bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty Years of Universal Vaccination against Hepatitis B in Italy: Achievements and Challenges
Authors: Romanò Luisa , Paladini Sara , Zanetti Alessandro R.
Published: September 2014

Viral hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination has proved to be safe and highly effective in reducing the incidence, the carrier rate and HBV-related mortality on a global scale. In Italy, universal vaccination against hepatitis B started in 1991 in infants as well as in adolescents, providing an outstanding record of safety and effectiveness. Within a few years, over 95% coverage was consistently reported. Today, some 17 million people are immune against hepatitis B and their immunity has been shown to be long-lasting. At present, no booster is required in healthy vaccinated people to sustain protection. Surveillance data from Italy have shown a clear overall decline in hepatitis B among successfully vaccinated individuals. Furthermore, a generation of children and young people (at present cohorts ranging from 0 to 32 years) is emerging with practically no markers of HBV infection. Italy's vaccination programme has resulted in substantial progress towards the prevention and control of hepatitis B. The vaccination programme must continue. Maintaining mandatory vaccination of infants and increasing HBV vaccination coverage in high-risk groups, including households of HBsAg carriers as well as immigrants, remain a priority for the future.
Effect of Education of Primary Health Care Workers on HIV-Related Oral Lesions in Nairobi East District
Authors: Koyio Lucina N. , van der Sanden Wil J.M. , van der Ven Andre , Creugers Nico , Merkx Matthias A.W. , Frencken Jo E.
Published: September 2014

Background

An estimated 90% of HIV-infected people are likely to develop oral lesions in the course of HIV infection. Oro-pharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), an early marker for HIV-infection, can be diagnosed during an oral examination (OE). Primary healthcare (PHC) providers in Kenya are neither trained nor sufficiently equipped to perform this simple, cheap and non-invasive examination. The PHC system in Kenya offers an opportunity to integrate early recognition and management of oral lesions into general health care. This study aims to estimate the effect of a multifaceted intervention for PHC providers in training them to perform an OE. Specifically, our primary objective is to establish whether the intervention is effective in increasing: i) the frequency of early detection of HIV-related oral lesions; and ii) referral rates for HIV-testing.

Design and methods

The study has been designed in two parts: a retrospective clinical data record study and a prospective cohort study with pre-post control group design, carried out in 2 administrative divisions in Nairobi East district. The intervention group will receive one day of training on recognition of HIV-related oral lesions and other common oral conditions. Reminder sessions will be held at individual health facilities. Routine tally sheets will be used to record all patients with HIV-related oral lesions, dental caries and periodontal disease. A convenience sample of all the PHC in a division will be used. It will not be possible to blind investigators or assessors. Expected impact of the study for Public Health. Early recognition and treatment of HIV infection influences long-term survival rates and will reduce healthcare expenditure.
The Effects of a Novel High Intensity Exercise Intervention on Established Markers of Cardiovascular Disease and Health in Scottish Adolescent Youth
Authors: Buchan Duncan S. , Young John D. , Simpson Alan D. , Thomas Non E. , Cooper Stephen-Mark , Baker Julien S.
Published: September 2014

This study examined the effects of high intensity exercise on physical fitness components and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in youth. Forty-one participants (15-17 years) were divided into a control and an intervention (high intensity exercise, HIT) group. The HIT group (15 boys, 2 girls) performed three weekly sessions over seven weeks consisting of either four to six repeats of maximal sprint running with 20-30 s recovery. The control group (20 boys, 4 girls) continued their normal activity patterns. All participants had indices of obesity and blood pressure (BP) recorded in addition to four physical performance measures pre-and post-intervention: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular power, sprint speed and agility. In the HIT group, significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (P<0.01) and agility (P<0.05) were noted. Participants in the control group, meanwhile, experienced a significant decrease in counter movement jump performance. These findings demonstrate that brief, intense exercise interventions are useful for improving indices of physical fitness in a short period of time.
Using Argumentation Theory to Identify the Challenges of Shared Decisionmaking when the Doctor and the Patient have a Difference of Opinion
Authors: Zanini Claudia A. , Rubinelli Sara
Published: September 2014

This paper aims to identify the challenges in the implementation of shared decision-making (SDM) when the doctor and the patient have a difference of opinion. It analyses the preconditions of the resolution of this difference of opinion by using an analytical and normative framework known in the field of argumentation theory as the ideal model of critical discussion. This analysis highlights the communication skills and attitudes that both doctors and patients must apply in a dispute resolution-oriented communication. Questions arise over the methods of empowerment of doctors and patients in these skills and attitudes as the preconditions of SDM. Overall, the paper highlights aspects in which research is needed to design appropriate programmes of training, education and support in order to equip doctors and patients with the means to successfully engage in shared decision-making.
An Exploratory Analysis of Network Characteristics and Quality of Interactions among Public Health Collaboratives
Authors: Varda Danielle M. , Retrum Jessica H.
Published: September 2014

While the benefits of collaboration have become widely accepted and the practice of collaboration is growing within the public health system, a paucity of research exists that examines factors and mechanisms related to effective collaboration between public health and their partner organizations. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap by exploring the structural and organizational characteristics of public health collaboratives. Design and Methods. Using both social network analysis and traditional statistical methods, we conduct an exploratory secondary data analysis of 11 public health collaboratives chosen from across the United States. All collaboratives are part of the PARTNER ( www.partnertool.net ) database. We analyze data to identify relational patterns by exploring the structure (the way that organizations connect and exchange relationships), in relation to perceptions of value and trust, explanations for varying reports of success, and factors related to outcomes. We describe the characteristics of the collaboratives, types of resource contributions, outcomes of the collaboratives, perceptions of success, and reasons for success. We found high variation and significant differences within and between these collaboratives including perceptions of success. There were significant relationships among various factors such as resource contributions, reasons cited for success, and trust and value perceived by organizations. We find that although the unique structure of each collaborative makes it challenging to identify a specific set of factors to determine when a collaborative will be successful, the organizational characteristics and interorganizational dynamics do appear to impact outcomes. We recommend a quality improvement process that suggests matching assessment to goals and developing action steps for performance improvement.
The Ecology of Medical Care in Norway: Wide use of General Practitioners may not Necessarily Keep Patients out of Hospitals
Authors: Hansen Anne Helen , Halvorsen Peder A. , Forde Olav Helge
Published: September 2014

Background

Our aim was to investigate the pattern of self reported symptoms and utilisation of health care services in Norway.

Design and Methods

With data from the cross-sectional Tromsø Study (2007-8), we estimated population proportions reporting symptoms and use of seven different health services. By logistic regression we estimated differences according to age and gender.

Results

In this study 12,982 persons aged 30-87 years participated, constituting 65.7% of those invited. More than 900/1000 reported symptoms or health problems in a year as well as in a month, and 214/1000 and 816/1000 visited a general practitioner once or more in a month and a year, respectively. The corresponding figures were 91/1000 and 421/1000 for specialist outpatient visits, and 14/1000 and 116/1000 for hospitalisations. Physiotherapists were visited by 210/1000, chiropractors by 76/1000, complementary and alternative medical providers by 127/1000, and dentists by 692/1000 in a year. Women used most health care services more than men, but genders used hospitalisations and chiropractors equally. Utilisation of all services increased with age, except chiropractors, dentists and complementary and alternative medical providers.

Conclusions

Almost the entire population reported health related problems during the previous year, and most residents visited a general practitioner. Yet there were high rates of inpatient and outpatient specialist utilisation. We suggest that wide use of general practitioners may not necessarily keep patients out of specialist care and hospitals.
HIV Risk Behaviours Differ by Workplace Stability among Mexican Female Sex Workers with Truck Driver Clientele
Authors: Chen Nadine E. , Strathdee Steffanie A. , RangeI Gudelia , Patterson Thomas L. , Uribe-Salas Felipe J. , Rosen Perth , Villalobos Jorge , Brouwer Kimberly C.
Published: September 2014

Background

In a study of female sex workers (FSWs) servicing truck driver clients in Mexican border cities, we evaluated differences in HIV/STI risk behaviours determined by workplace.

Design and Methods

Our study was cross-sectional and its population comprised 100 FSWs from Nuevo Laredo (US border) and 100 FSWs from Ciudad Hidalgo (Guatemalan border). The main outcome was primary place of sex work defined as unstable (street, vehicle, gas station, etc.) vs stable (bar, brothel, and hotel). Logistic regression was used to identify correlates associated with trading sex at unstable workplaces in the last month.

Results

Of the FSWs surveyed, 18% reported an unstable workplace. The majority of FSWs surveyed were young (<30 years), single, had <9th grade education, and had worked in the sex trade for a median of 4.9 years. After controlling for study site, FSWs with unstable vs stable workplaces were more likely to have a majority/all truck driver clientele, but were less likely to have visited a gynaecologist in the last year (OR 0.1,95% CI 0.03-0.4) or ever had an HIV test (OR 0.1,95% CI 0.06-0.3), and there was a trend towards lower condom use self-efficacy scores (OR 0.8 per unit increase, 95% CI 0.7-1.0). On multivariate regression, unstable workplace was associated with having majority/all truck driver clientele, being surveyed in Nuevo Laredo, and decreased odds of ever having an HIV test.

Conclusions

Among Mexican FSWs with truck driver clients, providing safe indoor spaces for sex work may help facilitate public health interventions that improve HIV/STI prevention and reproductive health outcomes.
Telecommunications as a Means to access Health Information: An Exploratory Study of Migrants in Australia
Authors: Greenstock Louise , Woodward-Kron Robyn , Fraser Catriona , Bingham Amie , Naccarella Lucio , Elliott Kristine , Morris Michal
Published: September 2014

Background

Health policies increasingly promote e-health developments (e.g., consumers’ access to online health information) to engage patients in their health care. In order to make these developments available for culturally and socially diverse communities, not only do Internet accessibility, literacy and e-health literacy need to be taken into account, but consumers’ preferences and information seeking behaviours for accessing health information have also to be understood. These considerations are crucial when designing major new health policy directions, especially for migration destination countries with culturally diverse populations, such as Australia. The aim of this study was to examine how people from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community use telecommunications (phone, mobile, Internet) to access health information.

Design and Methods

A case study was conducted using a questionnaire exploring the use of telecommunications to access health information among CALD people. The study was carried out at a community health centre in a socially and economically disadvantaged area of Melbourne, a city of 4 million people with a large CALD and migrant population. Questionnaires were translated into three languages and interpreters were provided. Fifty-nine questionnaires were completed by users of the community health centre.

Results

Most of the CALD participants did not have access to the Internet at home and very few reported using telecommunications to access health information.

Conclusions

The findings of the study suggest that telecommunications are not necessarily perceived to be an important channel for accessing health information by members of the CALD community.
Measuring the Health of Populations: Explaining Composite Indicators
Authors: Hyder Adnan A. , Puvanachandra Prasanthi , Morrow Richard H.
Published: September 2014

Indicators that summarise the health status of a population and that provide comparable measures of a population disease burden are increasingly vital tools for health policy decision making. Decisions concerning health systems across the world are greatly affected by changes in disease profiles and population dynamics, and must develop the capacity to respond to such changes effectively within the resources of each nation. Decisions must be based on evidence of the patterns of diseases, their risk factors and the effectiveness of alternative interventions. This paper focuses on the main approaches used for developing summary measures that include mortality and morbidity occurring in a population. It discusses the rationale for composite measures and reviews the origins of each main approach. The paper also examines methodological differences among these approaches making explicit the value choices that each entails, outlines the advantages and limitations of each measure, and shows how they relate to one another.
Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Qatar: A Systematic Review
Authors: Badawi Alaa , Arora Paul , Sadoun Eman , Al-Thani Al-Anoud , Thani Mohamed H. Al
Published: September 2014

Qatar has a high burden of chronic diseases including obesity, car-diovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low serum vitamin D levels have been implicated in the development and progression of a range of these chronic conditions. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the general population of Qatar has still not been investigated. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of published studies documenting the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the Qatari population. A search strategy was developed for online databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Embase Classic) between 1980 to the last week of August 2012, and bibliographies of the included studies were further searched for additional reports. Search terms used were QATAR and VITAMIN D. Studies reporting the serum levels of vitamin D in several Qatari sub-populations were identified. Weighted-average vitamin D serum levels and prevalence of low vitamin D status (<75 nmol/L) were calculated. Subgroup analysis was carried out by age. The quality of each study was evaluated according to four criteria: national representativeness, representation of males and females, the sample size, and the sampling protocol. A total of 16 relevant publications were identified, and 8 of these (reporting from 7 unique studies) met our inclusion and exclusion criteria with a total number of 1,699 Qatari subjects. The pooled sample size weighted-average vitamin D concentration (±SD) was 45.3+14.3 nmol/L (95% CI: 44.6-46.0; range 29.2-66.9 nmol/L). The weighted-average prevalence of low vitamin D status was 90.4% (95% CI: 90.1-91.0; range 83%-91%). Age was inversely correlated with vitamin D levels and directly with its insufficiency/deficiency prevalence. There have only been a few studies on the prevalence of low vitamin D in Qatar a very high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in Qatar that increases with age has been suggested. The present report underlines the need to develop a nationally representative study to further evaluate vitamin D status in Qatar. Given the growing evidence of the role of vitamin D in chronic disease, this study could help develop public health strategies for disease prevention in Qatar.
The Crisis of Capitalism and the Marketisation of Health Care: The Implications for Public Health Professionals
Authors: McKee Martin , Stuckler David
Published: September 2014

The current economic crisis in Europe has challenged the basis of the economic model that currently prevails in much of the industrialised world. It has revealed a system that is managed not for the benefit of the people but rather for the corporations and the small elite who lead them, and which is clearly unsustainable in its present form. Yet, there is a hidden consequence of this system: an unfolding crisis in health care, driven by the greed of corporations whose profit-seeking model is also failing. Proponents of commodifying healthcare simultaneously argue that the cost of providing care for ageing populations is unaffordable while working to create demand for their health care products among those who are essentially healthy. Will healthcare be the next profit-fuelled investor bubble? In this paper, we call on health professionals to heed the warnings from the economic crisis and, rather than stand by while a crisis unfolds, act now to redirect increasingly market-oriented health systems to serve the common good.
Isomorphism invariants for multivariable C*-dynamics
Authors: Kakariadis Evgenios T. A. , Katsoulis Elias G.
Published: September 2014

To a given multivariable C*-dynamical system

(A, \alpha)

consisting of *-automorphisms, we associate a family of operator algebras

\mathrm{alg}(A, \alpha)

, which includes as specific examples the tensor algebra and the semicrossed product. It is shown that if two such operator algebras

\mathrm{alg}(A, \alpha)

and

\mathrm{alg}(B, \beta)

are isometrically isomorphic, then the induced dynamical systems

(\hat{A}, \hat{\alpha})

and

(\hat{B}, \hat{\beta})

on the Fell spectra are piecewise conjugate in the sense of Davidson and Katsoulis.

In the course of proving the above theorem we obtain several results of independent interest. If

\mathrm{alg}(A, \alpha)

and

\mathrm{alg}(B, \beta)

are isometrically isomorphic, then the associated correspondences

X_{(A, \alpha)}

and

X_{(B, \beta)}

are unitarily equivalent. In particular, the tensor algebras are isometrically isomorphic if and only if the associated correspondences are unitarily equivalent. Furthermore, isomorphism of semicrossed products implies isomorphism of the associated tensor algebras.

In the case of multivariable systems acting on C*-algebras with trivial center, unitary equivalence of the associated correspondences reduces to outer conjugacy of the systems. This provides a complete invariant for isometric isomorphisms between semicrossed products as well.
Leafwise homotopies and Hilbert-Poincaré complexes I. Regular HP-complexes and leafwise pull-back maps
Authors: Benameur Moulay-Tahar , Roy Indrava
Published: September 2014

In the first part of our series of papers, we prove the leafwise homotopy invariance of K-theoretic signatures of foliations and laminations, using the formalism of Hilbert–Poincaré complexes as revisited by Higson and Roe. We use a generalization of their methods to give a homotopy equivalence of de Rham–Hilbert–Poincaré complexes associated with leafwise homotopy equivalence of foliations. In particular, we obtain an explicit path connecting the signature classes in K-theory, up to isomorphism induced by Morita equivalence. Applications of this path on the stability properties of rho-invariants à la Keswani will be carried out in the later parts of this series.
Finite Element Simulation for Improved Design of Plastic Intake Manifold for Four Cylinder Engines
Authors: Xinjie Zhang
Published: September 2014

In order to reduce the weight for improving fuel efficiency and enhance the performance of automobile engines, research into plastic manifolds compared to conventional aluminium and iron manifolds is becoming a trend for the intake structure design. In this paper, finite element simulation is employed to design and optimize a plastic manifold for a four cylinder intake structure. The yield strength of intake manifold structure for an applied burst pressure of 6.5bar is verified using finite element analysis. Based on the simulation results and identification of strength critical zones, stiffeners were introduced to improve the plastic intake manifold design for an operational temperature range of 20-120 degrees Celsius.
Creative Accounting Practices and Measurement Methods: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Ozkaya Ata
Published: September 2014

A fiscal rule imposed when the budget is not transparent yields more creative accounting to circumvent it and less fiscal adjustment, generating hidden deficits/debts in public sector. This study focuses on creative accounting practices of governments and adds to the literature by measuring hidden debts of the Turkish public sector ranging from the period 1989 to 2010. The author shows that the IMF has been misinformed, indeed has been misled by the Turkish authorities regarding the magnitude of public debt stock in the late 90’s. The lacking information deteriorated the IMF’s forecasts, which might be one of the main reasons for the failure of the IMF’s planned fiscal consolidation at the outset of 2000–2001 crisis. The author’s methodology can easily be adapted to any other country in order to identify the different margins on which governments can cheat and manipulate the Government Finance Statistics.
The Morality of Conflict
Authors: Besson Samantha
Published: September 2014

This book explores the relationship between the law and pervasive and persistent reasonable disagreement about justice. It reveals the central moral function and creative force of reasonable disagreement in and about the law and shows why and how lawyers and legal philosophers should take reasonable conflict more seriously. Even though the law should be regarded as the primary mode of settlement of our moral conflicts,it can, and should, also be the object and the forum of further moral conflicts. There is more to the rule of law than convergence and determinacy and it is important therefore to question the importance of agreement in law and politics. By addressing in detail issues pertaining to the nature and sources of disagreement, its extent and significance, as well as the procedural, institutional and substantive responses to disagreement in the law and their legitimacy, this book suggests the value of a comprehensive approach to thinking about conflict, which until recently has been analysed in a compartmentalized way. It aims to provide a fully-fledged political morality of conflict by drawing on the analysis of topical jurisprudential questions in the new light of disagreement. Developing such a global theory of disagreement in the law should be read in the context of the broader effort of reconstructing a complete account of democratic law-making in pluralistic societies. The book will be of value not only to legal philosophers and constitutional theorists, but also to political and democratic theorists, as well as to all those interested in public decision-making in conditions of conflict.
The potential for regional-scale bias in top-down CO2 flux estimates due to atmospheric transport errors
Authors: Miller S. M. , Fung I. , Liu J. , Hayek M. N. , Andrews A. E.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Estimates of CO2 fluxes that are based on atmospheric data rely upon a meteorological model to simulate atmospheric CO2 transport. These models provide a quantitative link between surface fluxes of CO2 and atmospheric measurements taken downwind. Therefore, any errors in the meteorological model can propagate into atmospheric CO2 transport and ultimately bias the estimated CO2 fluxes. These errors, however, have traditionally been difficult to characterize. To examine the effects of CO2 transport errors on estimated CO2 fluxes, we use a global meteorological model-data assimilation system known as "CAM–LETKF" to quantify two aspects of the transport errors: error variances (standard deviations) and temporal error correlations. Furthermore, we develop two case studies. In the first case study, we examine the extent to which CO2 transport uncertainties can bias CO2 flux estimates. In particular, we use a common flux estimate known as CarbonTracker to discover the minimum hypothetical bias that can be detected above the CO2 transport uncertainties. In the second case study, we then investigate which meteorological conditions may contribute to month-long biases in modeled atmospheric transport. We estimate 6 hourly CO2 transport uncertainties in the model surface layer that range from 0.15 to 9.6 ppm (standard deviation), depending on location, and we estimate an average error decorrelation time of ∼2.3 days at existing CO2 observation sites. As a consequence of these uncertainties, we find that CarbonTracker CO2 fluxes would need to be biased by at least 29%, on average, before that bias were detectable at existing non-marine atmospheric CO2 observation sites. Furthermore, we find that persistent, bias-type errors in atmospheric transport are associated with consistent low net radiation, low energy boundary layer conditions. The meteorological model is not necessarily more uncertain in these conditions. Rather, the extent to which meteorological uncertainties manifest as persistent atmospheric transport biases appears to depend, at least in part, on the energy and stability of the boundary layer. Existing CO2 flux studies may be more likely to estimate inaccurate regional fluxes under those conditions.
The role of convective overshooting clouds in tropical stratosphere–troposphere dynamical coupling
Authors: Kodera K. , Funatsu B. M. , Claud C. , Eguchi N.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. This paper investigates the role of deep convection and overshooting convective clouds in stratosphere–troposphere dynamical coupling in the tropics during two large major stratospheric sudden warming events in January 2009 and January 2010. During both events, convective activity and precipitation increased in the equatorial Southern Hemisphere as a result of a strengthening of the Brewer–Dobson circulation induced by enhanced stratospheric planetary wave activity. Correlation coefficients between variables related to the convective activity and the vertical velocity were calculated to identify the processes connecting stratospheric variability to the troposphere. Convective overshooting clouds showed a direct relationship to lower stratospheric upwelling at around 70–50 hPa. As the tropospheric circulation change lags behind that of the stratosphere, outgoing longwave radiation shows almost no simultaneous correlation with the stratospheric upwelling. This result suggests that the stratospheric circulation change first penetrates into the troposphere through the modulation of deep convective activity.
The Passive microwave Neural network Precipitation Retrieval (PNPR) algorithm for AMSU/MHS observations: description and application to European case studies
Authors: Sanò P. , Panegrossi G. , Casella D. , Di Paola F. , Milani L. , Mugnai A. , Petracca M. , Dietrich S.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to describe a new algorithm based on a Neural Network approach (Passive microwave Neural network Precipitation Retrieval – PNPR) for precipitation rate estimation from AMSU/MHS observations, and to provide examples of its performance for specific case studies over the European/Mediterranean area. The algorithm optimally exploits the different characteristics of AMSU-A and MHS channels, and their combinations, including the TB differences of the 183.31 channels, with the goal of having a single neural network for different types of background surfaces (vegetated land, snow covered surface, coast and ocean). The training of the neural network is based on the use of a cloud-radiation database, built from cloud-resolving model simulations coupled to a radiative transfer model, representative of the European and Mediterranean basin precipitation climatology. The algorithm provides also the phase of the precipitation and a pixel-based confidence index for the evaluation of the reliability of the retrieval. Applied to different weather conditions in Europe, the algorithm shows good performance both in the identification of precipitation areas and in the retrieval of precipitation, particularly valuable over the extremely variable environmental and meteorological conditions of the region. In particular, the PNPR is particularly efficient in: (1) screening and retrieval of precipitation over different background surfaces, (2) identification and retrieval of heavy rain for convective events, (3) identification of precipitation over cold/iced background, with some uncertainties affecting light precipitation. In this paper, examples of good agreement of precipitation pattern and intensity with ground-based data (radar and rain gauges) are provided for four different case studies. The algorithm has been developed in order to be easily tailored to new radiometers as they become available (such as the cross-track scanning Suomi NPP ATMS) and it is suitable for operational use as it is computationally very efficient. PNPR has been recently extended for applications to Africa and Southern Atlantic regions, and an extended validation over these regions (using two years of data acquired by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar for comparison) is subject of a paper in preparation. The PNPR is currently used operationally within the EUMETSAT Hydrology Satellite Application Facility (H-SAF) to provide instantaneous precipitation from passive microwave cross-track scanning radiometers. It undergoes routinely through extensive validation over Europe carried out by the H-SAF Precipitation Products Validation Group.
Assessing the spatial variability in peak season CO2 exchange characteristics across the Arctic tundra using a light response curve parameterization
Authors: Mbufong H. N. , Lund M. , Aurela M. , Christensen T. R. , Eugster W. , Friborg T. , Hansen B. U. , Humphreys E. R. , Jackowicz-Korczynski M. , Kutzbach L. , Lafleur P. M. , Oechel W. C. , Parmentier F. J. W. , Rasse D. P. , Rocha A. V. , Sachs T. , van der Molen M. K. , Tamstorf M. P.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. This paper aims to assess the spatial variability in the response of CO2 exchange to irradiance across the Arctic tundra during peak season using light response curve (LRC) parameters. This investigation allows us to better understand the future response of Arctic tundra under climatic change. Peak season data were collected during different years (between 1998 and 2010) using the micrometeorological eddy covariance technique from 12 circumpolar Arctic tundra sites, in the range of 64–74° N. The LRCs were generated for 14 days with peak net ecosystem exchange (NEE) using an NEE–irradiance model. Parameters from LRCs represent site-specific traits and characteristics describing the following: (a) NEE at light saturation (Fcsat), (b) dark respiration (Rd), (c) light use efficiency (α), (d) NEE when light is at 1000 μmol m−2 s−1 (Fc1000), (e) potential photosynthesis at light saturation (Psat) and (f) the light compensation point (LCP). Parameterization of LRCs was successful in predicting CO2 flux dynamics across the Arctic tundra. We did not find any trends in LRC parameters across the whole Arctic tundra but there were indications for temperature and latitudinal differences within sub-regions like Russia and Greenland. Together, leaf area index (LAI) and July temperature had a high explanatory power of the variance in assimilation parameters (Fcsat, Fc1000 and Psat, thus illustrating the potential for upscaling CO2 exchange for the whole Arctic tundra. Dark respiration was more variable and less correlated to environmental drivers than were assimilation parameters. This indicates the inherent need to include other parameters such as nutrient availability, substrate quantity and quality in flux monitoring activities.
On the sensitivity of 3-D thermal convection codes to numerical discretization: a model intercomparison
Authors: Arrial P.-A , Flyer N. , Wright G. B. , Kellogg L. H.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Fully 3-D numerical simulations of thermal convection in a spherical shell have become a standard for studying the dynamics of pattern formation and its stability under perturbations to various parameter values. The question arises as to how the discretization of the governing equations affects the outcome and thus any physical interpretation. This work demonstrates the impact of numerical discretization on the observed patterns, the value at which symmetry is broken, and how stability and stationary behavior is dependent upon it. Motivated by numerical simulations of convection in the Earth's mantle, we consider isoviscous Rayleigh–Bénard convection at infinite Prandtl number, where the aspect ratio between the inner and outer shell is 0.55. We show that the subtleties involved in developing mantle convection models are considerably more delicate than has been previously appreciated, due to the rich dynamical behavior of the system. Two codes with different numerical discretization schemes – an established, community-developed, and benchmarked finite-element code (CitcomS) and a novel spectral method that combines Chebyshev polynomials with radial basis functions (RBFs) – are compared. A full numerical study is investigated for the following three cases. The first case is based on the cubic (or octahedral) initial condition (spherical harmonics of degree ℓ = 4). How this pattern varies to perturbations in the initial condition and Rayleigh number is studied. The second case investigates the stability of the dodecahedral (or icosahedral) initial condition (spherical harmonics of degree ℓ = 6). Although both methods first converge to the same pattern, this structure is ultimately unstable and systematically degenerates to cubic or tetrahedral symmetries, depending on the code used. Lastly, a new steady-state pattern is presented as a combination of third- and fourth-order spherical harmonics leading to a five-cell or hexahedral pattern and stable up to 70 times the critical Rayleigh number. This pattern can provide the basis for a new accuracy benchmark for 3-D spherical mantle convection codes.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Kevin Shoemaker
Authors: Carfagnini Christina
Published: September 2014

Dr. Kevin Shoemaker is currently a Professor at the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, at the University of Western Ontario. He is the head of the Neurovascular Research Laboratory where his research is focused on understanding neural control of the cardiovascular system. Dr. Shoemaker also teaches a fourth year Kinesiology course, “Physiology of Exercise”. WURJHNS first year representative, Christina Carfagnini, had the pleasant opportunity to interview him to learn more about his research and career.
2014 Annual Pathology Research Day Abstracts
Authors: HNS WURJ
Published: September 2014

2014 Annual Pathology Research Day Abstracts from 4th year undergraduate students from the Department of Pathology and Toxicology.
A PEDAGOGIA TECNICISTA: UM BREVE PANORAMA
Authors: Marques Abimael Antunes
Published: September 2014

O presente trabalho faz, primeiramente, uma pequena e simbólica explanação a respeito das principais tendências pedagógicas ocorridas no Brasil dos anos novecentos e que, certamente, ainda se encontram presentes nos dias atuais. Mais adiante, se aprofunda na Pedagogia Tecnicista sob a ótica de Acácia Zeneida Kuenzer e Lucília Regina de Souza Machado.
AS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE PAULO FREIRE A UMA EDUCAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NA FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE
Authors: De Oliveira Caroline Barroncas , Gonzaga Amarildo Menezes
Published: September 2014

Este trabalho trata de um trabalho teórico que versa sobre as contribuições de Paulo Freire a uma Educação Científica na formação docente. Mostra-se que a escola contribui para a reprodução da estrutura da sociedade, quando no desenvolvimento do currículo dissemina uma monocultura escolar. Desta forma, o ensino que temos conduz os sujeitos a continuarem cada vez mais dominados para aceitarem as relações de desigualdade. Percebe-se a urgência em se romper com um ensino memorístico, que as academias privilegiem a formação e não se reduza a informação, e que a ciência seja compreendida como uma forma de ver o mundo. A inconclusão do ser, a inserção dos saberes científicos na prática social, a presença do outro e de sua palavra, a pronunciar e transformar o mundo são elementos da pedagogia freireana que qualificam nossa compreensão de Educação Científica. Em uma Educação Científica suficientemente capaz de se aproximar das particularidades do ensino e das expectativas geradas para um público, vislumbramos uma educação formadora, em que o sujeito é capaz de dialogar com as informações científicas que norteiam seu contexto de vida. Os conceitos e conteúdos são carregados de sentido e significados, eles não se fecham em delimitações conceituais desconectados do todo. Assim, uma Educação Científica de professores privilegia primeiramente uma abertura para a compreensão desses conceitos científicos em constante processo de reelaboração e resignificação, a partir de situações e contextos que dialogam e aproximam o educador e educando de seu cotidiano.
Hypercalcemia Due to Iatrogenic Secondary Hypoadrenocorticism and Diabetes Mellitus in a Cat
Authors: Smith Stephanie A. , Freeman Lisa C. , Bagladi-Swanson Mary
Published: September 2014

A 9-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented for polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria following chronic methylprednisolone acetate therapy for pruritus. Initial diagnostics were consistent with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. Serum calcium was within reference range. Within 12 hours the cat developed depression, anorexia, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Laboratory analysis indicated marked hypercalcemia as measured by both ionized and total calcium concentration. No underlying neoplastic or inflammatory process was identified. An adrenocorti-cotropic hormone stimulation test was indicative of adrenocortical insufficiency. The hypercalcemia resolved with glucocorticoid supplementation and correction of the dehydration. The diabetes mellitus and adrenal insufficiency both resolved within 9 weeks.
Adult-Onset Cerebellar Cortical Abiotrophy and Retinal Degeneration in a Domestic Shorthair Cat
Authors: Barone Georgina , Foureman Polly , deLahunta Alexander
Published: September 2014

A 4-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of ataxia and visual deficits. Neurological examination revealed severe cerebellar ataxia with symmetrical hypermetria and spasticity, a coarse whole-body tremor, positional vertical nystagmus, and frequent loss of balance. A menace response was absent bilaterally, and the pupils were widely dilated in room light. A funduscopic examination revealed markedly attenuated to absent retinal vessels and pronounced tapetal hyperreflectivity, findings consistent with end-stage retinal degeneration. Blood work evaluation included retroviral testing, a complete blood count, serum biochemistry analysis, taurine levels, and toxoplasma immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M titers. All were within reference ranges. The patient was euthanized, and a necropsy was performed. Microscopically, lesions of the nervous system were confined to the cerebellum and were consistent with cerebellar cortical abiotrophy. Selective photoreceptor degeneration was seen on histopathological examination of the retina with a reduction in the number of rods and cones. The combination of clinical findings and histopathological lesions seen here has not been previously reported in the cat.
Dysautonomia in a Family of German Shorthaired Pointers
Authors: Harkin Kenneth R. , Nietfeld Jerome , Fischer Julie R.
Published: September 2014

Four, 5-week-old German shorthaired pointers from a litter of five puppies were presented for evaluation of vomiting and diarrhea. The dam was euthanized for suspected dysautonomia, and the fifth puppy died 1 day prior to presentation. On presentation, two puppies had vomiting and diarrhea, and the other two appeared healthy. The results of testing supported the diagnosis of dysautonomia in the two affected puppies but not in the healthy puppies. On day 5 of hospitalization, one apparently healthy puppy developed vomiting and diarrhea and had supportive testing for dysautonomia. Dysautonomia was confirmed at necropsy in affected dogs.
Chronic Vomiting Associated With a Gastric Carcinoid in a Cat
Authors: Rossmeisl John H. , Forrester S. Dru , Robertson John L. , Cook Wesley T.
Published: September 2014

A geriatric domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of chronic vomiting. Chronic renal failure was diagnosed on the basis of physical examination findings and results of a serum biochemical profile and urinalysis. Endoscopically obtained gastric biopsies were suggestive of a carcinoid tumor. Subsequently, an exploratory celiotomy with partial gastrectomy was performed. Histopathological and electron microscopic analysis of surgical biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis of a gastric carcinoid, which has not been previously reported in the cat. Following complete excision, the cat remained clinically stable and free of signs of gastrointestinal disease for 4 months before requiring treatment for progressive renal failure.
Spinal Mast Cell Tumor in a Dog
Authors: Moore Lisa E. , Garrett Laura D. , DeBey Brad , Biller David S.
Published: September 2014

A 6-year-old, spayed female rottweiler was referred for left forelimb lameness followed by tetraparesis. A mast cell tumor compressing the spinal cord at the level of the sixth cervical to first thoracic (C6–T1) vertebrae was diagnosed based on cervical myelography and necropsy findings. This was considered a primary extracutaneous mast cell tumor, as no evidence of disease was found elsewhere. This is the first report of a primary mast cell tumor in this location.
Recurrence Rates and Sites for Grade II Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors Following Complete Surgical Excision
Authors: Weisse Chick , Shofer Frances S. , Sorenmo Karin
Published: September 2014

A retrospective study was performed on 31 dogs with completely excised, grade II, cutaneous mast cell tumors in order to determine recurrence rates and sites. Distant tumor recurrence developed in 22% of dogs, and local tumor recurrence developed in 11% of dogs; however, the vast majority of these animals were incompletely staged initially. Complete surgical excision of grade II mast cell tumors was associated with effective local control in 89% of these dogs. Therefore, adjuvant radiation therapy might not be indicated in the majority of dogs with complete surgical excision.
Omentalization of the Thorax for Treatment of Idiopathic Chylothorax With Constrictive Pleuritis in a Cat
Authors: LaFond Elizabeth , Weirich Walter E. , Salisbury S. Kathleen
Published: September 2014

A 6-year-old, spayed female Himalayan cat with idiopathic chylothorax, which failed to respond to medical management, was successfully treated by advancement of the omentum into the thorax. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed severe, constrictive pleuritis as a sequela to chylothorax. Because of the poor prognosis for recovery from chylothorax in cats with thoracic duct ligation alone, and the lack of success in performing thoracic duct ligation in this cat, the omentum was advanced into the thorax through a hole created in the diaphragm and sutured within the thoracic cavity. The cat recovered from surgery and is clinically normal 13 months postoperatively. Omental advancement may be an effective surgical management technique for this challenging disease in cats.
Results of Vulvoplasty for Treatment of Recessed Vulva in Dogs
Authors: Hammel Scott P. , Bjorling Dale E.
Published: September 2014

The results of vulvoplasty were evaluated in 34 dogs that underwent surgery at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1987 and 1999. Case records were evaluated, and clients were interviewed by telephone. The most common clinical signs of a juvenile or recessed vulva at initial examination were perivulvar dermatitis in 59% (20/34) of dogs and urinary incontinence and chronic urinary tract infection (UTI), each present in 56% (19/34) of dogs. Other common complaints included pollakiuria, irritation, and vaginitis. Most dogs developed clinical signs before 1 year of age. All dogs except one bichon frise were medium to giant breeds, suggesting that vulvar conformation may be related to growth rate or body conformation; prior ovariohysterectomy did not appear to be an influencing factor. Eighty-two percent of owners rated the outcome of the surgery as at least satisfactory. The incidence of urinary incontinence was reduced by vulvoplasty; however, it remained the most common residual sign after surgery, suggesting a multifactorial etiology. The incidences of UTI, vaginitis, and external irritation were greatly reduced after surgery.
Severe Hematometra in a Dog With Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia/Pyometra Complex
Authors: Troxel Mark T. , Cornetta Angelyn M. , Pastor Karen F. , Hartzband Lori E. , Besancon Michael F.
Published: September 2014

An 18-month-old, intact female German shepherd dog was presented for evaluation of severe, frank hemorrhage from the vulva. A complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and urinalysis supported acute hemorrhage. Abdominal radiographs were unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated that the uterine body and cranial vaginal lumen were fluid-filled and contained hyperechoic, polypoid masses that were suspected to be blood clots. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a mildly enlarged uterus with a diffuse, cystic endometrium; significant amounts of blood and blood clots within the lumen; and several focal accumulations of yellow fluid presumed to be a purulent exudate. Histopathology confirmed severe, cystic, endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra complex.
Subcutaneous Emphysema, Pneumomediastinum, and Pulmonary Emphysema in a Young Schipperke
Authors: Stephens Julie A. , Parnell Nolie K. , Clarke Kevin , Blevins William E. , DeNicola Dennis
Published: September 2014

A 4-month-old, intact female schipperke was presented for evaluation and treatment of subcutaneous (SC) emphysema. Radiographs revealed pneumomediastinum and SC emphysema. Sequential radiographs confirmed a worsening of the SC emphysema. Extensive, nonsurgical evaluation failed to reveal the source of the air within the mediastinum. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed an emphysematous right middle lung lobe. Lobectomy of the right middle lung lobe resolved both the pneumomediastinum and SC emphysema. Histopathological evaluation confirmed pulmonary emphysema. A variation of congenital pulmonary emphysema was considered in this case.