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Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais published in 2008"


Journal ArticleDOI
Jean Bousquet, N. Khaltaev, Alvaro A. Cruz1, Judah A. Denburg2, W. J. Fokkens3, Alkis Togias4, T. Zuberbier5, Carlos E. Baena-Cagnani6, Giorgio Walter Canonica7, C. van Weel8, Ioana Agache9, Nadia Aït-Khaled, Claus Bachert10, Michael S. Blaiss11, Sergio Bonini12, L.-P. Boulet13, Philippe-Jean Bousquet, Paulo Augusto Moreira Camargos14, K-H. Carlsen15, Y. Z. Chen, Adnan Custovic16, Ronald Dahl17, Pascal Demoly, H. Douagui, Stephen R. Durham18, R. Gerth van Wijk19, O. Kalayci19, Michael A. Kaliner20, You Young Kim21, Marek L. Kowalski, Piotr Kuna22, L. T. T. Le23, Catherine Lemière24, Jing Li25, Richard F. Lockey26, S. Mavale-Manuel26, Eli O. Meltzer27, Y. Mohammad28, J Mullol, Robert M. Naclerio29, Robyn E O'Hehir30, K. Ohta31, S. Ouedraogo31, S. Palkonen, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos32, Gianni Passalacqua7, Ruby Pawankar33, Todor A. Popov34, Klaus F. Rabe35, J Rosado-Pinto36, G. K. Scadding37, F. E. R. Simons38, Elina Toskala39, E. Valovirta40, P. Van Cauwenberge10, De Yun Wang41, Magnus Wickman42, Barbara P. Yawn43, Arzu Yorgancioglu44, Osman M. Yusuf, H. J. Zar45, Isabella Annesi-Maesano46, E.D. Bateman45, A. Ben Kheder47, Daniel A. Boakye48, J. Bouchard, Peter Burney18, William W. Busse49, Moira Chan-Yeung50, Niels H. Chavannes35, A.G. Chuchalin, William K. Dolen51, R. Emuzyte52, Lawrence Grouse53, Marc Humbert, C. M. Jackson54, Sebastian L. Johnston18, Paul K. Keith2, James P. Kemp27, J. M. Klossek55, Désirée Larenas-Linnemann55, Brian J. Lipworth54, Jean-Luc Malo24, Gailen D. Marshall56, Charles K. Naspitz57, K. Nekam, Bodo Niggemann58, Ewa Nizankowska-Mogilnicka59, Yoshitaka Okamoto60, M. P. Orru61, Paul Potter45, David Price62, Stuart W. Stoloff63, Olivier Vandenplas, Giovanni Viegi, Dennis M. Williams64 
Federal University of Bahia1, McMaster University2, University of Amsterdam3, National Institutes of Health4, Charité5, Catholic University of Cordoba6, University of Genoa7, Radboud University Nijmegen8, Transilvania University of Brașov9, Ghent University10, University of Tennessee Health Science Center11, University of Naples Federico II12, Laval University13, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais14, University of Oslo15, University of Manchester16, Aarhus University17, Imperial College London18, Erasmus University Rotterdam19, George Washington University20, Seoul National University21, Medical University of Łódź22, Hai phong University Of Medicine and Pharmacy23, Université de Montréal24, Guangzhou Medical University25, University of South Florida26, University of California, San Diego27, University of California28, University of Chicago29, Monash University30, Teikyo University31, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens32, Nippon Medical School33, Sofia Medical University34, Leiden University35, Leiden University Medical Center36, University College London37, University of Manitoba38, University of Helsinki39, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health40, National University of Singapore41, Karolinska Institutet42, University of Minnesota43, Celal Bayar University44, University of Cape Town45, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University46, Tunis University47, University of Ghana48, University of Wisconsin-Madison49, University of British Columbia50, Georgia Regents University51, Vilnius University52, University of Washington53, University of Dundee54, University of Poitiers55, University of Mississippi56, Federal University of São Paulo57, German Red Cross58, Jagiellonian University Medical College59, Chiba University60, American Pharmacists Association61, University of Aberdeen62, University of Nevada, Reno63, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill64
01 Apr 2008-Allergy
TL;DR: The ARIA guidelines for the management of allergic rhinitis and asthma are similar in both the 1999 ARIA workshop report and the 2008 Update as discussed by the authors, but the GRADE approach is not yet available.
Abstract: Allergic rhinitis is a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced after allergen exposure by an IgE-mediated inflammation of the membranes lining the nose. It is a global health problem that causes major illness and disability worldwide. Over 600 million patients from all countries, all ethnic groups and of all ages suffer from allergic rhinitis. It affects social life, sleep, school and work and its economic impact is substantial. Risk factors for allergic rhinitis are well identified. Indoor and outdoor allergens as well as occupational agents cause rhinitis and other allergic diseases. The role of indoor and outdoor pollution is probably very important, but has yet to be fully understood both for the occurrence of the disease and its manifestations. In 1999, during the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) WHO workshop, the expert panel proposed a new classification for allergic rhinitis which was subdivided into 'intermittent' or 'persistent' disease. This classification is now validated. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is often quite easy, but in some cases it may cause problems and many patients are still under-diagnosed, often because they do not perceive the symptoms of rhinitis as a disease impairing their social life, school and work. The management of allergic rhinitis is well established and the ARIA expert panel based its recommendations on evidence using an extensive review of the literature available up to December 1999. The statements of evidence for the development of these guidelines followed WHO rules and were based on those of Shekelle et al. A large number of papers have been published since 2000 and are extensively reviewed in the 2008 Update using the same evidence-based system. Recommendations for the management of allergic rhinitis are similar in both the ARIA workshop report and the 2008 Update. In the future, the GRADE approach will be used, but is not yet available. Another important aspect of the ARIA guidelines was to consider co-morbidities. Both allergic rhinitis and asthma are systemic inflammatory conditions and often co-exist in the same patients. In the 2008 Update, these links have been confirmed. The ARIA document is not intended to be a standard-of-care document for individual countries. It is provided as a basis for physicians, health care professionals and organizations involved in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma in various countries to facilitate the development of relevant local standard-of-care documents for patients.

3,769 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Jan Schipper1, Jan Schipper2, Janice Chanson1, Janice Chanson2, Federica Chiozza3, Neil A. Cox2, Neil A. Cox1, Michael R. Hoffmann1, Michael R. Hoffmann2, Vineet Katariya2, John F. Lamoreux4, John F. Lamoreux2, Ana S. L. Rodrigues5, Ana S. L. Rodrigues6, Simon N. Stuart2, Simon N. Stuart1, Helen J. Temple2, Jonathan E. M. Baillie7, Luigi Boitani3, Thomas E. Lacher4, Thomas E. Lacher1, Russell A. Mittermeier, Andrew T. Smith8, Daniel Absolon, John M. Aguiar4, John M. Aguiar1, Giovanni Amori, Noura Bakkour1, Noura Bakkour9, Ricardo Baldi10, Ricardo Baldi11, Richard J. Berridge, Jon Bielby7, Jon Bielby12, Patricia Ann Black13, Julian Blanc, Thomas M. Brooks1, Thomas M. Brooks14, Thomas M. Brooks15, James Burton16, James Burton17, Thomas M. Butynski18, Gianluca Catullo, Roselle Chapman, Zoe Cokeliss7, Ben Collen7, Jim Conroy, Justin Cooke, Gustavo A. B. da Fonseca19, Gustavo A. B. da Fonseca20, Andrew E. Derocher21, Holly T. Dublin, J. W. Duckworth10, Louise H. Emmons22, Richard H. Emslie2, Marco Festa-Bianchet23, Matthew N. Foster, Sabrina Foster24, David L. Garshelis25, C. Cormack Gates26, Mariano Gimenez-Dixon, Susana González, José F. González-Maya, Tatjana C. Good27, Geoffrey Hammerson28, Philip S. Hammond29, D. C. D. Happold30, Meredith Happold30, John Hare, Richard B. Harris31, Clare E. Hawkins32, Clare E. Hawkins14, Mandy Haywood33, Lawrence R. Heaney34, Simon Hedges10, Kristofer M. Helgen22, Craig Hilton-Taylor2, Syed Ainul Hussain35, Nobuo Ishii36, Thomas Jefferson37, Richard K. B. Jenkins38, Charlotte H. Johnston8, Mark Keith39, Jonathan Kingdon40, David Knox1, Kit M. Kovacs41, Kit M. Kovacs42, Penny F. Langhammer8, Kristin Leus43, Rebecca L. Lewison44, Gabriela Lichtenstein, Lloyd F. Lowry45, Zoe Macavoy12, Georgina M. Mace12, David Mallon46, Monica Masi, Meghan W. McKnight, Rodrigo A. Medellín47, Patricia Medici48, G. Mills, Patricia D. Moehlman, Sanjay Molur, Arturo Mora2, Kristin Nowell, John F. Oates49, Wanda Olech, William R.L. Oliver, Monik Oprea22, Bruce D. Patterson34, William F. Perrin37, Beth Polidoro2, Caroline M. Pollock2, Abigail Powel50, Yelizaveta Protas9, Paul A. Racey38, Jim Ragle2, Pavithra Ramani24, Galen B. Rathbun51, Randall R. Reeves, Stephen B. Reilly37, John E. Reynolds52, Carlo Rondinini3, Ruth Grace Rosell-Ambal1, Monica Rulli, Anthony B. Rylands, Simona Savini, Cody J. Schank24, Wes Sechrest24, Caryn Self-Sullivan, Alan Shoemaker2, Claudio Sillero-Zubiri40, Naamal De Silva, David E. Smith24, Chelmala Srinivasulu53, P. J. Stephenson, Nico van Strien54, Bibhab Kumar Talukdar55, Barbara L. Taylor37, Rob Timmins, Diego G. Tirira, Marcelo F. Tognelli11, Marcelo F. Tognelli56, Katerina Tsytsulina, Liza M. Veiga57, Jean-Christophe Vié2, Elizabeth A. Williamson58, Sarah A. Wyatt, Yan Xie, Bruce E. Young28 
Conservation International1, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources2, Sapienza University of Rome3, Texas A&M University4, University of Cambridge5, Instituto Superior Técnico6, Zoological Society of London7, Arizona State University8, Columbia University9, Wildlife Conservation Society10, National Scientific and Technical Research Council11, Imperial College London12, National University of Tucumán13, University of Tasmania14, University of the Philippines Los Baños15, University of Edinburgh16, Earthwatch Institute17, Drexel University18, Global Environment Facility19, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais20, University of Alberta21, Smithsonian Institution22, Université de Sherbrooke23, University of Virginia24, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources25, University of Calgary26, James Cook University27, NatureServe28, University of St Andrews29, Australian National University30, University of Montana31, General Post Office32, University of Otago33, Field Museum of Natural History34, Wildlife Institute of India35, Tokyo Woman's Christian University36, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration37, University of Aberdeen38, University of the Witwatersrand39, University of Oxford40, University Centre in Svalbard41, Norwegian Polar Institute42, Copenhagen Zoo43, San Diego State University44, University of Alaska Fairbanks45, Manchester Metropolitan University46, National Autonomous University of Mexico47, University of Kent48, City University of New York49, Victoria University of Wellington50, California Academy of Sciences51, Mote Marine Laboratory52, Osmania University53, White Oak Conservation54, Aaranyak55, University of California, Davis56, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi57, University of Stirling58
10 Oct 2008-Science
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status and distribution of the world's mammals, including marine mammals, using data collected by 1700+ experts, covering all 5487 species.
Abstract: Knowledge of mammalian diversity is still surprisingly disparate, both regionally and taxonomically. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status and distribution of the world's mammals. Data, compiled by 1700+ experts, cover all 5487 species, including marine mammals. Global macroecological patterns are very different for land and marine species but suggest common mechanisms driving diversity and endemism across systems. Compared with land species, threat levels are higher among marine mammals, driven by different processes (accidental mortality and pollution, rather than habitat loss), and are spatially distinct (peaking in northern oceans, rather than in Southeast Asia). Marine mammals are also disproportionately poorly known. These data are made freely available to support further scientific developments and conservation action.

1,383 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels with different degree of hydrolysis (DH) were prepared by chemical crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GA).

1,226 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze the use of saturation sampling as a methodological concept, frequently employed in descriptions of qualitative studies in various areas of knowledge, particularly in the field of health care, and discuss and confront the following topics: definition of sampling closure by theoretical saturation, difficulties in the acceptance and operationalization of intentional samples, adequate size of the intentional sample, the significance of valuing what is repeated or the differences contained in the sample reports, inadequate uses of expressions containing the term saturation, and finally possible metaphors for understanding the concept.
Abstract: The transparency and clarity of research reports, emphasizing the data collection stage, are considered important parameters for evaluating the scientific rigor of qualitative studies. The current paper aims to analyze the use of saturation sampling as a methodological concept, frequently employed in descriptions of qualitative studies in various areas of knowledge, particularly in the field of health care. We discuss and confront the following topics: definition of sampling closure by theoretical saturation; difficulties in the acceptance and operationalization of intentional samples (with examples), adequate size of the intentional sample, the significance of valuing what is repeated or the differences contained in the sample reports, inadequate uses of expressions containing the term saturation, and finally possible metaphors for understanding the concept.

1,146 citations


Book ChapterDOI
TL;DR: This process has been simplified morphologically by recognizing cellular associations or 'stages' and 'phases' of spermatogenesis, which progress through precisely timed and highly organized cycles.
Abstract: Spermatogenesis is a complex biological process of cellular transformation that produces male haploid germ cells from diploid spermatogonial stem cells. This process has been simplified morphologically by recognizing cellular associations or ‘stages’ and ‘phases’ of spermatogenesis, which progress through precisely timed and highly organized cycles. These cycles of spermatogenesis are essential for continuous sperm production, which is dependent upon numerous factors, both intrinsic (Sertoli and germ cells) and extrinsic (androgens, retinoic acids), as well as being species-specific.

649 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper surveys each of the localization techniques that can be used to localize vehicles and examines how these localization techniques can be combined using Data Fusion techniques to provide the robust localization system required by most critical safety applications in VANets.

639 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Several important trends could prevent a near-term forest dieback as fire-sensitive investments accumulate in the landscape, property holders use less fire and invest more in fire control, and emerging carbon market incentives for reductions in deforestation could support these trends.
Abstract: Some model experiments predict a large-scale substitution of Amazon forest by savannah-like vegetation by the end of the twenty-first century. Expanding global demands for biofuels and grains, positive feedbacks in the Amazon forest fire regime and drought may drive a faster process of forest degradation that could lead to a near-term forest dieback. Rising worldwide demands for biofuel and meat are creating powerful new incentives for agro-industrial expansion into Amazon forest regions. Forest fires, drought and logging increase susceptibility to further burning while deforestation and smoke can inhibit rainfall, exacerbating fire risk. If sea surface temperature anomalies (such as

614 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The developed models proved to accurately represent the PLLs under real test conditions and are presented, providing a refined method for performance evaluation and comparison.
Abstract: In this paper, the performance assessment of three software single-phase phase-locked loop (PLL) algorithms is carried out by means of dynamic analysis and experimental results. Several line disturbances such as phase-angle jump, voltage sag, frequency step, and harmonics are generated by a DSP together with a D/A converter and applied to each PLL. The actual minus the estimated phase-angle values are displayed, providing a refined method for performance evaluation and comparison. Guidelines for parameters adjustments are also presented. In addition, practical implementation issues such as computational delay effects, ride-through, and computational load are addressed. The developed models proved to accurately represent the PLLs under real test conditions.

449 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated here that, in the presence of Ag, IL-33 induces IL-5-producing T cells and promotes airway inflammation independent of IL-4.
Abstract: Type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) play a pivotal role in helminthic infection and allergic disorders. CD4+ T cells which produce type 2 cytokines can be generated via IL-4-dependent and -independent pathways. Although the IL-4-dependent pathway is well documented, factors that drive IL-4-independent Th2 cell differentiation remain obscure. We report here that the new cytokine IL-33, in the presence of Ag, polarizes murine and human naive CD4+ T cells into a population of T cells which produce mainly IL-5 but not IL-4. This polarization requires IL-1R-related molecule and MyD88 but not IL-4 or STAT6. The IL-33-induced T cell differentiation is also dependent on the phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB but not the induction of GATA3 or T-bet. In vivo, ST2−/− mice developed attenuated airway inflammation and IL-5 production in a murine model of asthma. Conversely, IL-33 administration induced the IL-5-producing T cells and exacerbated allergen-induced airway inflammation in wild-type as well as IL-4−/− mice. Finally, adoptive transfer of IL-33-polarized IL-5+IL-4−T cells triggered airway inflammation in naive IL-4−/− mice. Thus, we demonstrate here that, in the presence of Ag, IL-33 induces IL-5-producing T cells and promotes airway inflammation independent of IL-4.

431 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review will focus on the recent findings related to the ACE2–Ang(1–7)–Mas axis and, in particular, on its putative role as an ACE–Ang II–AT1 receptor counter‐regulatory axis within the RAS.
Abstract: In the past few years, the classical concept of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has experienced substantial conceptual changes. The identification of: the renin/prorenin receptor; the angiotensin-converting enzyme homologue, ACE2, as an angiotensin peptide-processing enzyme and a virus receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome, the Mas as a receptor for angiotensin (1-7) [Ang(1-7)], and the possibility of signaling through ACE have contributed to switch our understanding of the RAS from the classical limited-proteolysis linear cascade to a cascade with multiple mediators, multiple receptors and multifunctional enzymes. With regard to Ang(1-7), the identification of ACE2 and of Mas as a receptor implicated in its actions contributed to decisively establish this heptapeptide as a biologically active member of the RAS cascade. In this review, we will focus on the recent findings related to the ACE2-Ang(1-7)-Mas axis and, in particular, on its putative role as an ACE-Ang II-AT(1) receptor counter-regulatory axis within the RAS.

415 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There is strong evidence that dependence on natural resources intensifies when households lose human and social capital through adult morbidity and mortality, and qualified evidence for the influence of environmental factors on household decision-making regarding fertility and migration.
Abstract: This paper reviews and synthesizes findings from scholarly work on linkages among rural household demographics, livelihoods and the environment. Using the livelihood approach as an organizing framework, we examine evidence on the multiple pathways linking environmental variables and the following demographic variables: fertility, migration, morbidity and mortality, and lifecycles. Although the review draws on studies from the entire developing world, we find the majority of microlevel studies have been conducted in either marginal (mountainous or arid) or frontier environments, especially Amazonia. Though the linkages are mediated by many complex and often context-specific factors, there is strong evidence that dependence on natural resources intensifies when households lose human and social capital through adult morbidity and mortality, and qualified evidence for the influence of environmental factors on household decision-making regarding fertility and migration. Two decades of research on lifecycles and land cover change at the farm level have yielded a number of insights about how households make use of different land-use and natural resource management strategies at different stages. A thread running throughout the review is the importance of managing risk through livelihood diversification, ensuring future income security, and culture-specific norms regarding appropriate and desirable activities and demographic responses. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Feb 2008-Carbon
TL;DR: In this article, the analysis of the G′ band profile in the Raman spectra of nanographites with different degrees of stacking order is presented, and the relative volumes of 3D and 2D graphite phases present in the samples can be estimated from their Raman Spectra.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of process parameters on delamination during high-speed drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite are evaluated by considering cutting speed, feed rate and point angle as affecting process parameters.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although the existence of salmon bias is confirmed, it is of too small a magnitude to be a primary explanation for the lower mortality of Hispanic than non-hispanic (NH)-White primary social security beneficiaries.
Abstract: A great deal of research has focused on factors that may contribute to the Hispanic mortality paradox in the United States. In this paper, we examine the role of the salmon bias hypothesis—the selective return of less-healthy Hispanics to their country of birth—on mortality at ages 65 and above. These analyses are based on data drawn from the Master Beneficiary Record and NUMIDENT data files of the Social Security Administration. These data provide the first direct evidence regarding the effect of salmon bias on the Hispanic mortality advantage. Although we confirm the existence of salmon bias, it is of too small a magnitude to be a primary explanation for the lower mortality of Hispanic than non-hispanic (NH)-White primary social security beneficiaries. Longitudinal surveys that follow individuals in and out of the United States are needed to further explore the role of migration in the health and mortality of foreign-born US residents and factors that contribute to the Hispanic mortality paradox.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The experimental data obtained in the present study demonstrated coffee husks to be suitable candidates for use as biosorbents in the removal of cationic dyes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a new and highly active heterogeneous Fenton system based on iron metal and magnetite Fe 0 /Fe 3 O 4 composites has been prepared by controlled reduction of iron oxides.
Abstract: In this work, a new and highly active heterogeneous Fenton system based on iron metal and magnetite Fe 0 /Fe 3 O 4 composites has been prepared by controlled reduction of iron oxides. Temperature-programmed reduction experiments with H 2 showed that iron oxides, i.e. Fe 2 O 3 , FeOOH and Fe 3 O 4 , can be reduced to produce highly reactive Fe 0 /Fe 3 O 4 composites with different metal to oxide ratios as determined by Mossbauer spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Mossbauer measurements revealed that these composites are reactive towards gas phase molecules and can be oxidized rapidly by O 2 even at room temperature. The composites showed also very high activity for the Fenton chemistry, i.e. the oxidation of an organic model contaminant, the dye methylene blue, and the H 2 O 2 decomposition. The best results were obtained with the composites with 47% Fe 0 obtained by reduction of Fe 3 O 4 with H 2 at 400 °C for 2 h, which produced a very rapid discoloration with total organic carbon (TOC) removal of 75% after 2 h reaction. Conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) measurements before and after H 2 O 2 reaction showed that Fe 3 O 4 and especially Fe 0 are oxidized during the reaction. The reaction mechanism is discussed in terms of the formation of HO radicals by a Haber–Weiss initiated by an efficient electron transfer from the composite Fe 0 /Fe 3 O 4 to H 2 O 2 . The higher activity of the composites compared to the pure Fe 0 and iron oxides has been explained by two possible effects, i.e. (i) a thermodynamically favorable electron transfer from Fe 0 to Fe 3 O 4 producing Fe 2+ magnetite active for the reaction and (ii) by the formation of very reactive small particle size Fe 0 and Fe 3 O 4 .

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The preparation of new chelating material from mercerized cellulose with succinic anhydride and adsorption capacity of cells 5 and 6 for Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions in an aqueous single metal solution is described.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider concurrently simple short-term storage, mental speed, updating, and the control of attention along with working memory and intelligence measures, across three separate studies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a multilayer feed forward ANN architecture, trained using error-back propagation training algorithm (EBPTA), is employed for the analysis of delamination behavior as a function of drilling process parameters.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Dec 2008
TL;DR: This work uses the location optimization framework in with three significant extensions, allowing for finite size robots which enables implementation on real robotic systems and extending the previous work allowing for deployment in non convex environments.
Abstract: We address the problem of covering an environment with robots equipped with sensors. The robots are heterogeneous in that the sensor footprints are different. Our work uses the location optimization framework in with three significant extensions. First, we consider robots with different sensor footprints, allowing, for example, aerial and ground vehicles to collaborate. We allow for finite size robots which enables implementation on real robotic systems. Lastly, we extend the previous work allowing for deployment in non convex environments.

Journal ArticleDOI
15 Oct 2008-Spine
TL;DR: The results from this study demonstrate that the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the RMDQ, the FRI and the PSFS have similar clinimetric properties to each other and to the original English versions.
Abstract: Study design Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and clinimetric testing of self-report outcome measures. Objective The aims of this investigation were to perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) into Brazilian-Portuguese and to perform a head-to-head comparison of the clinimetric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the PSFS, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Functional Rating Index (FRI). Summary of background data To date, there is no Brazilian-Portuguese version of the PSFS available and no head-to-head comparison of the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the PSFS, RMDQ, and FRI has been undertaken. Methods The PSFS was translated and adapted into Brazilian-Portuguese. The PSFS, the RMDQ, and the FRI were administered to 99 patients with low back pain to evaluate internal consistency, reproducibility, ceiling and floor effects, construct validity, internal and external responsiveness. To fully test the construct validity and external responsiveness of these measures, it was necessary to cross-culturally adapt the Pain Numerical Rating Scale and the Global Perceived Effect Scale. Results All measures demonstrated high levels of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha range = 0.88-0.90) and reproducibility (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient 2,1 range = 0.85-0.94). High correlations among the disability-related measures were observed (Pearson's r ranging from 0.51 to 0.71). No ceiling or floor effects were detected. The PSFS was consistently more responsive than the other measures in both the internal responsiveness and external responsiveness analyses. Conclusion The results from this study demonstrate that the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the RMDQ, the FRI and the PSFS have similar clinimetric properties to each other and to the original English versions. Of allthe measures tested in this study the PSFS seems the most responsive. These measures will enable international comparisons to be performed, and encourage researchers to include Portuguese speakers in their clinical trials.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The abnormal expression and subcellular localization of AIP in sporadic pituitary adenomas indicate deranged regulation of this protein during tumorigenesis.
Abstract: Context: Mutations have been identified in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene in familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA) It is not clear, however, how this molecular chaperone is involved in tumorigenesis Objective: AIP sequence changes and expression were studied in FIPA and sporadic adenomas The function of normal and mutated AIP molecules was studied on cell proliferation and protein-protein interaction Cellular and ultrastructural AIP localization was determined in pituitary cells Patients: Twenty-six FIPA kindreds and 85 sporadic pituitary adenoma patients were included in the study Results: Nine families harbored AIP mutations Overexpression of wild-type AIP in TIG3 and HEK293 human fibroblast and GH3 pituitary cell lines dramatically reduced cell proliferation, whereas mutant AIP lost this ability All the mutations led to a disruption of the protein-protein interaction between AIP and phosphodiesterase-4A5 In normal pituitary, AIP colocalizes exclusively with

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: During the inflammatory process, the migrating neutrophils participate in the cascade of events leading to mechanical hypernociception, at least by mediating the release of direct‐acting hypernOCiceptive mediators, such as PGE2.
Abstract: Neutrophil migration is responsible for tissue damage observed in inflammatory diseases. Neutrophils are also implicated in inflammatory nociception, but mechanisms of their participation have not been elucidated. In the present study, we addressed these mechanisms in the carrageenan-induced mechanical hypernociception, which was determined using a modification of the Randall-Sellito test in rats. Neutrophil accumulation into the plantar tissue was determined by the contents of myeloperoxidase activity, whereas cytokines and PGE(2) levels were measured by ELISA and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The pretreatment of rats with fucoidin (a leukocyte adhesion inhibitor) inhibited carrageenan-induced hypernociception in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Inhibition of hypernociception by fucoidin was associated with prevention of neutrophil recruitment, as it did not inhibit the hypernociception induced by the direct-acting hypernociceptive mediators, PGE(2) and dopamine, which cause hypernociception, independent of neutrophils. Fucoidin had no effect on carrageenan-induced TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (CINC-1)/CXCL1 production, suggesting that neutrophils were not the source of hypernociceptive cytokines. Conversely, hypernociception and neutrophil migration induced by TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and CINC-1/CXCL1 was inhibited by fucoidin, suggesting that neutrophils are involved in the production of direct-acting hypernociceptive mediators. Indeed, neutrophils stimulated in vitro with IL-1beta produced PGE(2), and IL-1beta-induced PGE(2) production in the rat paw was inhibited by the pretreatment with fucoidin. In conclusion, during the inflammatory process, the migrating neutrophils participate in the cascade of events leading to mechanical hypernociception, at least by mediating the release of direct-acting hypernociceptive mediators, such as PGE(2). Therefore, the blockade of neutrophil migration could be a target to development of new analgesic drugs.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A comparison of the maximum sorption capacity of several untreated biomaterial-based residues showed that coffee husks are suitable candidates for use as biosorbents in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The effects of a single defect on electrons and phonons in single-wall carbon nanotubes are characterized experimentally and the relation between atomic response and the readily accessible macroscopic behaviour is captured.
Abstract: Owing to their influence on electrons and phonons, defects can significantly alter electrical conductance, and optical, mechanical and thermal properties of a material. Thus, understanding and control of defects, including dopants in low-dimensional systems, hold great promise for engineered materials and nanoscale devices. Here, we characterize experimentally the effects of a single defect on electrons and phonons in single-wall carbon nanotubes. The effects demonstrated here are unusual in that they are not caused by defect-induced symmetry breaking. Electrons and phonons are strongly coupled in sp2 carbon systems, and a defect causes renormalization of electron and phonon energies. We find that near a negatively charged defect, the electron velocity is increased, which in turn influences lattice vibrations locally. Combining measurements on nanotube ensembles and on single nanotubes, we capture the relation between atomic response and the readily accessible macroscopic behaviour. Defects can significantly alter the physical properties of materials. A detailed experimental analysis of defects in carbon nanotubes enables the relationship between the atomic response and the broadly available macrosopic behaviour to be captured.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a comparison between the conventional (Fd) and adjusted (Fda) delamination factor is presented, and the experimental results indicate that the use of HSM is suitable for drilling GFRP ensuring low damage levels.
Abstract: High speed machining (HSM) is an outstanding technology capable of improving productivity and lowering production costs in manufacturing companies. Drilling is probably the machining process most widely applied to composite materials; nevertheless, the damage induced by this operation may reduce drastically the component performance. This work employs HSM to realize high performance drilling of glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) with reduced damage. In order to establish the damage level, digital analysis is used to assess delamination. A comparison between the conventional (Fd) and adjusted (Fda) delamination factor is presented. The experimental results indicate that the use of HSM is suitable for drilling GFRP ensuring low damage levels.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of the cutting tool geometry and material on the thrust force and delamination produced when drilling a glass fibre reinforced epoxy composite was investigated, and the results indicated that lower thrust force was observed using drill EDP27199, whereas drill A1167A gave highest thrust force values.

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TL;DR: This work introduces a simulation experiment on intra‐urban land‐use change in which a supervised back‐propagation neural network has been employed in the parameterization of several biophysical and infrastructure variables considered in the simulation model.
Abstract: Empirical models designed to simulate and predict urban land-use change in real situations are generally based on the utilization of statistical techniques to compute the land-use change probabilities. In contrast to these methods, artificial neural networks arise as an alternative to assess such probabilities by means of non-parametric approaches. This work introduces a simulation experiment on intra-urban land-use change in which a supervised back-propagation neural network has been employed in the parameterization of several biophysical and infrastructure variables considered in the simulation model. The spatial land-use transition probabilities estimated thereof feed a cellular automaton (CA) simulation model, based on stochastic transition rules. The model has been tested in a medium-sized town in the Midwest of Sao Paulo State, Piracicaba. A series of simulation outputs for the case study town in the period 1985-1999 were generated, and statistical validation tests were then conducted for the best results, based on fuzzy similarity measures.

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TL;DR: Curcumin dramatically inhibited the adhesion of Candida species isolated from AIDS patients to BEC, demonstrating that curcumin is a promising lead compound that warrants further investigation into its therapeutical use in immunocompromised patients.
Abstract: Received 19 August 2008; returned 21 October 2008; revised 28 October 2008; accepted 5 November 2008Objectives: The antifungal activity of curcumin was evaluated against 23 fungi strains and its in vitroinhibitory effect on the adhesion of Candida species to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC) was alsoinvestigated.Methods: The antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by broth microdilution assay following the CLSI(formerly the NCCLS) guidelines. The inhibitory effect of curcumin on the cell adhesion was performedwith Candida species and BEC.Results: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates were the most susceptible to curcumin while thegrowth of Aspergillus isolates was not affected. Curcumin was much more efficient than fluconazole ininhibiting the adhesion of Candida species to BEC, particularly those strains isolated from the buccalmucosa of AIDS patients.Conclusions: The lack of antifungal compounds with reduced side effects highlights the importance ofstudying natural products for this purpose. Curcumin was a more potent antifungal than fluconazoleagainst P. brasiliensis, the causal agent of the neglected disease paracoccidioidomycosis. Curcumindramatically inhibited the adhesion of Candida species isolated from AIDS patients to BEC, demon-strating that curcumin is a promising lead compound that warrants further investigation into its thera-peutical use in immunocompromised patients.Keywords: antifungal activity, adhesion, MIC, natural products

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01 Feb 2008-Diabetes
TL;DR: These results show that Mas deficiency in FVB/N mice leads to dramatic changes in glucose and lipid metabolisms, inducing a metabolic syndrome–like state.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the variable coexistence of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. It is well known that angiotensin (Ang) II is importantly involved in the metabolic syndrome. However, the role of the vasodilator Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic deletion of the G protein-coupled receptor, Mas, in the lipidic and glycemic metabolism in FVB/N mice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma lipid, insulin, and cytokine concentrations were measured in FVB/N Mas-deficient and wild-type mice. A glucose tolerance test was performed by intraperitoneally injecting d-glucose into overnight-fasted mice. An insulin sensitivity test was performed by intraperitoneal injection of insulin. Uptake of 2-deoxy-[(3)H]glucose by adipocytes was used to determine the rate of glucose transport; adipose tissue GLUT4 was quantified by Western blot. Gene expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, type 1 Ang II receptor, and angiotensinogen (AGT) were measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Despite normal body weight, Mas-knockout (Mas-KO) mice presented dyslipidemia, increased levels of insulin and leptin, and an approximately 50% increase in abdominal fat mass. In addition, Mas gene-deleted mice presented glucose intolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity as well as a decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by adipocytes and decreased GLUT4 in adipose tissue. Mas(-/-) presented increased muscle triglycerides, while liver triglyceride levels were normal. Expression of TGF-beta and AGT genes was higher in Mas-KO animals in comparison with controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that Mas deficiency in FVB/N mice leads to dramatic changes in glucose and lipid metabolisms, inducing a metabolic syndrome-like state.