bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-microbial methane formation in oxic soils
Authors: Jugold A. , Althoff F. , Hurkuck M. , Greule M. , Lelieveld J. , Keppler F.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Methane plays an important role as a radiatively and chemically active gas in our atmosphere. Until recently, sources of atmospheric methane in the biosphere have been attributed to strictly anaerobic microbial processes during degradation of organic matter. However, a large fraction of methane produced in the anoxic soil layers does not reach the atmosphere due to methanotrophic consumption in the overlaying oxic soil. Although methane fluxes from aerobic soils have been observed an alternative source other than methanogenesis has not been identified thus far. Here we provide evidence for non-microbial methane formation in soils under oxic conditions. We found that soils release methane upon heating and other environmental factors like ultraviolet irradiation, and drying-rewetting cycles. We suggest that chemical formation of methane during degradation of soil organic matter may represent the missing soil source that is needed to fully understand the complete methane cycle within the pedosphere. Although the emission fluxes are relatively low when compared to those from wetlands, they may be important in warm and wet regions subjected to ultraviolet radiation. We suggest that this methane source is highly sensitive to global change.
Numerical and experimental investigation of leaks in viscoelastic pressurized pipes
Authors: Meniconi S. , Brunone B. , Ferrante M. , Massari C.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. This paper extends the analysis concerning the importance in numerical models of unsteady friction and viscoelasticity to transients in plastic pipes with an external flow due to a leak. In fact recently such a benchmarking analysis has been executed for the cases of a constant diameter pipe (Duan et al., 2010), a pipe with a partially closed in-line valve (Meniconi et al., 2012a), and a pipe with cross-section changes in series (Meniconi et al., 2012b). The analysis is based on laboratory tests carried out at the Water Engineering Laboratory (WEL) of the University of Perugia, Italy, and numerical experiments by means of different 1-D numerical models. The results show that it is crucial to take into account the viscoelasticity to simulate the main characteristics of the transients, also in the case of a damaged pipes.
Toward a classification of the Central Pacific El Niño
Authors: Pascolini-Campbell M. , Zanchettin D. , Bothe O. , Timmreck C. , Matei D. , Jungclaus J. H. , Graf H.-F.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We investigate the various methods currently available for distinguishing between the Central Pacific (CP) El Niño (or "El Niño Modoki") and the canonical El Niño by considering 10 different methods and 5 sea surface temperature (SST) datasets from 1880 to 2010. Years which are classified as CP El Niños with the greatest convergence between method and SST dataset are considered to provide a more robust identification of these events. The results identify 13 yr which are classified the most consistently as CP events: 1885/1886, 1914/1915, 1940/1941, 1958/1959, 1963/1964, 1968/1969, 1977/1978, 1986/1987, 1991/1992, 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2009/2010. Our findings also indicate the persistence of CP events throughout the time period investigated, inciting the role of multidecadal natural climate variability in generating CP El Niños.
Distribution of mesozooplankton biomass in the global ocean
Authors: Moriarty R. , O'Brien T. D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Mesozooplankton are cosmopolitan within the sunlit layers of the global ocean. They are important in the classical food web, having a significant feedback to primary production through their consumption of phytoplankton and microzooplankton. They are also the primary contributor to vertical particle flux in the oceans. Through both they affect the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and other nutrients in the oceans. Little, however, is known about their global distribution and biomass. While global maps of mesozooplankton biomass do exist in the literature they are usually in the form of hand-drawn maps and the original data associated with these maps are not readily available. The dataset presented in this synthesis has been in development since the late 1990's, is an integral part of the Coastal & Oceanic Plankton Ecology, Production, & Observation Database (COPEPOD), and is now also part of a wider community effort to provide a global picture of carbon biomass data for key plankton functional types, in particular to support the development of marine ecosystem models. A total of 153 163 biomass values were collected, from a variety of sources, for mesozooplankton. Of those 2% were originally recorded as dry mass, 26% as wet mass, 5% as settled volume, and 68% as displacement volume. Using a variety of non-linear biomass conversions from the literature, the data have been converted from their original units to carbon biomass. Depth-integrated values were then used to calculate mesozooplankton global biomass. Global mesozooplankton biomass, to a depth of 200 m, had a mean of 5.9 μg C l−1, median of 2.7 μg C l−1 and a standard deviation of 10.6 μg C l−1. The global annual average estimate of mesozooplankton, based on the median value, was 0.19 Pg C. Biomass was highest in the Northern Hemisphere, but the general trend shows a slight decrease from polar oceans to temperate regions with values increasing again in the tropics. Gridded dataset http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.785501x.
A community diagnostic tool for chemistry climate model validation
Authors: Gettelman A. , Eyring V. , Fischer C. , Shiona H. , Cionni I. , Neish M. , Morgenstern O. , Wood S. W. , Li Z.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. This technical note presents an overview of the Chemistry-Climate Model Validation Diagnostic (CCMVal-Diag) tool for model evaluation. The CCMVal-Diag tool is a flexible and extensible open source package that facilitates the complex evaluation of global models. Models can be compared to other models, ensemble members (simulations with the same model), and/or many types of observations. The initial construction and application is to coupled chemistry-climate models (CCMs) participating in CCMVal, but the evaluation of climate models that submitted output to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) is also possible. The package has been used to assist with analysis of simulations for the 2010 WMO/UNEP Scientific Ozone Assessment and the SPARC Report on the Evaluation of CCMs. The CCMVal-Diag tool is described and examples of how it functions are presented, along with links to detailed descriptions, instructions and source code. The CCMVal-Diag tool supports model development as well as quantifies model changes, both for different versions of individual models and for different generations of community-wide collections of models used in international assessments. The code allows further extensions by different users for different applications and types, e.g. to other components of the Earth system. User modifications are encouraged and easy to perform with minimum coding.
Water resources trends in Middle East and North Africa towards 2050
Authors: Droogers P. , Immerzeel W. W. , Terink W. , Hoogeveen J. , Bierkens M. F. P. , van Beek L. P. H. , Debele B.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Changes in water resources availability can be expected as consequences of climate change, population growth, economic development and environmental considerations. A two-stage modeling approach is used to explore the impact of these changes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. An advanced, physically based, distributed, hydrological model is applied to determine the internal and external renewable water resources for the current situation and under future changes. Subsequently, a water allocation model is used to combine the renewable water resources with sectoral water demands. Results show that total demand in the region will increase to 393 km3 yr−1 in 2050, while total water shortage will grow to 199 km3 yr−1 in 2050 for the average climate change projection, an increase of 157 km3 yr−1. This increase in shortage is the combined impact of an increase in water demand by 50% with a decrease in water supply by 12%. Uncertainty, based on the output of the nine GCMs applied, reveals that expected water shortage ranges from 85 km3 yr−1 to 283 km3 yr−1~in 2050. The analysis shows that 22% of the water shortage can be attributed to climate change and 78% to changes in socio-economic factors.
On the nature of rainfall intermittency as revealed by different metrics and sampling approaches
Authors: Mascaro G. , Deidda R. , Hellies M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. A general consensus on the concept of rainfall intermittency has not yet been reached and intermittency is often referred to different aspects of rainfall variability, including the fragmentation of the wet-dry rainfall support, the strength of intensity fluctuations and of rainfall bursts, and sometimes also to the memory/correlation of the process. To explore these different aspects, a systematic analysis of rainfall intermittency properties in the time domain is presented using high-resolution (1-min) data recorded by a network of 201 tipping-bucket gages covering the entire island of Sardinia (Italy). Four techniques, including spectral and scale invariance analysis, and computation of clustering and intermittency exponents, are applied to quantify the contribution to the overall intermittency due to the alternation of dry and wet periods (i.e. the rainfall support fragmentation), and to the fluctuations of intensity amplitudes. The presence of three ranges of scaling regimes in the time interval from 1 min to ~45 days is first demonstrated. In accordance with past studies, these regimes can be associated with a range dominated by single storms, a regime typical of frontal systems, and a transition zone. The position of the breaking points separating these regimes change with the considered technique, suggesting that such tools explain different aspects of rainfall variability. Results indicate that the intermittency properties of rainfall support are fairly similar across the island, while metrics related to rainfall intensity fluctuations are characterized by significant spatial variability, implying that the local climate has a significant effect on the fluctuations of the rainfall amplitudes and minimal influence on the process of rainfall occurrence. Next, evidence is shown of spatial patterns of the scaling exponents computed, for each analysis tool, in the range of frontal systems. These patterns resemble the main pluviometric regimes observed in the island and, thus, can be associated with the corresponding synoptic circulation patterns. Last but not least, it is demonstrated how the methodology adopted to sample the rainfall signal from the records of the tipping instants can significantly affect the intermittency analysis, especially at smaller scales. The multifractal scale invariance analysis is the only tool that is insensitive to the sampling approach. Results of this work may be useful to improve the calibration of stochastic algorithms used to downscale coarse rainfall predictions of climate and weather forecasting models, as well as the parameterization of intensity-duration-frequency curves, adopted for land planning and design of civil infrastructures.
A hydrological analysis of the 4 November 2011 event in Genoa
Authors: Silvestro F. , Gabellani S. , Giannoni F. , Parodi A. , Rebora N. , Rudari R. , Siccardi F.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. On the 4 November 2011 a flash flood event hit the area of Genoa with dramatic consequences. Such an event represents, from the meteorological and hydrological perspective, a paradigm of flash floods in the Mediterranean environment. The hydro-meteorological probabilistic forecasting system for small and medium size catchments in use at the Civil Protection Centre of Liguria region exhibited excellent performances for the event, by predicting, 24–48 h in advance, the potential level of risk associated with the forecast. It greatly helped the decision makers in issuing a timely and correct alert. In this work we present the operational outputs of the system provided during the Liguria events and the post event hydrological modelling analysis that has been carried out accounting also for the crowd sourcing information and data. We discuss the benefit of the implemented probabilistic systems for decision-making under uncertainty, highlighting how, in this case, the multi-catchment approach used for predicting floods in small basins has been crucial.
Plate kinematics in the Cantabrian domain of the Pyrenean orogen
Authors: Tavani S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The Cantabrian domain represents the western portion of the Pyrenean orogen, in the area where the Iberian continental lithosphere was subducted toward the north underneath the transitional to oceanic lithosphere of the Bay of Biscay. There, the about 100 km of orogenic convergence have been mostly accommodated in the northern portion of the orogen (i.e. the retro wedge) developed in the Bay of Biscay abyssal plain, while only crustal-scale folding with limited internal deformation occurred in the Cantabrian southern wedge (pro-wedge). Integrated meso- and macrostructural analyses and a reappraisal of available information from the transitional area between the Pyrenean and Cantabrian domains are presented in this work, allowing to set geometric and kinematic constraints on the entire Meso-Cenozoic history of the northern portion of the Iberian Plate, including subduction initiation and evolution in the western portion of the Pyrenean orogen. The structural record of the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous deformation stage, which was associated with rifting and seafloor spreading in the Bay of Biscay, indicates a ridge perpendicular (NNE-SSW oriented) extension, with no evidence of relevant strike-slip components during rifting. A Cenozoic NNW-SSE oriented shortening stage followed, related to the limited (about 100 km) north-directed subduction of the Iberian continental lithosphere underneath the transitional to oceanic lithosphere of the Bay of Biscay. Subduction led to the formation of the poorly-developed Cantabrian pro-wedge, which is laterally juxtaposed to the well-developed Pyrenean pro-wedge to the east. During this convergence stage, the structural framework in the Cantabrian pro-wedge, and particularly along its transition with the Pyrenean wedge to the east, was severely complicated by the reactivation of Paleozoic and Mesozoic inherited structures. Data presented in this work fully support the development of the Cantabrian Mountains as related to indentation and consequent thickening of the Bay of Biscay transitional lower crust during north-directed subduction of Iberian continental lithosphere. In essence, the Cantabrian pro-wedge is a lithospheric south-verging fault-propagation anticline developing above the subduction plane. The structural record in the area indicates that a lithospheric fault-propagation folding stage was predated, during the very early stages of orogenic shortening, by the development of a lithospheric-scale open syncline overlying the nucleation point of lithosphere sinking. Such a syncline is today partially preserved and represents one of the few natural examples of subduction initiation.
Event-driven deposition: a new paradigm for snow-cover modelling in Antarctica based on surface measurements
Authors: Groot Zwaaftink C. D. , Cagnati A. , Crepaz A. , Fierz C. , Lehning M. , Macelloni G. , Valt M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Antarctic surface snow is studied by means of continuous measurements and observations over a period of 3 yr at Dome C. Snow observations include precipitation, daily records of deposition and erosion, snow temperatures at several depths, and snow profiles. Together with meteorological data from automatic weather stations, this forms a unique and complete dataset of snow conditions on the Antarctic Plateau. Large differences in snow amounts and density exist between precipitation measured 1 m above the surface and deposition on the surface. We then used the snow-cover model SNOWPACK to simulate the snow-cover evolution for different deposition parameterizations. The main adaptation of the model described here is a new event-driven accumulation scheme. The scheme assumes that snow is added to the snow cover permanently only for periods of strong winds. This assumption followed from the comparison between precipitation observations and daily records of changes in snow height, which showed that over a period of 235 days there was precipitation on 40% and deposition on 25% of the days, but precipitation accompanied by deposition on 14% of the days only. This confirms that precipitation is not necessarily the driving force behind snow height changes. A comparison of simulated snow height to stake farm measurements over 3 yr showed that we underestimate the total accumulation by about 64%, when the total snow deposition is constrained by the precipitation measurements. This is because the precipitation measured above the surface and used to drive the model, even though comparable to ECMWF forecasts in its total magnitude, should be seen as a lower boundary of accumulation. As a result of the new deposition mechanism, we found a good agreement between model results and measurements of snow temperatures and recorded snow profiles. In spite of the underestimated accumulation, the results strongly suggest that we can obtain quite realistic simulations of the Antarctic snow cover by the introduction of event-driven snow accumulation.
Mapping radiation transfer through sea ice using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)
Authors: Nicolaus M. , Katlein C.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Light (solar short-wave radiation) transmission into and through sea ice is of high importance for various processes in Polar Regions. The amount of energy transferred through the ice determines formation and melt of sea ice and finally contributes to warming of the uppermost ocean. At the same time the amount and distribution of light, as the primary source of energy, is of critical importance for sea-ice associated organisms and bio-geochemical processes. However, our current understanding of these processes and their interdisciplinary interactions is still sparse. The main reason is that the under-ice environment is difficult to access and measurements require large logistical and instrumental efforts. Particularly, it was not possible to map light conditions under sea ice over larger areas. Here we present a detailed methodical description of operating spectral radiometers on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Central Arctic under sea ice. This new measurement concept resulted in a~most comprehensive data set of spectral radiance and irradiance under and above sea ice, complemented through various additional in-situ measurements of sea-ice, snow, and surface properties. Finally, such data sets allow quantifying the spatial variability of light under sea ice, especially highlighting differences between ponded and white ice as well as different ice types.
An estimate of global glacier volume
Authors: Grinsted A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. I asses the feasibility of multi-variate scaling relationships to estimate glacier volume from glacier inventory data. I calibrate scaling laws against volume observations of optimized towards the purpose of estimating the total global ice volume. This is applied individually to each record in the Randolph Glacier Inventory which is the first globally complete inventory of glaciers and ice caps. I estimate that the total volume of all glaciers in the world is 0.35 ± 0.07 m sea level equivalent. This is substantially less than a recent state-of-the-art estimate. Area volume scaling bias issues for large ice masses, and incomplete inventory data are offered as explanations for the difference.
An updated and quality controlled surface mass balance dataset for Antarctica
Authors: Favier V. , Agosta C. , Parouty S. , Durand G. , Delaygue G. , Gallée H. , Drouet A.-S. , Trouvilliez A. , Krinner G.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We present an updated and quality controlled surface mass balance (SMB) database for the Antarctic ice sheet. We retrieved a total of 5284 SMB data documented with important meta-data, to which a filter was applied to discard data with limited spatial and temporal representativeness, too small measurement accuracy, or lack of quality control. A total of 3438 reliable data was obtained, which is about four times more than by applying the same data filtering process to previously available databases. New important data with high spatial resolution are now available over long traverses, and at low elevation in some areas. However, the quality control led to a considerable reduction in the spatial density of data in several regions, particularly over West Antarctica. Over interior plateaus, where the SMB is low, the spatial density of measurements remained high. This quality controlled dataset was compared to results from ERA-Interim reanalysis to assess model representativeness over Antarctica, and also to identify large areas where data gaps impede model validation. Except for very few areas (e.g. Adelie Land), the elevation range between 200 m and 1000 m a.s.l. is not correctly sampled in the field, and measurements do not allow a thorough validation of models in regions with complex topography, where the highest scattering of SMB values is reported. Clearly, increasing the spatial density of field measurements at low elevations, in the Antarctic Peninsula and in West Antarctica remains a scientific priority.
Attitude of Female Lecturers in Physical Education towards Profession
Authors: Khan Salahuddin , Qureshi Yasmin Iqbal , Islam Zia-ul- , Khan Wasim , Abbass Syed Asif
Published: September 2012

The study in hand was an attempt to investigate the Female Lectures of Physical Education (FLPE) Attitude towards profession. For the purpose a substantial sample from the population was selected using available sampling technique. A five point Likert-type Attitude Scale of Lectures in Physical Education towards Profession (ASLPEP) was developed, ranging from completely agree (CA = 5 points) to completely disagree (CDA = 1 point). Main objectives of the study were To investigate the Attitudes of FLPE towards Profession, to investigate the Professional Background of FLPE, to know the awareness level of FLPE regarding Physical Education profession, and to know the level of interest for achieving the goals set for physical education in the curriculum. The study investigated that FLPE who are working in the colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan have no professional background, which means that the teachers have no sports background; neither have they had any interest in sports related areas. Their attitudes towards the profession were also found negative. The study also find out that FLPE did not feel comfortable as a physical education teacher. The majority of respondent did not aware of the goals set for physical education curriculum in the colleges. They came to the field by chance to get a job easily, and not by choice. Key Words: - Attitude, Female Lecturers, Physical Education, Profession
The Typologies of Parental Involvement in Katsina State Primary Schools
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Tijjani , Jamil Hazri Bin , Abdullah Annah Christina
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this case study is to investigate parental involvement in the schooling process of their children through the six typologies of Parental involvement within the two selected primary schools in Katsina state of Nigeria. The study used qualitative case study method, students, parents, and teachers, of the two selected primary schools in Katsina state were interviewed. In addition to the interviews, observations were conducted; school documents were used as instruments for data collection. The study shows that parent involved in the schooling process of their children through six typologies of parental involvement. The result also indicated that parents in SA use all thesix typologies to get involve while SB uses parenting & decision making more than the rest. The finding also indicated that there is a low level of meaningful contact between school, parents and community members within School B. Apathy exists on the side of parents, low ex­pectations on the side of School teachers, and there is no organisational structure to facilitate parental involvement in the school. The students whose parents were involved in their schooling process achieved more academic success at school than students whose parents were less involved. The study contributed to the body of knowledge by adding insightful information to the knowledge base surrounding the Implementation of the Eptein’s (1998) Typologies of parental involvement for facilitating academic success in Kasina State, Nigeria.
Analyzing the Influence of Computer Capabilities and Knowledge Sharing in the fulfillment of Information System
Authors: Dolatabadi Hosein Rezaie , Hoseini Ali , Derakhshide Hamed
Published: September 2012

Purpose–the Purpose of this research is to empirically validate a conceptual model to understand the effect Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) on collegial knowledge sharing (CKS), Technical knowledge sharing (TKS), and use of information system (UIS) in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach- Based on a survey of 102 employees from 138 organizations in the Fourth International Exhibition of Building Materials and Technology and elevators, lifts, industrial equipment. This International Exhibition was held in Isfahan (Iran), October 2011. Findings -CSE has effective on CKS, TKS and UIS; TKS has effective on UIS and CKS has not effective in UIS in the Workplace. Practical implications-The results point to the importance of the roles of CSE and Knowledge sharing as factors of effective in use of IS. Originality/value: four phases of management information system (MIS) are studied; CSE, CKS, TKS, and UIS in IT-related SMEs and this study demonstrate how these processes are relevant. Keywords - Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE), collegial knowledge sharing (CKS), Technical knowledge sharing (TKS) and, Use of information technology (UIS).
Mismanagement of Solid Waste & its Impact on the Environment of Peshawar City
Authors: Rehman Obaid-ur- , Kazmi Syed Jamil Hassan , Alam Anwar
Published: September 2012

The purpose of the study is to investigate reasons, types and workable for the disposal of wastes in Peshawar city with special emphasis on Municipal Corporation, Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) and local govt. The focus of the study is to ensure proper management of solid waste and cleanliness of the targeted areas. The data was collected through pre-designed questionnaire and interview schedule. The major sources of demographic data are census, sample surveys, demographic yearbook, statistical handbook, national and international publications. (Alam: 2006). Board, Karkhano and Hayat Abad Phase III were the targeted area of the study. A sample of size 300 was selected out of 37,839 population in three target areas i.e. Board 96 out of 12,164, Hayat Abad Phase III 121 out of 15,281, and Karkhano 83 out of 10,394 through proportion allocation method of sampling.The results of the study indicated that Local government has no proper planning, for the disposal of solid waste. The  residents  have no awareness for the proper disposal of the solid wastes.  Population is directly proportion to the increase in solid wastes mismanagement, more over Afghan Refugees has accelerated the solid waste mismanagement in the area.
The Linkage between Active Learning Method and Industrial Work Experience among Vocational Technology Undergraduate Students in Rivers State of Nigeria
Authors: Wodi S.W.
Published: September 2012

In an ever-changing and increasingly competitive environment, educational institutions are continually looking at methods to improve their teaching and attract students to their courses. Students likewise are becoming more selective when choosing an institution in which to study and are more focused on the longer-term employability offered by various courses. This paper looks at this changing environment from both the industry and education perspectives, and examines one exercise, an information feedback method, which is attempting to link education closer to the world of work, by providing students with the rele­vant transferable skills. The empirical research conducted among the students on completion of their industrial work experience gave very positive results, with students feeling that their interpersonal skills had been greatly enhanced and that creative teaching methods such as these provided them with a competitive advantage when enter­ing the job market. In addition to satisfying students' requirements, the research results also show that exercises of this type more fully meet the needs of the concept of deep learning', where students are given a more participatory part in their educational process. We conclude that future educational curricula should include an increasing number of activity based method by providing a better balance between the theoretical and practical elements of education and industry Keywords: Quality Feedback, Activity method, Acquisitive skills, Creative teaching
Redox-responsive probes for selective chelation of bivalent cations
Authors: Raouafi Noureddine , Bahri Janet , Sahli Rihab , Boujlel Khaled
Published: September 2012

N,N-disubstituted bis(furanyl-2-methyl)aminoanilines are new electrochemically-active probes for cations relying on the phenylenediamine moiety as an electroactive transducer and the difuranylamino group as an ionophore site. The electrochemical investigations, by means of cyclic and Osteryoung square wave voltammetries (CV and SWV, respectively), showed that these compounds are able to bind Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ cations with strong affinities. The addition of catalytic amounts of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) was found necessary to achieve rapid cation complexation. The electroactive redox features of the probes were drastically modified when the ionophore site was bonded to the cations. The anodic potential shifts of the oxidation peaks were between 905 and 1030 mV depending on the cations. The electrochemical investigations suggested the formation of a 1:2 stoichiometric complex: [M(L)
2]2+, M=Mg, Ca, Ni and Zn. These probes were found to be selective of Ca2+ and chelates, with strong preference for Ca2+ even in presence of others cations (Ca2+> Mg2+, Ca2+> Ni2+ and Ni2+> Zn2+). UV-visible spectrophotometric studies also showed blue shifts of the absorption bands comprising between 5 and 29 nm ligands when the metal ions were added to the solution, which confirmed the complexes formation.
The Effect of Tempol Administration on the Aortic Contractile Responses in Rat Preeclampsia Model
Authors: Talebianpoor Mohammad Sharif , Mirkhani Hossein
Published: September 2012

It is reported that reactive oxygen species production has a critical role in the manifestations and complications of preeclampsia. In the present study, the effect of tempol on the response changes of aortic rings of preeclamptic rats has been studied. Preeclamptic rats (induced by L-NAME) were treated with three different oral doses of tempol (20, 60 and 180 mg/kg/day) from the Day 10 of gestation. Systolic blood pressure, plasma malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane and the vascular effects of phenylephrine, calcium, acetylcholine and diazoxide were the studied parameters. L-NAME administration resulted in hypertension, proteinuria, increased oxidative stress markers, increased vascular sensitivity to phenylephrine and decreased sensitivity to acetylcholine in pregnant rats. No significant changes in response to calcium and diazoxide were observed. Tempol at doses of 20 and 60 mg/kg/day significantly reversed these changes but at a high dose (180 mg/kg/day), it had no significant effect and in some cases intensified the effect. These results revealed that in the experimental preeclampsia, the sensitivity of rat aorta to alpha- adrenergic receptor agonists was increased and its endothelium-dependent relaxation was decreased. Tempol at lower used doses reduced the blood pressure and oxidative stress and restored the normal responsiveness of vascular tissue in preeclamptic rats.
High-Resolution Optical Imaging of Benign and Malignant Mucosa in the Upper Aerodigestive Tract: An Atlas for Image-Guided Surgery
Authors: Levy Lauren L. , Vila Peter M. , Park Richard W. , Schwarz Richard , Polydorides Alexandros D. , Teng Marita S. , Gurudutt Vivek V. , Genden Eric M. , Miles Brett , Anandasabapathy Sharmila , Gillenwater Ann M. , Richards-Kortum Rebecca , Sikora Andrew G.
Published: September 2012

Background. High-resolution optical imaging provides real-time visualization of mucosa in the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) which allows non-invasive discrimination of benign and neoplastic epithelium. The high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) utilizes a fiberoptic probe in conjunction with a tissue contrast agent to display nuclei and cellular architecture. This technology has broad potential applications to intraoperative margin detection and early cancer detection. Methods. Our group has created an extensive image collection of both neoplastic and normal epithelium of the UADT. Here, we present and describe imaging characteristics of benign, dysplastic, and malignant mucosa in the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Results. There are differences in the nuclear organization and overall tissue architecture of benign and malignant mucosa which correlate with histopathologic diagnosis. Different anatomic subsites also display unique imaging characteristics. Conclusion. HRME allows discrimination between benign and neoplastic mucosa, and familiarity with the characteristics of each subsite facilitates correct diagnosis.
Assessment of Histopathological Response in Gastric and Gastro-Oesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Which Scoring System to Use?
Authors: Mirza A. , Naveed A. , Hayes S. , Formela L. , Welch I. , West C. M. , Pritchard S.
Published: September 2012

Background. The standard of care for patients with operable gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) tumours involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This improves survival and reduces risk of tumour recurrence following surgery. The various grading criteria published to assess histological response to neoadjuvant treatments have never been compared in terms of their reproducibility and ability to predict survival. Methods. A study was carried out of 66 patients with gastric and GOJ (types II and III) adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the MAGIC protocol. Histology slides were reviewed independently by two histopathologists using three published grading systems (Mandard, Japanese, and Becker). Histological, demographic, and survival data were collected. The kappa statistic was used to assess interobserver reproducibility. Results. Three (5%) patients had a complete pathological response. There was reasonable interobserver agreement for the grading systems: κ-scores = 0.44 (Mandard), 0.28 (Japanese), and 0.51 (Becker). Only Mandard and Becker scores provided prognostic information: 5-year overall survival rates of 100% for complete or near complete responders versus 35% for nonresponders () for both. Positive lymph nodes () and resection margins () were associated with poor survival. Conclusion. Becker’s score is most reproducible for the evaluation of histological response. Furthermore, lymph node and resection margins status provides prognostic information.
Effect of Packing System, Calcium Chloride and Chlorine on the Storage Life of Strawberry Fruits (Fragaria ananassa cv. Kordistan)
Authors: Fatemeh Mozhdehi  , Vahid Abdossi  , Sepideh Kalatejari
Published: September 2012

Effect of packing system, calcium chlorite and chlorine was evaluated on storage life of strawberry fruits. Fruits were treated with commercial grade of chlorine (calcium hypochlorite at 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm and sodium hypochlorite at 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm with distilled water) for one minute and then treated with different grades of calcium chlorite 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 percentage for five minutes, then were divided to two groups; packed and non packed with plastic cover. Then fruits were evaluated for changes in quantity parameters; pH, TA (Titratable acidity), TSS (Total soluble solids), Dry and fresh weight ratio, water content, Anthocyanin, Ascorbic acid, Ca2+, Sugar and pectin. The results showed that the packed fruits treated with calcium chloride (at 0.5 and 1 percentage) and chlorine (at 50 ppm) remained better when compared with non packed fruits. It was found that packing treatment had not a significant effect on pH. It can also deduce that packed treated fruits showed a lower TA, Anthocyanin, calcium, sugar and pectin while TSS, fresh to dry weight ratio, water content and ascorbic acid was higher in packed treated fruits.
The Palliative Effect of Bio-Organic Fertilizer on Lead Pollution in Lycopersicum esculentum Plants
Authors: Mona M. Abdalla  , Nada El-Khoshiba
Published: September 2012

Lead is one of the hazardous heavy metal pollutants of the environment that originates from various sources. Soil contamination by lead reduces the quality of both soil and cultivated plants which often limits the production of some food products and animal feed. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a bio-organic fertilizer, namely Acadian, a red algal extract, at recommended dose (RD) in alleviating the deteriorative effect of Pb at 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/l on tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) plants. Accordingly, Pb-treated plants showed marked reductions in growth measurements as root and shoot length, fresh and dry weights of shoots,roots and fruits as well as number of leaves and fruits; in photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, net intercellular CO? rates (?CO?) and in the contents of each of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll.In addition, with the increase in level of Pb treatment in situ, total sugars, total nitrogen, catalase activity and major nutrient elements (P, K, Ca and Mg) were proportionally declined in both shoots and roots as well as proline of roots. At the other side, Pb treatment raised the levels of each of carotenoids, total soluble sugars, amino nitrogen, total soluble nitrogen, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, phenols, lipid peroxidation, sodium, lead and iron in both roots and shoots of tomato plants as well as proline of shoots and transpiration rates. When tomato plants were supplemented with the recommended dose of Acadian solely or combined with Pb at all rates, significant increases in all measured growth parameters (shoot and root length, fresh and dry weights of shoots, roots and fruits, number of leaves and fruits), photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, ?CO?, the contents of each of chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll as well as the contents of total sugars, total soluble sugars, total nitrogen, total soluble nitrogen, amino-N, P, K, Ca and Mg in tomato shoots and roots were obtained. Conversely, Acadian fertilization negatively reduced the carotenoid values, the activity of antioxidant enzymes(catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), the amounts of phenol, Pb, Na, Fe and the level of lipid peroxidation in both shoots and roots of tomato plants, whereas, it positively affected transpiration rates. On the otherside, when Acadian where added to lead at different rates there were either synergistic increases in the activities of these antioxidant enzymes and the level of phenol and lipid peroxidation or decreases in the carotenoid, Na, Fe and Pb contents as well as transpiration rates. Thus, it is manifested that Acadian can be used to improve the safety, quality and productivity of lead polluted plants.
Vers une théorie de l’interdisciplinarité? Entre unité et diversité
Authors: Darbellay Frédéric
Published: September 2012

L’interdisciplinarité apparaît comme une voie nouvelle dans le développement de l’enseignement et de la recherche universitaires. L’analyse de ses potentialités, mais aussi des obstacles qu’elle rencontre, met en lumière les relations complexes qu’elle entretient avec les disciplines institutionnalisées. L’interdisciplinarité est pensée ici comme un processus d’articulation entre plusieurs disciplines qui ne se résume pas à une simple addition de savoirs hétérogènes. Sans prétendre à une théorie unifiée, qui équivaudrait à la naissance d’un nouveau paradigme, il convient au contraire de prendre en compte la diversité des postures épistémologiques qui contribuent à la co-élaboration du processus interdisciplinaire.
Adolescente em conflito com a lei: VÍtima e vitimizador
Authors: Deperon Raquel , Coutinho Marques de Pinho Cristina
Published: September 2012

Estamos a todo o momento tendo contato com a violência praticada por adolescentes, por meio da mídia ou de experiências pessoais. Entretanto, pouco se fala da violência praticada contra adolescentes. Abordamos, neste trabalho, a compreensão de que esse é um fenômeno social, o qual permite que, ao mesmo tempo, o adolescente seja vítima e seja vitimizador,expondo, por meio da literatura encontrada, um breve histórico dos direitos de crianças e de adolescentes e as concepções que apontam o adolescente como vítima e como vitimizador. Na tentativa de refletir sobre as implicações desta relação, e aprofundar o conhecimento acerca deste tema, numa perspectiva psicológica, é que esta pesquisa analisou um filme de grande impacto na mídia, principalmente por se tratar de uma história real e brasileira. Reconstituir e reconstruir a história de vida de um adolescente que teve seus direitos negados por toda a sua existência nos permitiu olhar para aquilo que é invisível à maioria dos olhos e perceber o sofrimento humano que está por trás de um ato infracional.
A INSERÇÃO E A ATUAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL DO PSICÓLOGO NO CAMPO DAS POLÍTICAS SOCIAIS NO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
Authors: De Sousa Seixas Pablo , Hajime Yamamoto Oswaldo
Published: September 2012

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a inserção e a atuação profissional do psicólogo no campo das políticas sociais no Rio Grande do Norte. Um questionário composto de quatro partes(dados gerais, formação acadêmica, formação complementar e exercício profissional) foi aplicado em 294 psicólogos inscritos no CRP-17. Os resultados mostram uma inserção significativa do psicólogo no campo das políticas sociais (41%). As características sociodemográficas dos psicólogos não diferem das apresentadas pela literatura: mulheres, jovens, advindas de família com faixa renda de sete a 15 salários mínimos. A maior parte é graduada em instituições públicas e faz especialização na área clínica. Os profissionais estudados aparentam estar em piores condições de trabalho, se comparado com o resto da categoria. Os psicólogos que atuam em instituições de Assistência Social são aqueles que apresentam o maior grau de precarização no trabalho. As atividades desenvolvidas não apresentam novidade, com consolidação de práticas conservadoras ao invés de inovações efetivas, corroborando o questionamento à profissão de não contemplar demandas apresentadas ao profissional de Psicologia no campo das políticas sociais. Com este cenário de reprodução de valores liberais, confirmam-se os padrões clássicos de atuação e difunde-se uma prática a política e acrítica. Reitera-se a importância de estudos críticos, que organize metas para a categoria, com intuito de transformações políticas que contemplem o cenário atual.
QUANDO O RESPONDER ANTIGO TORNA-SE UM COMPORTAMENTO NOVO: DESCRIÇÃO DE UM PROCESSO DE MUDANÇA CLÍNICA
Authors: Peron Francielly , Martins da Silveira Jocelaine
Published: September 2012

Supondo que a mudança clínica está estreitamente relacionada ao tipo de classe que éenfraquecida ou fortalecida, conforme a sistematização feita pela Psicoterapia AnalíticaFuncional (FAP), recorreram-se aos conceitos de Modelagem, Diferenciação e Induçãopara analisar e discutir um processo de mudança comportamental na clínica. O objetivodo estudo foi descrever um processo de mudança clínica em que a classe de respostaconsiderada problema transforma-se em uma classe de resposta relacionada à melhora.O método consistiu em analisar 15 sessões iniciais realizadas com uma cliente atendidaem uma clínica-escola pública. Os resultados expõem quatro dimensões identificadas, asquais foram sendo diferenciadas ao longo do processo terapêutico. Discutiu-se o processode mudança clínica, considerando dimensões do responder que sofreram diferenciaçãodo longo da terapia.
IMPLICAÇÕES DA ÁREA DAS BIOMÉDICAS NA FORMAÇÃO DO PSICÓLOGO PARA O SUS
Authors: Guareschi Neuza Maria de Fátima , Santos Machry Denise , Dos Reis Carolina , Dhein Gisele , Bennemann Thais
Published: September 2012

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma análise sobre o currículo em Psicologia, buscando demonstrar como a formação neste campo de conhecimento se apresenta para atender à demanda colocada pelo Ministério da Saúde de formar profissionais para o SUS. Primeiramente, foi feito um mapeamento das grades curriculares de seis cursos de Psicologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Apoiando-se em materiais bibliográficos sobre a criação e desenvolvimento dos cursos de Psicologia, identificamos três possíveis eixos de disciplinas que remetem direta ou indiretamente às temáticas da saúde. Neste artigo, apresentamos a análise e discussão somente sobre o eixo que denominamos Área das Biomédicas. Realizamos uma análise das ementas, conteúdos e bibliografias dos programas das disciplinas que propõem o estudo da Área das Biomédicas. A análise desses materiais fundamenta-se na literatura que discute os princípios, diretrizes e concepção de saúde propostos pelo SUS: no princípio da integralidade, nas transformações do conceito de saúde, e na distinção entre saúde pública e saúde coletiva. A partir da análise dos programas das disciplinas, emergiram três enfoques temáticos sobre os quais organizamos a discussão: Sistemas Orgânicos, Genética e Psiquiatria.
TRADUÇÃO E VALIDAÇÃO DA VERSÃO BRASILEIRA DO CHILDREN’S EATING ATTITUDES TEST (CHEAT)
Authors: Pinheiro Nádia , Jiménez Manuel
Published: September 2012

Analisou-se a estrutura fatorial e propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Children Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) e examinaram-se atitudes e comportamentos alimentares problemáticos em crianças da cidade de São Luís, Maranhão. Trezentos e quarenta e sete participantes(160 meninos e 187 meninas) de 8 a 12 anos foram pesados, medidos e completaram o questionário ChEAT. Encontraram-se três fatores para o teste, com alta consistência interna para a escala total e suas subescalas. Encontraram-se diferenças significativas em atitudes e comportamentos alimentares segundo a idade e o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), bem como diferenças em cada fator do ChEAT segundo sexo, idade e IMC. Outros resultados foram que 21% dos participantes apresentam sobrepeso e 5,8% obesidade; e que 43,5% atitudes e comportamentos alimentares alterados. O ChEAT é um instrumento que pode ser utilizado na população infantil brasileira detectando que meninos e meninas que desejam um corpo belo, adotam, para isso, atitudes e comportamentos alimentares implicados na etiologia dos transtornos alimentares.