bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da densidade mineral óssea em adolescentes do sexo feminino com transtorno alimentar
Authors: Silva Mariana Moraes Xavier da , Damiani Durval , Cominato Louise
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) lombar em meninas com transtorno alimentar no diagnóstico e após seis meses e um ano de tratamento. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com 35 adolescentes do sexo feminino, portadoras de AN ou TANE acompanhadas por um ano. A densitometria óssea (DO) da coluna lombar L1-L4 pelo método de absorciometria com raios X de dupla energia (DXA) foi realizada no início, após seis meses e um ano de tratamento. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento do peso, da altura e do índice de massa corporal (IMC), progressão da idade óssea (p < 0,001), e 70% das adolescentes com amenorreia secundária restabeleceram os ciclos menstruais. No entanto, não houve diferença significativa do escore Z da DO lombar ao longo de um ano (p = 0,76). CONCLUSÃO: A recuperação da DMO não ocorre ao mesmo tempo em que a restauração do eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário-gonadal.
Diabetes: hora de rever as metas?
Authors: Diehl Leandro Arthur
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se a meta de A1c da Sociedade Brasileira de Diabetes (SBD) é compatível com as metas de glicemia propostas pelas mesmas diretrizes. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Um simulador computadorizado online (AIDA) foi usado para simular um paciente hipotético com os valores de glicemia iguais aos alvos propostos pela SBD. A glicemia média foi calculada a partir dos valores gerados pelo simulador e convertida para o valor correspondente de A1c usando-se a calculadora online da American Diabetes Association (ADA). Outros perfis, com diferentes níveis de glicemia, também foram simulados, para avaliar qual o valor de A1c correspondente a cada um dos perfis. RESULTADOS: Os valores de glicemia de jejum < 100 mg/dL, pré-prandiais < 110 mg/dL e pós-prandiais < 140 mg/dL, recomendados pela SBD, geraram glicemia média de 123 mg/dL, que correspondeu a A1c estimada de 5,9%, muito abaixo da meta de 7% proposta pela SBD, mostrando incompatibilidade entre as metas de glicemia e A1c sugeridas nessa diretriz. Esse valor de A1c se associa a aumento do risco de morte em pacientes de alto risco. CONCLUSÕES: Além de recomendar valores diferenciados de A1c para diferentes tipos de paciente, a SBD também deveria discutir a adoção de metas diferenciadas de glicemia que fossem compatíveis com os níveis de A1c propostos, tornando mais claros os alvos de tratamento.
Mild adrenal insufficiency due to a NROB1 (DAX1) gene mutation in a boy presenting an association of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, reduced final height and attention deficit disorder
Authors: Calliari Luis Eduardo P. , Rocha Mylene N. , Monte Osmar , Longui Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2013

Mutation on NROB1 (DAX1) gene can cause different phenotypes of adrenal insufficiency in infancy. Long-term evolution of these patients shows that it is possible to have an association with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In this article we describe the evolution of a patient with NROB1 gene mutation, diagnosed with a mild form of adrenal insufficiency, and we highlight the presence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and short stature, besides the presence of attention deficit disorder. Such associations should make physicians aware during the follow-up of patients with this disease.
An intrasellar germinoma with normal tumor marker concentrations mimicking primary lymphocytic hypophysitis
Authors: Guzzo Mariana F. , Bueno Cristina B. Formiga , Amancio Thiago T. , Rosemberg Sergio , Bueno Cleonice , Arioli Edson L. , Glezer Andrea , Bronstein Marcello D.
Published: November 2013

Intracranial germinomas (GE) are malignant neoplasms most commonly found in the suprasellar region, which may cause anterior and particularly posterior pituitary hormone deficits with central diabetes insipidus (DI). Differential diagnosis of pituitary stalk thickening includes granulomatous, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic lesions. Although careful analysis of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings may facilitate the diagnosis, transsphenoidal biopsy is indicated to confirm the disease, as the correct diagnosis directs the appropriate treatment.
Efeito da concentração de sacarose na germinação in vitro do pólen de cinco acessos de bacurizeiro (Platonia insignis MART.)
Authors: Souza Valdomiro Aurélio Barbosa de , Vale Ellen de Moura , Gomes Sulimary Oliveira , Costa Maria do Perpetuo Socorro Damasceno , Guimarães Alane Rosane Castro
Published: November 2013

O bacurizeiro é uma das espécies fruteiras nativas de maior importância socioeconômica das regiões Norte e Meio-Norte do Brasil. No entanto, ainda há carência de conhecimentos científicos sobre a espécie, especialmente sobre sua biologia floral, mecanismos reprodutivos e viabilidade do pólen. O conhecimento sobre a viabilidade do pólen é fundamental para o melhoramento genético, especialmente quando se tem em mente a realização de hibridizações controladas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da sacarose e de acessos na viabilidade do pólen de bacurizeiro por meio da germinação in vitro. Avaliaram-se cinco acessos (BGB 6, BGB 11, BGB 48, BGB 32 e BGB 16) de bacurizeiro combinados com um tratamento-controle, sem sacarose, e quatro concentrações de sacarose (5; 7,5; 10 e 20%), em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 5 x 5, com oito repetições. Na maioria dos acessos, a germinação in vitro do pólen atingiu um máximo (71,1 e 63,0%) entre as concentrações de sacarose de 9,4 e 9,7% e, a partir daí, caiu de forma drástica até atingir um percentual inferior a 10% de germinação na concentração de 20% de sacarose. Foram encontrados bons percentuais de germinação (entre 63,0 e 77,1%) para todos os acessos, com exceção do acesso BGB 16, que não alcançou 50%.
Caracterização biométrica e respostas fisiológicas de diásporos de murucizeiro a tratamentos para superação da dormência
Authors: Carvalho José Edmar Urano de , Nascimento Walnice Maria Oliveira do
Published: November 2013

Diásporos (pirênios) de Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) H.B.K., dos clones Cristo, Santarém 2 e Tocantins 1, do Banco de Germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, foram caracterizados e submetidos a tratamentos pré-germinativos com o objetivo de aumentar a porcentagem e acelerar a germinação das sementes. Na caracterização, foram considerados os seguintes aspectos: massa, comprimento, largura, número de sementes e de lóculos por pirênio e espessura do endocarpo. Os tratamentos para superação da dormência consistiram em: a) pré-embebição dos pirênios em solução de ácido giberélico (500 mg L-1); b) pré-embebição em água seguida de fratura no endocarpo, e c) pré-embebição em solução de ácido giberélico com posterior fratura do endocarpo. Um tratamento-testemunha, representado por pirênios não submetidos a tratamento pré-germinativo, foi acrescentado para fins de comparação. Os pirênios dos três clones, com grande frequência, contêm mais de uma semente. A presença de pirênios desprovidos de sementes foi de apenas 1% nos clones Cristo e Santarém 2 e de 4% no clone Tocantins 1. Os diásporos do clone Cristo apresentaram maior massa e maiores dimensões. Em termos de número médio de sementes por pirênio, observaram-se valores semelhante nos clones Cristo (1,7) e Santarém 2 (1,8), enquanto esse valor foi menor no clone Tocantins 1 (1,3). Os três clones apresentaram endocarpo com espessura semelhante. Os tratamentos pré-germinativos proporcionaram aumentos na porcentagem de germinação e reduções no tempo médio de germinação, com respostas mais expressivas quando os pirênios foram previamente embebidos em solução de ácido giberélico ou em água e, posteriormente, submetidos à fratura do endocarpo.
Effect of GA3, KNO3, and removing of basal point of seeds on germination of sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis Juss) and yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa)
Authors: Cárdenas Julián , Carranza Carlos , Miranda Diego , Magnitskiy Stanislav
Published: November 2013

Passiflora seeds germinate erratically presenting difficulties for their handling in a greenhouse. The effect of removing of basal point of seeds (RB) and pre-imbibition of seeds of sweet granadilla and yellow passion fruit in 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg mL-1 solutions of gibberellic acid (GA3) or 0.1% KNO3 solution was studied. The experiment was conducted in greenhouses in La Plata, Colombia. Two accessions PrJ1 and PrJ2 of sweet granadilla were evaluated. There were calculated the final percentage of germination (PG), mean germination time (MGT), and the mean germination rate (MGR). The leaf area and dry mass of seedlings were measured 22 days after sowing (das); with this data, specific leaf area and relation root/shoot were calculated. In all cases, the highest germination percentages were achieved treating seeds with KNO3 (89, 92, and 87% for yellow passion fruit, PrJ2, and PrJ1, respectively), but the increase in MGR (3.3 germinated seeds per day) and the decrease in MGT (16 days) were only significant for PrJ1. RB had a significant reduction of PG in all cases (28, 12, and 33% for passion fruit, PrJ2 and PrJ1, respectively). With the increase in the concentration of GA3, PG was reduced for two accessions of sweet granadilla, for yellow passion fruit this trend was not clear, no treatment with GA3 showed significant differences with the control. Leaf area (24.07 cm2) and dry mass of seedlings (135 mg) were significantly higher than seeds previously treated with KNO3 only for PrJ1.The solution of KNO3 0,1% is recommended to improve the germination and initial growth of granadilla seedlings.
Interacionismo Simbólico e Transplante Hepático
Authors: Rasia José Miguel
Published: November 2013

Muitas são as possibilidades teórico-metodológicas oferecidas pela sociologia para a abordagem da medicina contemporânea e seu alto grau de complexidade. A escolha do interacionismo simbólico para a análise do transplante hepático deve-se ao fato de se abordar, neste artigo, questões que têm importância central para autores como Goffman e Strauss. As observações realizadas com e Equipe de Transplante Hepático com os indivíduos doentes hepáticos crônicos à espera para transplante e os transplantados constituem o objeto da discussão. Abordam-se aqui questões relacionadas à linguagem, ao status e à identidade dos doentes e transplantados. A pesquisa foi realizada no Serviço de Transplante Hepático (STH-HC) do Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR.
A polícia corrupta e violenta: os dilemas civilizatórios nas práticas policiais
Authors: Pinheiro Antonio dos Santos
Published: November 2013

No Brasil, a transição do estado de exceção para o estado democrático de direito contribuiu para mudanças significativas na concepção de policiamento. Entre outras mudanças, destacam-se: o controle externo da Corregedoria de polícia na investigação e punição aos "maus policiais"; a participação das polícias e da população nos conselhos comunitários, em busca de melhorias para os problemas relacionados à segurança; a preocupação, por parte dos policiais com um tratamento diferenciado aos cidadãos nas abordagens e aos que procuram as delegacias para prestarem queixas; o investimento na formação intelectual nas Academias de Polícias; as exigências para que o governo brasileiro obedeça aos acordos internacionais que estabelecem o fim da tortura como método de investigação. Esse processo encontrou, porém, alguns obstáculos e resistências. Neste artigo, resultado de uma pesquisa realizada entre os anos de 1999 e 2007, na Corregedoria Unificada de Polícias, em Fortaleza/Ceará, apresento algumas denúncias envolvendo policiais militares e civis em atos criminosos tipificados como transgressões disciplinares. Como conclusão da pesquisa, argumento que, por conta da ausência de diálogo e de regras pacíficas entre policiais e civis, a violência policial tem comprometido as expectativas do processo civilizador, que se exerce pelo fortalecimento do monopólio legítimo sobre o uso da força física.
Servidor republicano: política nos "textos menores" de Maquiavel
Authors: Mettenheim Kurt
Published: November 2013

Este artigo analisa vinte e quatro textos menores de Maquiavel sobre a política, a maioria escrita durante seu serviço público na Chancelaria florentina. Esses textos são exemplos de ciência política aplicada e de propostas e estratégias em políticas públicas. Considerados em conjunto, eles oferecem novas oportunidades de pesquisa e perspectivas diferentes sobre a ciência política e o republicanismo de Maquiavel, inclusive no sentido de ajudar a resolver ambiguidades em suas obras principais, cujos propósitos e posições políticas ainda são objeto de debate e reavaliação. A discussão de cada um desses textos menores sobre a política com base em estudos recentes e sua colocação no contexto da política florentina doméstica e internacional sugere que o realismo de Maquiavel é temperado por um valor forte de republicanismo e de liberdade, interna e externa. Essas características do pensamento político de Maquiavel nem sempre são claras no Príncipe nem nos Discursos ou em outras grandes obras políticas e literárias que não eram resultado do serviço público de Maquiavel à república florentina.
Atrazine in a corn cultivated area and its relation with the landscape position
Authors: Aquino Regimeire Freitas , Lima José Maria de , Magalhães Ciro Augusto de Souza , Silva Bruno Montoani , Carvalho Renato Fráguas de , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães
Published: November 2013

Atrazine is still being used in no-till corn production in Brazil. This herbicide can be moved by overland flow and leached in the soil profile. In both ways, it can pollute water, either by reaching the groundwater or lakes and streams close to the crop field. This study evaluated the presence of atrazine in a dystrophic Yellow-Red Argisol and a dystrophic Melanic Gleisol in a corn field, where atrazine has been applied for 11 years. Overland flow was the main process of atrazine transport on hillslope and leaching was the most important process in the floodplain. Frequency and location of atrazine application in the landscape define this herbicide contamination process.
Relationship between chemical components, bacterial adherence and in vitro fermentation of tropical forage legumes
Authors: Fluck Ana Carolina , Kozloski Gilberto Vilmar , Martins Andressa Ana , Mezzomo Mariana Patricia , Zanferari Filipe , Stefanello Simone
Published: November 2013

Inclusion of forage legumes in diet may improve tropical ruminant systems productivity and sustainability. However, it is not well stablished which chemical components more impact their nutritional value. The relationship between chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of tropical forage legume was evaluated with the objective of obtaining indicators of their nutritional value. Samples of Crotalaria spectabilis, Cajanus cajan, Macrotyloma axillare, Mucuna aterrina, Stylosantis sp. and Canavalia ensiformis, cut from plants at growth age between 47 to 110 days, were analysed. Total gas production showed negative correlation (P<0.05) with total N (R=-0.51), acid detergent fibre (ADF, R=-0.62) and acid detergent lignin (ADL, R=-0.65), and positive correlation with non-fibre carbohydrates (NFC, R=0.70). Gas production rate was negatively related (P<0.05) to NDF (R=-0.73), ADF (R=-0.62) and ADL (R=-0.74). Ammonia concentration in the incubation medium was positively related (P<0.05) to total (R=0.74) and soluble (R=0.56) N, and negatively related to NFC (R=-0.81). The level of bacterial adhesion on residue of incubation was negatively related (P<0.05) to cell wall components, mainly to ADL (R=-0.57). The inclusion of polyehtylene glycol increased both gas volume and gas production rate whereas decreased ammonia concentration (P<0.05). In conclusion, even at low concentrations tannins impact the in vitro fermentation of tropical legumes. However, among the analyzed chemical components, the ADL was the best indicator of the nutritional value of the tropical forage legumes.
Avaliação do grau de ansiedade dos pacientes antes de cirurgias orais menores
Authors: Medeiros Leonardo De Araujo , Ramiro Filipe Mazar Santos , Lima Carlos Alysson Aragão , Souza Liane Maciel De Almeida , Fortes Tânia Maria Vieira , Groppo Francisco Carlos
Published: November 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: Medo e ansiedade são comuns a pacientes que requerem tratamento odontológico e, em se tratando de procedimentos cirúrgicos, a ansiedade pode tornar-se um fator complicador, a partir do momento em que a alteração dos sinais vitais do paciente pode gerar situações de emergência. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de ansiedade pré-operatória dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgias orais, identificando qual procedimento cirúrgico causa mais ansiedade nos pacientes e qual o momento cirúrgico causador de maior ansiedade. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 200 pacientes que iriam se submeter a cirurgias bucais nos ambulatórios do Departamento de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Sergipe. No dia da cirurgia, os pacientes respondiam à escala EAD, tendo sido avaliadas a frequência cardíaca (FC) e a pressão arterial sanguínea (PA), considerados dados basais dos parâmetros físicos empregados para a avaliação da ansiedade pré-operatória. RESULTADO: Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes (Kruskal-Wallis, p=0,6933) entre os tratamentos em relação à ansiedade. A correlação de Spearman (rS) entre os valores obtidos para a ansiedade e os valores de pressão arterial e frequência cardíaca revelou-se fraca (rS<0,2), embora significativa (p<0,05) entre os resultados. A anestesia foi o momento que produziu maior ansiedade (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,05), em relação aos demais momentos. CONCLUSÃO: A ansiedade teve influência no aumento da frequência cardíaca e da pressão arterial sistólica, tornando-se importante o seu controle pelo cirurgião-dentista para evitar complicações no decorrer da cirurgia.
Percepções de usuários e trabalhadores de saúde sobre a implantação do acolhimento em uma unidade de saúde em Porto Alegre-RS, Brasil
Authors: Neves Matheus , Pretto Salete Maria , Ely Helenita Corrêa
Published: November 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo aborda os usos e os sentidos da ferramenta do acolhimento na organização e na redefinição dos processos de atenção em saúde bucal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção dos usuários e dos trabalhadores de saúde do Centro de Extensão Universitária da Vila Fátima (CEUVF) sobre a implantação do acolhimento no acesso ao serviço de saúde bucal, por meio de uma abordagem metodológica qualitativa. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa com amostra intencional de cinco usuários cadastrados e cinco trabalhadores de saúde do Centro de Extensão Universitária da Vila Fátima (CEUVF) - PUCRS, unidade de ensino e saúde vinculada à rede pública do município de Porto Alegre. Por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e subsequente análise de conteúdo, objetivou-se descrever e avaliar a percepção de usuários e de trabalhadores de saúde sobre o acolhimento frente a conceitos, como: acesso, universalidade, resolutividade, humanização, integralidade e reorientação do modelo de atenção. RESULTADO: A análise de implantação do acolhimento revelou entraves e dificuldades relatados pelos atores envolvidos neste processo. Há dificuldades em garantir o acesso universal, mesmo após a implantação do acolhimento, sendo que a resolutividade garantida por este dispositivo ainda é um ideal a ser alcançado. O acolhimento significou uma mudança na atenção à saúde prestada no CEUVF, mais humanizada e integral.
Florística e estrutura do componente arbóreo de remanescentes de Mata Atlântica do médio rio Doce, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: França Glauco Santos , Stehmann João Renato
Published: November 2013

A Mata Atlântica do médio rio Doce é considerada uma das formações vegetais mais ameaçadas de Minas Gerais, devido à intensa destruição ocorrida no passado. As florestas encontradas representam a única fonte de informação sobre a vegetação da região. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar algumas comunidades arbóreas do Parque Estadual do Rio Doce e de fragmentos do entorno quanto à estrutura, composição, similaridade florística e distribuição das espécies. Foram estudadas seis áreas usando o método de ponto quadrante. Em cada área foram amostrados 70 pontos tomando-se as medidas de circunferência (> 15 cm) e altura das árvores. No total foram identificadas 61 famílias, 195 gêneros e 373 espécies. O número de famílias variou de 30 a 36 por área de estudo e o de espécies de 80 a 101. A similaridade florística (Jaccard) entre as áreas variou de 6,3 a 24,1 %, mostrando serem as florestas bastante distintas. Houve correlação significativa (CCA) entre a distribuição de espécies e as variáveis de solo. Os índices de diversidade de Shannon (H') variaram de 3,66 a 4,10. O valor mediano dos diâmetros variou de 8,0 a 10,9 cm e o das alturas de 7,0 a 10,0 m. A heterogeneidade florística encontrada no Parque Estadual do Rio Doce e nos fragmentos do entorno refletiu o histórico de perturbações e a influência dos fatores edáficos na distribuição das espécies arbóreas no médio rio Doce.
EMDR as an Integrative Therapeutic Approach for the Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Morrissey Michelle
Published: November 2013

This case study reports the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and family therapy for a 10-year-old boy with severe separation anxiety disorder (SAD). It illustrates how the use of the standard EMDR protocol for the boy and his mother combined with family therapy, led to symptom alleviation and restored appropriate developmental functioning as evidenced by behavioral outcomes. The participant initially presented with severe anxiety about separating from his mother, several years after his parents went through a painful divorce. Treatment focused on processing the boy’s disturbing memories of past nontraumatic events in 14 EMDR sessions; his mother received 4 EMDR sessions to address her perceived marital failure and guilt about the effects of her ensuing depression on him. Eight family therapy sessions were used to help the family spend positive time together. Prior to treatment, the child had been unable to play outside, checked on his mother frequently, and could not attend activities without her. At the end of treatment, he was able to play with friends outside, ride his bike around town, engage in after school activities, and sleep over at his friends’ houses. Gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Treatment did not include instruction in parenting skills or psychoeducation for the mother, or any exposure therapy for the child.
The Impact of Childhood Mobility on Exposure to Neighborhood Socioeconomic Context Over Time
Authors: Root Elisabeth Dowling , Humphrey Jamie L.
Published: November 2013

We used the 1998–1999 Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort, with data collected in kindergarten, first, third, fifth, and eighth grades, in a descriptive analysis of associations between early childhood residential mobility frequency and neighborhood context changes. We found that children who move frequently appear initially to move into higher-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods but eventually move back to lower-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods, exposing frequent movers to diverse neighborhood contexts. These findings have implications for policy and research that seeks to link neighborhood context to health.
Increasing Hand Washing Compliance With a Simple Visual Cue
Authors: Ford Eric W. , Boyer Brian T. , Menachemi Nir , Huerta Timothy R.
Published: November 2013

We tested the efficacy of a simple, visual cue to increase hand washing with soap and water. Automated towel dispensers in 8 public bathrooms were set to present a towel either with or without activation by users. We set the 2 modes to operate alternately for 10 weeks. Wireless sensors were used to record entry into bathrooms. Towel and soap consumption rates were checked weekly. There were 97 351 hand-washing opportunities across all restrooms. Towel use was 22.6% higher (P = .05) and soap use was 13.3% higher (P = .003) when the dispenser presented the towel without user activation than when activation was required. Results showed that a visual cue can increase hand-washing compliance in public facilities.
MPH Education for the 21st Century: Design of Columbia University’s New Public Health Curriculum
Authors: Begg Melissa D. , Galea Sandro , Bayer Ronald , Walker Julia R. , Fried Linda P.
Published: November 2013

Because public health challenges are changing rapidly, over the past 3 years, we have turned a critical eye to the master of public health program at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

Under a process dubbed “curriculum renewal,” we engaged more than 170 faculty, staff, and students (and hundreds of alumni and employers of our graduates) in an initiative to develop a completely new design for master of public health education that launched in fall 2012.

We have described its design and structure and presented some preliminary evaluation data.
Conceptual and Parametric Representation of Soil Hydraulic Properties: A Review
Authors: Assouline Shmuel , Or Dani
Published: November 2013

The water retention curve (WRC) and the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF) are key ingredients in most analytical and numerical models for flow and transport in unsaturated porous media. Despite their formal derivation for a representative elementary volume (REV) of soil complex pore spaces, these two hydraulic functions are rooted in pore‐scale capillarity and viscous flows that, in turn, are invoked to provide interpretation of measurements and processes, such as linking WRC with the more difficult to measure HCF. Numerous conceptual and parametric models were proposed for the representation of processes within soil pore spaces and inferences concerning the two hydraulic functions (WRC and HCF) from surrogate variables. We review some of the primary models and highlight their physical basis, assumptions, advantages, and limitations. The first part focuses on the representation and modeling of WRC, including recent advances such as capillarity in angular pores and film adsorption and present empirical models based on easy to measure surrogate properties (pedotransfer functions). In the second part, we review the HCF and focus on widely used models that use WRC information to predict the saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. In the third part, we briefly review issues related to parameter equivalence between models, hysteresis in WRC, and effects of structural changes on hydraulic functions. Recent technological advances and monitoring networks offer opportunities for extensive hydrological information of high quality. The increase in measurement capabilities highlights the urgent need for building a hierarchy of parameters and model structures suitable for different modeling objectives and predictions across spatial scales. Additionally, the commonly assumed links between WRC and HCF must be reevaluated and involve more direct measurements of HCF. The modeling of flow and transport through structured and special porous media may require special functions and reflecting modifications in the governing equations. Finally, the impact of dynamics and transient processes at fluid interfaces on flow regimes and hydraulic properties necessitate different modeling and representation strategies beyond the present REV‐based framework.
Functional Digital Soil Mapping for the Prediction of Available Water Capacity in Nigeria using Legacy Data
Authors: Ugbaje Sabastine Ugbemuna , Reuter Hannes Isaak
Published: November 2013

Soil information, particularly water storage capacity, is of utmost importance for assessing and managing land resources for sustainable land management. We used digital soil mapping (DSM) and digital soil functional mapping (DSFM) procedures to predict available water capacity (AWC) of soils in Nigeria based on three published Pedotransfer functions (PTFs). We followed the specifications of the GlobalSoilMap.net project to produce predictions at a grid resolution of 100 m using regression tree models applied to a compiled soil point database together with auxiliary environmental predictors. Mean AWC (cm cm−1) estimates for Nigeria using methods published by Hodnett and Tomasella (PTF‐HT), Zacharias and Wessolek (PTF‐ZW), and Minasny and Hartemink (PTF‐MH) PTFs were 0.08, 0.21, and 0.12 cm cm−1 for the 0‐ to 5‐cm depth interval and 0.16, 0.08, and 0.08 for the cumulative depth (0–200 cm). The AWC estimates from the PTFs and from the literature for a number of discrete points and locations generally compared well. Comparison of AWC estimated from predicted soil properties (AWPp) against those estimated directly from profile observations (AWPd) for a number of discrete point locations showed a significant relationship only for PTF‐HT (R2 = 0.24, p < 0.05, for the 0–5 cm depth interval) and PTF‐ZW (R2 = 0.25, p < 0.05, for the cumulative depth). Soil properties predictions using remote sensing environmental covariates alone yielded similar results compared to predictions using a more extensive environmental covariate datasets. Overall, the process adopted for estimating AWC in this study shows promising results, but field measurements are still needed for validation and fine tuning of the process.
Meaning-Making and Managing Difficult Feelings: Providing Front-Line End-of-Life Care
Authors: Funk L. M. , Waskiewich S. , Stajduhar K. I.
Published: November 2013

Managing grief and difficult emotions related to end-of-life (EOL) care is an often under-recognized part of the work of resident care aides (RCAs). In this interpretive analysis we explore the shared and socially constructed ideas that 11 RCAs in 1 Canadian city employ to make sense of death and the provision of EOL care. RCAs spoke of personal challenges involved in witnessing death and experiencing loss, as well as helplessness and frustration when they could not provide quality EOL care. RCAs invoked “consoling refrains” to manage grief, including “such is life,” “they are better off,” and “they had a full life.” To manage guilt and moral distress, RCAs reminded themselves “I did my best” and “I experience rewards.” Though these ideas help RCAs, some may need to be reframed through coaching and mentorship, to prevent unintended negative effects on care or the reproduction of ageist beliefs more broadly.
Acid hydrolysis of corn stover using hydrochloric acid: Kinetic modeling and statistical optimization
Authors: Sun Yong , Yang Gang , Jia Zhi-Hua , Wen Chao , Zhang Lian
Published: November 2013

The hydrolysis of corn stover using hydrochloric acid was studied. The
kinetic parameters of the mathematical models for predicting the yields of
xylose, glucose, furfural and acetic acid were obtained, and the
corresponding xylose generation activation energy of 100 kJ/mol was
determined. The characterization of corn stover using with different
techniques during hydrolysis indicated an effective removal of xylan and the
slightly alteration on the structures of cellulose and lignin. A 23five
levels Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to develop a statistical
model for the optimization of process variables including acid
concentration, pretreatment temperature and time. The optimum conditions
determined by this model were found to be 108?C for 80 minutes with acid
concentration of 5.8%. Under these conditions, the maximised results are the
following: xylose 19.93 g/L, glucose 1.2 g/L, furfural 1.5 g/L, acetic acid
1.3 g/L. The validation of the model indicates a good agreement between the
experimental results and the predicted values.
Evolution of nano-ripples on stainless steel irradiated by picosecond laser pulses
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Wenjun , Jiang Gedong , Mei Xuesong , Wang Kedian , Wang Jiuhong , Wang Zibao
Published: November 2013

The characteristics of laser-induced periodic surface structures are investigated after laser irradiation with a pulse duration (10 ps) under a certain laser fluence (0.27 J/cm2) and pulse number (N = 50–2000). In the experiments, at the lowest number of pulses, ultrafine ripples are observed with sub-200-nm spatial periods and an orientation parallel to laser polarization direction. With the increasing pulse number, a chain of events that has been observed consists of ultrafine ripples followed by a transformation towards regular ripples with an orientation perpendicular to laser polarization direction and holes finally breaking regular ripples. Although the generation of ultrafine and regular ripples upon laser irradiation is a universal phenomenon, the origin behind the transition is discussed here to help understand the exact physical mechanism and their occurrence with their dependence on the irradiation parameters.
Surface tension generated defects in full penetration laser keyhole welding
Authors: Eriksson Ingemar , Powell John , Kaplan Alexander F. H.
Published: November 2013

During laser keyhole welding of thin plates, the melt pool is relatively wide compared to the plate thickness. Under certain conditions, an elongated keyhole can be created and a permanent hole is sometimes left in the weld seam. The generation of such holes is determined by surface tension effects in the melt which can generate a self-sustaining geometry at the rear of the melt pool. The geometry of the shape is known as a catenoid and has clear geometrical limits.
Fractures of the tibia shaft treated with locked intramedullary nail
Authors: Șerban Al. , Botnaru V. , Turcu R., , Obadă B. , Anderlik St.
Published: November 2013

Background: The gold standard treatment for complex fractures of tibial shaft is the reamed interlocking intramedullary nail. There has been some controversies about dynamization of statically locked nail, and some authors recommend routine dynamization for promotion of healing. This study evaluates the treatment of complex fractures of tibia shaft with static and dynamic interlocking intramedullary nail method.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we studied 100 patients treated in Clinical Emergency Hospital Constanta between April 2012 - July 2013 diagnosed with tibia and fibula shaft fractures. They were treated by external fixation, and intramedullary nail. The intramedullary nail was blocked distally static or dynamic.

Results: All patients achieved union during 12-18 weeks. The need of dynamization was required at 23 patients after 10 weeks from osteosynthesis.

No significant complication was observed in our patients. Alignment of tibial fracture was perfect in all patients without any shortening and rotation.

Conclusion: Locked intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for fractures of the tibial shaft.
Introduction to Prediction of Operational Efficiency for a Selected Type of a Military Aircraft / Wprowadzenie Do Prognozy Skuteczności Działania Wybranego Typu Wojskowego Statku Powietrznego
Authors: Henryk Tomaszek , Ryszard Kaleta , Mariusz Zieja
Published: November 2013

The study reveals the general outline for a method of determining the operational efficiency of a military aircraft with respect to destruction of targets held by a potential enemy. The method consists in determination of selected probability factors that define the efficiency of an aircraft’s operation on a potential battlefield. The paper is focused on finding a formula for the mathematical expectation for the number of enemy targets that can be eliminated, where the analytical relationships is determined by means of difference equation that is subsequently transformed into the Fokker-Planck partial differential equation. The solution of that equation represents the function of probable density for the number of destroyable targets. When the function is known it can be then used to determine the efficiency factor related to the optimum (most desired) number of enemy targets that are destroyed. For these probabilities the denominator values are equal to one or the optimum values. The efficiency factor, determined in such a way, seems to be useful for determination of the operational potential demonstrated by a military aircraft.
The Incidence of Anemia in the Adult Working Population of Vojvodina
Authors: Kolarović Jovanka , Ćulafić Jelena , Čabarkapa Velibor , Vučković Nada , Vučković Dejan , Bodroža-Solarov Marija
Published: November 2013

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem of endemic proportions, especially in women, and with serious health consequences. Anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria as hemoglobin concentration <130 g/L for men and <120 g/L for women. The incidence of anemia varies between regions, so the aim of the study was to determine the incidence of anemia in a randomly selected sample of adult working individuals of both sexes, in Vojvodina.

Methods: The study included a total of 6087 subjects (4658 men and 1429 non-pregnant women) aged 18-65 years who presented for a regular checkup at the Public Health Institute of Vojvodina. Blood specimen collection was performed by antecubital venipuncture in all subjects.

Results: The results showed that the incidence of anemia in adults in Vojvodina was 7.7%, and it was more frequent in women (20%) than in men (3.86%). The most frequent was normocytic anemia, whereas microcytic anemia was less prevalent. Macrocytic anemia was found in only 3.3% of subjects, exclusively in women. The greatest proportion of anemic subjects, regardless of sex, had hemoglobin levels that indicated mild anemia (Hb 100-119 g/L for women, and 100-129 g/L for men). Only 4% of men and 12% of women had Hb levels that indicated the presence of moderate or severe anemia (≤100 g/L).

Conclusions: Considering the medical, social and economic consequences anemia may produce, identification of risk factors and application of adequate preventive measures should be a public health priority.
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Analysis of Passive House with Variable Construction Materials
Authors: Baďurová Silvia , Ponechal Radoslav , Ďurica Pavol
Published: November 2013

The term "passive house" refers to rigorous and voluntary standards for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. There are many ways how to build a passive house successfully. These designs as well as construction techniques vary from ordinary timber constructions using packs of straw or constructions of clay. This paper aims to quantify environmental quality of external walls in a passive house, which are made of a timber frame, lightweight concrete blocks and sand-lime bricks in order to determine whether this constructional form provides improved environmental performance. Furthermore, this paper assesses potential benefit of energy savings at heating of houses in which their external walls are made of these three material alternatives. A two storey residential passive house, with floorage of 170.6 m2, was evaluated. Some measurements of air and surface temperatures were done as a calibration etalon for a method of simulation.
Transverse Reinforcement in Reinforced Concrete Columns
Authors: Gramblička Štefan , Veróny Peter
Published: November 2013

In the article we are dealing with the influence of transverse reinforcement to the resistance of a cross-section of the reinforced concrete columns and also with the effective detailing of the column reinforcement. We are verifying the correctness of design guides for detailing of transverse reinforcement. We are also taking into account the diameter of stirrups and its influence over transverse deformation of column.
Comparative sex chromosome hybridizations in Ruminantia
Authors: Kozubska-Sobocińska Anna , Rejduch Barbara , Danielak-Czech Barbara , Babicz Marek , Bąk Agnieszka
Published: November 2013

The syntenic conservation nature of some chromosomes enables the use of several molecular probes obtained from one species of animals to detect homologous DNA segments in other species. The aim of this study was to analyse homology between sex chromosomes in several species belonging to the suborder Ruminantia (sheep - Ovis aries, fallow deer - Dama dama, aoudad - Ammotragus lervia, red deer - Cervus elaphus) using bovine heterosome painting probes in FISH technique. The results obtained showed strong red fluorescence signals in small metacentric heterosomes Y and distinct yellow-green signals in large acrocentric chromosomes X of all compared species.
Genetic variability of farmed and free-living populations of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Jeżewska-Witkowska Grażyna , Horecka Beata , Jakubczak Andrzej , Kasperek Kornel , Ślaska Brygida , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika , Piórkowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2013

This study was designed to determine the degree of genetic distinctiveness between farmed and wild foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Analysis of polymorphism in 16 microsatellite sequences led to the conclusion that red foxes raised on Polish farms and wild foxes living in Poland are two groups of genetically distinct animals. Farmed Polish foxes are genetically more similar to the population of wild animals from North America than they are to the free-living population in Poland, as confirmed by the fact that the farmed animals are descended from animals raised in Canada.

The small genetic distance between wild Canadian foxes (indicated as the progenitor of farmed Polish foxes) and farmed Polish foxes possibly suggests that the differences between the farmed and wild Polish populations may result from the fact that Canadian and Polish foxes took separate evolutionary paths.
Efficiency and dose response of xylanase in diets for fattening pigs
Authors: Hanczakowska Ewa , Świątkiewicz Małgorzata , Kühn Imke
Published: November 2013

The efficiency of different levels of dietary xylanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibilities and carcass and meat quality was evaluated in 128 barrows. The performance study lasted from about 27 to 110 kg of body weight with pigs allocated to 4 groups (32 animals each), fed ad libitum and kept in straw-bedded pens (4 animals each). Pigs from group I (control) received standard feeds without any enzyme added, while pigs from groups II, III and IV received the same diet including additionally xylanase at levels of 8000, 16000 or 24000 BXU (Birch Xylan Unit) per kg, respectively. The digestibility experiment was carried out with 40 barrows not involved in the first part of the experiment. Pigs were allocated to 4 groups (10 animals each) receiving the same diets as in the performance experiment. Xylanase significantly improved body weight gains of pigs receiving diets with 16000 BXU/kg (P<0.05) and 24000 BXU/kg feed (P<0.01) by 4.2% and 6.2%, respectively. Final body weights of 111-112 kg were achieved in a significantly shorter feeding period and at a lower feed conversion ratio by pigs that received highest xylanase application (24000 BXU/kg feed, P<0.05). In younger pigs xylanase mainly improved fibre digestibility which was significant for pigs receiving 24000 BXU/kg (P<0.05). In the final feeding period dry matter, fat and fibre digestibility were improved by xylanase with effects getting more pronounced with the increase of xylanase inclusion rate. No differences in carcass and meat quality were observed between any feeding groups. Based on these results it is assumed that application of xylanase (Econase XT) can improve performance of grower-finisher pigs without having any impact on the carcass quality. Performance improvements were in line with better nutrient digestibility.
Analysis of changes in egg quality of broiler breeders during the first reproduction period
Authors: Kontecka Helena , Nowaczewski Sebastian , Sierszuła Marta M.
Published: November 2013

In reproductive flocks of poultry it is very important to obtain a large number of eggs with normal structure, optimal morphological composition and interior quality. These elements have very significant influence on the biological value of the egg, which determines normal development of the embryo. The aim of the study was to analyse the physical characteristics, morphological composition and quality of individual components of the eggs of Cobb 500 broiler breeders during the first year of reproduction. The research material was hatching eggs (280 pcs), whose quality was assessed 7 times in the reproductive season at 5-week intervals. The eggs were examined when the hens were aged 26, 31, 36, 41, 46, 51 and 56 weeks (40 eggs for each age). The following characteristics were evaluated: egg weight (g); egg shape index (%); egg specific gravity (g/cm3); shell thickness (mm); average number of pores in the eggshell (pcs/0.25 cm2); yolk, white and shell weight (g) and their percentage in the egg mass; yolk index (%) and the number of Haugh units. The investigations proved that as the reproductive season of hens progressed, the weight of their eggs increased. Above all, this was due to the increase in the yolk weight, because its percentage in the egg weight rose with bird age, whereas the percentage of the white decreased. However, as the reproductive season progressed the quality of both the yolk and white deteriorated. No negative relationship between the age of hens and shell quality (weight, thickness) was observed. Only when the birds were aged 56 weeks, the shell thickness was found to be significantly smaller.
The Geometric Meaning of the Notion of Joint Unpredictability of a Bivariate VAR(1) Stochastic Process
Authors: Triacca Umberto
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates, in a particular parametric framework, the geometric meaning of joint unpredictability for a bivariate discrete process. In particular, the paper provides a characterization of the joint unpredictability in terms of distance between information sets in an Hilbert space.
How Do Grass Species, Season and Ensiling Influence Mycotoxin Content in Forage?
Authors: Skladanka Jiri , Adam Vojtech , Dolezal Petr , Nedelnik Jan , Kizek Rene , Linduskova Hana , Mejia Jhonny , Nawrath Adam
Published: November 2013

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungal species that have harmful effects on mammals. The aim of this study was to assess the content of mycotoxins in fresh-cut material of selected forage grass species both during and at the end of the growing season. We further assessed mycotoxin content in subsequently produced first-cutting silages with respect to the species used in this study: Lolium perenne (cv. Kentaur), Festulolium pabulare (cv. Felina), Festulolium braunii (cv. Perseus), and mixtures of these species with Festuca rubra (cv. Gondolin) or Poa pratensis (Slezanka). The mycotoxins deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and T-2 toxin were mainly detected in the fresh-cut grass material, while fumonisin and aflatoxin contents were below the detection limits. July and October were the most risky periods for mycotoxins to occur. During the cold temperatures in November and December, the occurrence of mycotoxins in fresh-cut material declined. Although June was a period with low incidence of mycotoxins in green silage, contents of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in silages from the first cutting exceeded by several times those determined in their biomass collected directly from the field. Moreover, we observed that use of preservatives or inoculants did not prevent mycotoxin production.