativos agropecuários, buscando identificar os mecanismos de proteção de preço utilizados e as razões de seu uso ou rejeição. Para tanto, um questionário foi aplicado a uma amostra de produtores de soja, sendo também entrevistados representantes de tradings, armazéns gerais, cooperativas, corretoras e agentes financeiros. Constatou-se que a utilização de ferramentas de proteção de preço é ainda pouco expressiva, já que apenas 11% dos produtores usam o Mercado Futuro (hedge) e o Mercado de Opções, e 38% os utilizaram alguma vez. O principal mecanismo usado é o Mercado a Termo. Produtores que já usaram o Mercado Futuro (hedge) e o de opções atuam em médias e grandes propriedades, têm nível de escolaridade alto e estão mais capitalizados. A baixa utilização dos derivativos (Futuros e Opções) se dá, principalmente, pela falta de conhecimento e pela ausência de profissionais de confiança capazes de orientar os produtores.
Associação da carga parasitária renal com achados laboratoriais em cães com leishmaniose visceral
Authors: Torres Mariana de Medeiros , Almeida Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de , Sorte Eveline da Cruz Boa , Paula Daphine Ariadne Jesus de , Oliveira Anderson Castro Soares de , Pescador Caroline Argenta , Mendonça Adriane Jorge , Nakazato Luciano , Sousa Valéria Régia Franco
Published: March 2013

A leishmaniose visceral canina é uma doença grave e a morte ocorre por falência renal, considerando que os métodos diagnósticos convencionais não possibilitam a classificação clínica do animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi associar a carga parasitária renal aos achados clínicos e histopatológicos em cães com leishmaniose visceral. A análise microscópica revelou predomínio de nefrite intersticial mononuclear de graus variados em 59,3% dos cães avaliados. Entretanto, não houve diferença entre a carga parasitária renal de sintomáticos e oligossintomáticos (P= 0,35). As lesões renais foram de ordem inflamatória e a quantidade de parasitos não influenciaram na característica dessas lesões e nem nas alterações bioquímicas, mesmo em cães com diferentes classificações clínicas.
Lisina digestível para leitoas em fase de crescimento
Authors: Rocha Gabriel Cipriano , Donzele Juarez Lopes , Donzele Rita Flavia Miranda de Oliveira , Silva Francisco Carlos de Oliveira da , Kiefer Charles , Alebrante Leandro , Paulino Pedro Veiga Rodrigues , Serão Nicola Vergara Lopes
Published: March 2013

Oitenta leitoas (24,2±1,52kg) com alto potencial genético para deposição de carne na carcaça foram distribuídas em experimento de blocos ao acaso para avaliar cinco níveis de lisina digestível (Ld) (9, 10, 11, 12 e 13g kg-1) durante a fase de crescimento (63 a 103 dias de idade). Os animais foram alojados em pares e alimentados à vontade. No início e ao final do período experimental, as leitoas foram pesadas e submetidas à análise de ultrassom para avaliação da área de olho de lombo (AOL) e espessura de toucinho (ET). Os níveis de Ld proporcionaram aumento linear (P<0,05) do ganho de peso diário (GPD) e, apesar dessa variação, não houve aumento no valor absoluto do GPD a partir do nível de 12g kg-1 de Ld. A conversão alimentar (CA) reduziu (P<0,01) de forma quadrática até o nível estimado de 11,9g kg-1 de Ld. A AOL das leitoas aumentou (P<0,05) de forma linear. No entanto, o modelo "Linear Response Plateau" foi o que melhor se ajustou aos dados, estimando em 12,5g kg-1 o nível a partir do qual ocorreu platô. Não foi verificada influência (P>0,05) dos níveis de Ld sobre o consumo de ração diário (CRD) e ET. Os níveis de 12,0 e 12,5g kg-1 de Ld na dieta, correspondentes, respectivamente, ao consumo de lisina digestível diário (CLdD), de 23,6 e 24,6g, proporcionam os melhores resultados de desempenho e área de olho de lombo de leitoas em fase de crescimento (63 aos 103 dias de idade).
Understanding the process of living as signified by myocardial revascularization surgery patients
Authors: Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini , Lanzoni Gabriela Marcellino de Melo , Callegaro Giovana Dorneles , Baggio Maria Aparecida , Koerich Cíntia
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE: To understand the meanings for the process of living, for patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery, and to construct an explanatory theoretical model. METHOD: Grounded Theory was used, with data collection undertaken between October 2010 and May 2012, in a health institution which specializes in cardiac surgery, located in the south of Brazil. Thirty-three subjects were interviewed (patients, health care professionals and family members), distributed in four sample groups. Result: The explanatory theoretical model was comprised of 11 categories and the central phenomenon. The specialized service and the cardiac rehabilitation program formed the context, the discovery of the cardiac disease and the feelings experienced during the perioperative period were the cause and intervening conditions in the process of experiencing the myocardial revascularization surgery. The strategies were relying on the family's support, having faith and hope, and participating in the rehabilitation program. This process's main consequences were the confrontation of the changes and the resulting limitations, difficulties and adaptations to the new lifestyle after surgery. CONCLUSION: The process of experiencing the myocardial revascularization surgery constitutes an opportunity for maintaining the patient's life associated with the needs for confronting the significant changes in lifestyle.
Care needs and workload required by institutionalised psychiatric patients
Authors: Mukai Helena Ayako , Jericó Marli de Carvalho , Perroca Márcia Galan
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVES: This descriptive study used a quantitative approach to assess the nursing care needs of patients with mental disorders, the mean number of care hours these patients were provided and the workload these patients require nursing team. METHODS: The research was conducted in a public neuropsychiatric hospital located in south eastern Brazil in 2010 and included 105 patients as subjects. A patient classification tool was applied to characterise care profiles. Statistical analysis was performed using principal component analysis and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly in the low care category (73.3%). The mean care hours ranged from 0.57 to 0.88 for nurses and 1.97 to 3.16 for nursing assistants, and the workload ranged from 119.6 to 183 hours . CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the care needs of most patients were at a low level of dependency and that most patients did not need to be institutionalised. Furthermore, it was found that the care hours provided by the nursing staff were not sufficient to meet the care needs of the patients.
Evaluation of an educational technology regarding clinical evaluation of preterm newborns
Authors: Fonseca Luciana Mara Monti , Aredes Natália Del'Angelo , Leite Adriana Moraes , Santos Claudia Benedita dos , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de , Scochi Carmen Gracinda Silvan
Published: March 2013

AIM: To evaluate, from the students' point of view, educational software developed as a tool to help teachers and students in neonatal nursing. METHOD: The study evaluates the contents and simulations addressed in the software. A total of 57 undergraduate nursing students affiliated with five Brazilian public colleges participated. RESULTS: The general assessment of the software was highly satisfactory: 82.4% of the sample characterized the software as quite effective as a teaching tool. Most components were assessed as good or very good. The participants' suggestions and comments are being considered in the improvement and adaptation of the new software version. CONCLUSION: The results show that the product is adequate for use in neonatal nursing courses and nursing training on the physical examination techniques and semiology of preterm newborns, falling within the pedagogical framework of active methods.
Apparent and content validation of maternal self-efficiency scale for prevention of childhood diarrhea
Authors: Joventino Emanuella Silva , Oriá Mônica Oliveira Batista , Sawada Namie Okino , Ximenes Lorena Barbosa
Published: March 2013

AIM: The aim of this paper is to describe the apparent and content validation for the Maternal Self-Efficiency Scale for the Prevention of Childhood Diarrhoea. METHOD: Methodological study with the execution of apparent and content validation by seven judges; semantic analysis, by 30 mothers of children under 5 years old and also a pre-test involving 31 mothers who have been selected through convenience. It has been considered necessary to have the agreement of at least 70% of the judges for apparent validation and a minimum of 80% for pertinence and Index of Content Validation. RESULTS: This paper shows that most items have been considered clear, comprehensive and relevant by the judges. The final Content Validity Index of the scale was 0.96. The suggestions of the mothers were accepted. CONCLUSION: The scale ended up having 25 items and two domains (family hygiene and general/eating practices) which assess the maternal self-efficiency for the prevention of diarrhea in their children, thereby contributing to the planning of nursing interventions.
The image of care delivery by Public Health Nurses as disseminated in Revista da Semana (1929)
Authors: Deslandes Anna Karina de Matos , Aguiar Simone , Neto Mercedes , Porto Fernando Rocha
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the images of Public Health Nurses in care delivery to society, disseminated by the Revista da Semana, in 1929. METHOD: historical-semiotic study. The documents used were images, to which an analysis matrix was applied, including fashion and body language literature, besides others to address the study object. The data were interpreted in the light of the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu's notions of object representations and body hexis. RESULTS: the distinctive use of uniforms for the Public Health Nurses' activities was a non-verbal communication strategy to gain visibility and credibility during home visits . CONCLUSIONS: Public Health Nurses were particularly responsible for patient care and guidance to prevent illnesses, with a view to the qualitative development of Public Health. The intent in this study was to produce knowledge on image records about nurses' care practice at the National Public Health Department's School of Nurses, as well as to strengthen Public Health Nursing History research in Brazil, thus contributing to a better understanding about the construction process of nurses' image.
Educational intervention for liver transplantation candidates
Authors: Mendes Karina Dal Sasso , Silva Junior Orlando de Castro e , Ziviani Luciana da Costa , Rossin Fabiana Murad , Zago Márcia Maria Fontão , Galvão Cristina Maria
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE: The objective in this study was to analyze candidates' knowledge on the liver transplantation process before and after putting in practice an educational intervention. METHOD: A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest research design was adopted. The final sample included 15 subjects. Research data were collected between January and March 2010 in three phases, which were: pretest, implementation of the educational intervention (two meetings) and posttest. RESULTS: The results evidenced significant cognitive gains after the intervention, with improvements in the participants' performance . CONCLUSIONS: The research presents evidence that putting in practice a patient education strategy can enhance candidates' knowledge on the liver transplantation process and consequently contribute to a successful treatment.