bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slipband Formation and Fatigue Cracks Under Alternating Stress
Authors: Hempel MR
Published: March 2009

A theory of crystal plasticity or fatigue failure in stressed metallic materials can only be established through study of deformation processes. Slip traces developing during repeated alternating stress indicate slip in the crystallites along closely defined planes. Therefore, the effect of the loading on the formation of slip markings and cracks must be studied. Fatigue tests produce maximum strain in the outer layers where structure changes can easily be observed. This paper presents results obtained on both single crystals of body-centered cubic α-iron and polycrystalline face-centered cubic aluminum.
Cycle-Dependent Stress Relaxation
Authors: Morrow J , Sinclair GM
Published: March 2009

Time-dependent relaxation of stress in metal held in a strained state is a well known phenomenon. There also exists a cycle-dependent relaxation of stress which occurs under conditions of repeated straining. To investigate this type of behavior, the mean strain and amplitude of alternating strain is held constant in axial fatigue tests of SAE 4340, and the mean stress is measured as a function of the number of strain repetitions. An analysis utilizing an assumed stress-microstrain relationship is employed to study the relaxation in terms of the condition of the material, the initial and control conditions of the test, and the cycles of strain repetition. Push-pull fatigue data is also reported in which the mean strain rather than the mean stress is held constant throughout the fatigue test. The practical significance of these findings is discussed, especially as relates to the fading of residual stresses in members subjected to fatigue loading.
Recent Observations on Fatigue Failure in Metals
Authors: Wood WA
Published: March 2009

The mechanism of fatigue failure is viewed in the light of recent observations obtained by a modified taper-sectioning technique which reveals slipband contours at optical magnifications of 20,000 to 30,000 times. The observations show how the fatigue slipbands produce in the metal surface sharp notches, peaks, and intermediate contours and cause related forms of surface disintegration. Typical effects are illustrated by examples from copper and brass subjected to alternating torsion.
Examples of Highway Soil Engineering
Authors: Barber ES
Published: March 2009

Use of soil engineering in highways is illustrated by a variety of examples from experience on turnpikes and interstate and overseas highways.

Various screening tests to supplement routine classification are suggested, as well as methods of indicating mica content and degree of nonplasticity.

Examples are presented illustrating weathering, intrusion, special considerations in compaction and pavement design, sand drains for slopes and acceleration of swelling, secondary consolidation, bearing capacity on slopes, stability of fissured clay, fills on soft soil and abutment displacement.

Problems of management and education are considered. Relation of soil to other materials is illustrated by grading requirements, shrinkage of asphalt, and swelling of masonry.
The Soil Exploration and Mapping Cooperative Project in Illinois
Authors: Chryssafopoulos N
Published: March 2009

The Soil Exploration and Mapping Project of the Illinois Cooperative High-way Research Program is a joint venture of the Illinois Division of Highways, the U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Public Roads, and the University of Illinois Engineering Experiment Station. Work, at present, consists of the preparation of soils maps for use by the Illinois Division of Highways as an aid in planning the relocation and improvement of existing roads and the location of new highways. Parallel to mapping, extensive soil sampling and testing is also performed to determine the engineering properties of the soil types mapped. In addition to the above, research is being conducted in relation to soil properties and the influence of subgrade soils on highway pavement performance. The ultimate goal of the project is the publication of a soils manual for the State of Illinois.
Laboratory Methods of Compacting Granular Soils
Authors: Felt EJ
Published: March 2009

Control of compaction of cohesionless granular soils is frequently confounded by the lack of adequate test methods. These materials do not compact satisfactorily in the standard moisture-density test, ASTM Method D 698. Thus, methods of soil-compaction control based upon the standard density test, which are appropriate for cohesive-type soils, have been found to be unworkable with many cohesionless soils.

It is the assignment of Section D of Subcommittee R-3 of ASTM Committee D-18 to establish tentative ASTM methods for determining the maximum and minimum densities of granular materials. These methods will provide a means for controlling compaction of granular materials based upon either “per cent-compaction” or “relative-density” specifications.

This report presents maximum and minimum density data obtained for six granular materials by eight cooperating committee members, each using test methods of his own choice. The committee expects to select two or three methods for further check testing and ultimately to propose methods for publication as tentative ASTM standards.
Index of Compaction Characteristics
Authors: McRae JL
Published: March 2009

This paper shows that a semilog plot of optimum dry density versus compaction effort in energy per unit volume gives essentially a straightline relationship. The slope of this line varies with the plasticity and other related properties, the slope becoming steeper as the plasticity increases and the soil becomes more difficult to compact. It is proposed that laboratory compaction tests, conducted at three compaction efforts and plotted as described, be used as a basis for a classification scheme. It is suggested that such data be used for guidance in establishing compaction requirements for different soils and for predetermining the amount of compaction effort necessary to achieve a desired field density.
Tailoring the Properties of Materials
Authors: Stevenson EP
Published: March 2009

Since my remarks are directed in part to introducing the more specific papers of this symposium, I will have occasion from time to time to anticipate some of their subjects.
Requirements for Dependable Performance of Domestic Oil Burner Nozzles
Authors: Olson EO
Published: March 2009

The trend within the oil heating industry of immediate concern to us is the consistent trend toward smaller units. Because the predominant burner type is the high-pressure burner, it means that the nozzles which meter and atomize the fuel are becoming smaller and smaller in capacity to fit the smaller heat exchangers which are used. There are several reasons for this trend: 1. Oil-fired central heating plants are now being installed in many small houses with low heat loss. 2. The new houses being built today are better insulated than older houses. This results in a lower heat loss for the same type of house. 3. By present day standards, many home-heating plans were previously overfired. In the interest of economy, plants are now being fired at a more realistic firing rate. 4. Competition for the home- owners' and homebuilder's dollar creates a demand for smaller and cheaper heating units.
Transfers Using Positive—Displacement Meters-Techniques and Procedures
Authors: Levy MA
Published: March 2009

During the past two years many interesting and informative papers on positive-displacement meters have been prepared by pipeline-operating personnel and meter manufacturers. These papers discuss such topics as the relationship of meter slippage to the viscosity of the fluid measured and to the derived mechanical factor, the effect of compressibility on the mechanical factor, and the effect of the thermal expansion of steel. Other papers deal with new techniques and practices. Together, these two groups of information will serve as a basis for the rewriting of the new meter code sponsored by ASME and API, dealing with the “Installation, Proving, and Operation of Positive-Displacement Meters in Liquid Hydrocarbon Service.”
Application, Installation, and Maintenance of Automatic Tank Gages
Authors: Robinson GD
Published: March 2009

The importance of accurately gaging the liquid level of products in storage tanks is a recognized problem which has been associated with the petroleum industry since the first barrel of crude oil was drawn from the ground. In the early days, when petroleum products were comparatively inexpensive and the demand was small, the importance of accurate measurement was relatively minor. However, as the value and quantity of petroleum products increased, the necessity of accurate gaging became increasingly important. Another factor that increased the value of accurate gaging was the construction of larger diameter storage tanks. In a small diameter tank a ¼ in. difference in liquid level would represent only a small number of gallons. The same liquid-level difference in a larger diameter tank could mean several hundred gallons.
Transforming growth factor-β1 inhibits luteinization and promotes apoptosis in bovine granulosa cells
Authors: Zheng Xiaofeng , Boerboom Derek , Carrière Paul D
Published: March 2009

We have previously shown that TGFB1 inhibits estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) biosynthesis in FSH-stimulated bovine granulosa cells by selective inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of TGFB1 on E2and P4steroidogenesis in bovine granulosa cells cultured in the absence of FSH and to measure the effects of TGFB1 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the presence and absence of FSH. Bovine granulosa cells from 2 to 5 mm follicles were cultured in serum-free medium for 2–6 days. In the absence of FSH, the secretion of P4increased with time in culture (P<0.05). Addition of TGFB1 for 6 days decreased P4secretion and mRNA levels of the P4synthesis-associated genesSTAR,CYP11A1,HSD3B1, andGSTA(P<0.05). In the absence of FSH, the secretion of E2decreased and addition of TGFB1 for 6 days partially reversed this decline and stimulated E2biosynthesis,CYP19A1andHSD17B1mRNA levels and CYP19A1 activity (P<0.05). Conversely, TGFB1 did not affectHSD17B7expression and HSD17B-reducing activity. TGFB1 decreased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 and S+G2/M phases in FSH-stimulated and unstimulated granulosa cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, in the presence or absence of FSH, TGFB1 increased the proportion of cells in apoptosis measured by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry and confirmed by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.05). Our results therefore indicate that TGFB1 inhibits luteinization in cultured bovine granulosa cells while maintaining an estrogenic phenotype, and this effect was associated with increased apoptosis.
Selection for Chaperone-Like Mediated Genetic Robustness at Low Mutation Rate: Impact of Drift, Epistasis and Complexity
Authors: Gros Pierre-Alexis , Tenaillon Olivier
Published: March 2009

Genetic robustness is defined as the constancy of a phenotype in the face of deleterious mutations. Overexpression of chaperones, to assist the folding of proteins carrying deleterious mutations, is so far one of the most accepted molecular mechanisms enhancing genetic robustness. Most theories on the evolution of robustness have focused on the implications of high mutation rate. Here we show that genetic drift, which is modulated by population size, organism complexity, and epistasis, can be a sufficient force to select for chaperone-mediated genetic robustness. Using an exact analytical solution, we also show that selection for costly genetic robustness leads to a paradox: the decrease of population fitness on long timescales and the long-term dependency on robustness mechanisms. We suggest that selection for genetic robustness could be universal and not restricted to high mutation rate organisms such as RNA viruses. The evolution of the endosymbiont Buchnera illustrates this selection mechanism and its paradox: the increased dependency on chaperones mediating genetic robustness. Our model explains why most chaperones might have become essential even in optimal growth conditions.
Quantifying Interactions Within the NADP(H) Enzyme Network in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Merritt Thomas J S , Kuczynski Caitlin , Sezgin Efe , Zhu Chen-Tseh , Kumagai Seiji , Eanes Walter F
Published: March 2009

In this report, we use synthetic, activity-variant alleles in Drosophila melanogaster to quantify interactions across the enzyme network that reduces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) to NADPH. We examine the effects of large-scale variation in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity in a single genetic background and of smaller-scale variation in IDH, G6PD, and malic enzyme across 10 different genetic backgrounds. We find significant interactions among all three enzymes in adults; changes in the activity of any one source of a reduced cofactor generally result in changes in the other two, although the magnitude and directionality of change differs depending on the gene and the genetic background. Observed interactions are presumably through cellular mechanisms that maintain a homeostatic balance of NADPH/NADP, and the magnitude of change in response to modification of one source of reduced cofactor likely reflects the relative contribution of that enzyme to the cofactor pool. Our results suggest that malic enzyme makes the largest single contribution to the NADPH pool, consistent with the results from earlier experiments in larval D. melanogaster using naturally occurring alleles. The interactions between all three enzymes indicate functional interdependence and underscore the importance of examining enzymes as components of a network.
Minimal Effect of Ectopic Gene Conversion Among Recent Duplicates in Four Mammalian Genomes
Authors: McGrath Casey L , Casola Claudio , Hahn Matthew W
Published: March 2009

Gene conversion between duplicated genes has been implicated in homogenization of gene families and reassortment of variation among paralogs. If conversion is common, this process could lead to errors in gene tree inference and subsequent overestimation of rates of gene duplication. After performing simulations to assess our power to detect gene conversion events, we determined rates of conversion among young, lineage-specific gene duplicates in four mammal species: human, rhesus macaque, mouse, and rat. Gene conversion rates (number of conversion events/number of gene pairs) among young duplicates range from 8.3% in macaque to 18.96% in rat, including a 5% false-positive rate. For all lineages, only 1–3% of the total amount of sequence examined was converted. There is no increase in GC content in conversion tracts compared to flanking regions of the same genes nor in conversion tracts compared to the same region in nonconverted gene-family members, suggesting that ectopic gene conversion does not significantly alter nucleotide composition in these duplicates. While the majority of gene duplicate pairs reside on different chromosomes in mammalian genomes, the majority of gene conversion events occur between duplicates on the same chromosome, even after controlling for divergence between duplicates. Among intrachromosomal duplicates, however, there is no correlation between the probability of conversion and physical distance between duplicates after controlling for divergence. Finally, we use a novel method to show that at most 5–10% of all gene trees involving young duplicates are likely to be incorrect due to gene conversion. We conclude that gene conversion has had only a small effect on mammalian genomes and gene duplicate evolution in general.
Coordinated Regulation of Heterochromatic Genes inDrosophila melanogasterMales
Authors: Deng Xinxian , Koya S Kiran , Kong Ying , Meller Victoria H
Published: March 2009

Dosage compensation modifies the chromatin of X-linked genes to assure equivalent expression in sexes with unequal X chromosome dosage. In Drosophila dosage compensation is achieved by increasing expression from the male X chromosome. The ribonucleoprotein dosage compensation complex (DCC) binds hundreds of sites along the X chromosome and modifies chromatin to facilitate transcription. Loss of roX RNA, an essential component of the DCC, reduces expression from X-linked genes. Surprisingly, loss of roX RNA also reduces expression from genes situated in proximal heterochromatin and on the small, heterochromatic fourth chromosome. Mutation of some, but not all, of the genes encoding DCC proteins produces a similar effect. Reduction of roX function suppresses position effect variegation (PEV), revealing functional alteration in heterochromatin. The effects of roX mutations on heterochromatic gene expression and PEV are limited to males. A sex-limited role for the roX RNAs in autosomal gene expression was unexpected. We propose that this reflects a difference in the heterochromatin of males and females, which serves to accommodate the heterochromatic Y chromosome present in the male nucleus. roX transcripts may thus participate in two distinct regulatory systems that have evolved in response to highly differentiated sex chromosomes: compensation of X-linked gene dosage and modulation of heterochromatin.
Repeat Prenatal Corticosteroid Doses Do Not Alter Neonatal Blood Pressure or Myocardial Thickness: Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Mildenhall Lindsay , Battin Malcolm , Bevan Coila , Kuschel Carl , Harding Jane E.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to determine whether repeat prenatal corticosteroid treatment alters blood pressure and myocardial wall thickness in neonates.

METHODS. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in a tertiary perinatal center. Mothers with a singleton, twin, or triplet pregnancy, at a gestational age of <32 weeks, who had received initial treatment with corticosteroid ≥7 days earlier and who were considered to be at continued risk of preterm birth were assigned randomly to receive additional weekly betamethasone or placebo treatment. One hundred forty-five infants born to 120 women were studied. Blood pressure in the first 4 weeks after birth or until hospital discharge and interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole 48 to 72 hours after birth were measured.

RESULTS. There were no differences in mean, systolic, or diastolic blood pressures between infants in the placebo and repeat steroid groups. Blood pressures of infants in both groups were similar to published normal values. There were no differences between groups in interventricular septal thickness or left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole. In comparison with published normal ranges, however, 24% of infants had interventricular septal thickness and 32% of infants had left ventricular posterior wall thickness of >95th percentile.

CONCLUSION. Exposure to repeat prenatal corticosteroid treatment did not increase neonatal blood pressure or myocardial wall thickness in infants who remained at risk of very preterm birth ≥7 days after an initial course of corticosteroid treatment.
Quality-of-Life Concerns Differ Among Patients, Parents, and Medical Providers in Children and Adolescents With Congenital and Acquired Heart Disease
Authors: Marino Bradley S. , Tomlinson Ryan S. , Drotar Dennis , Claybon Emily S. , Aguirre Abigail , Ittenbach Richard , Welkom Josie S. , Helfaer Mark A. , Wernovsky Gil , Shea Judy A.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVES. Mortality rates in pediatric patients with heart disease have decreased dramatically in recent decades, resulting in an increasing number of survivors with morbidities that impact quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare how heart disease affects the quality of life of the pediatric cardiac patient from the perspectives of the patient, parent, and health care provider.

METHOD. Individual focus groups were conducted with children (8–12 years of age) with heart disease, adolescents (13–18 years of age) with heart disease, parents of children with heart disease, parents of adolescents with heart disease, and health care providers of pediatric patients with heart disease. A structured focus group technique was used to develop a list of potential items that might affect quality of life. Participants chose the 5 most important items from the list. These items were then categorized into preidentified dimensions (physical, psychological, social, school, and other). The percentages of the total votes for all items were calculated and distributions of responses across dimensions within group and within dimension across groups were reported and compared qualitatively.

RESULTS. Patient and parent groups identified similar items as important. Providers identified different items. The physical limitation item received the largest percentage of total votes in all groups (9%–20%). Analysis across dimension revealed that those items related to the physical dimension received the highest percentage of total votes among all groups (30.2%–51.2%). Analysis within dimension revealed that patients endorsed items in the physical dimension more frequently than parents or providers. Within the psychological dimension, the children selected the fewest items relative to all other groups (7.2% vs 21.3%–37.8%), whereas health care providers endorsed these items more frequently than patients or parents (child or parent of child groups 7.2%–21.3% vs health care provider group 28.8%; adolescent or parent of adolescent groups 29.6% vs health care provider group 37.8%). Differences were noted between the child and adolescent groups in the psychological (child versus adolescent: 7.2% vs 29.6%) and school (child versus adolescent: 11.2% vs 2.1%) dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS. Patients and parents generally agreed on how heart disease affects the quality of life of children and adolescents, whereas health care providers had a different opinion.
Funcionalidade e incapacidade humana: explorando o escopo da classificação internacional da Organização Mundial da Saúde
Authors: Sampaio Rosana Ferreira , Luz Madel Terezinha
Published: March 2009

A produção teórica sobre incapacidade se apresenta dicotomizada nas perspectivas médica e social. O modelo biomédico foca a deficiência, doença ou anormalidade corporal e como esses fatores produzem incapacidade. A abordagem social sugere que o significado de deficiência e incapacidade emerge de contextos sociais e culturais específicos. A OMS criou a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF), que traz um sistema de classificação e modelo teórico baseados na junção dos modelos médico e social e usa uma abordagem biopsicossocial para integrar as dimensões da saúde. Apesar da importância e atualidade da CIF, alguns conceitos foram pouco detalhados e justificados, podendo ocasionar interpretações distintas. Propõe-se com este ensaio descrever o modelo da CIF e analisar o alcance da teoria biopsicossocial para explorar a natureza relacional das categorias deficiência e incapacidade, bem como o caráter universal da proposta da OMS. Um dos aspectos mais positivos da CIF é trazer à baila a natureza interativa da incapacidade e a divisão do fenômeno em três dimensões, mostrando o grau de complexidade do processo de funcionalidade e incapacidade humana.
Política pública e controle da violência: um estudo de caso na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Paim Jairnilson Silva , Costa Heloniza Oliveira Gonçalves , Vilasbôas Ana Luiza Queiroz
Published: March 2009

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a formulação e os desdobramentos preliminares de uma política pública voltada para o controle da violência em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. O referencial teórico utilizado foi o do ciclo das políticas públicas e aportes da "escolha racional". A política pública analisada alcançou os três primeiros níveis do processo de decisão política: o tema foi colocado na agenda pública, esteve presente no discurso de autoridades, foi elaborado um plano no âmbito municipal. A agregação dos distintos atores e setores na estrutura organizacional proposta pelo plano não foi suficiente para incentivar a cooperação entre os indivíduos para agir, conjuntamente, na implantação do plano. Os mecanismos utilizados para sensibilização dos atores não foram suficientes para mobilizá-los para o combate à violência no formato proposto. O processo de formulação de uma política pública deve, também, levar em conta o conjunto de fatores que incentivam e constrangem a cooperação entre os indivíduos para uma ação coletiva na perspectiva do bem comum.
Conhecimento de adultos sobre o papel da atividade física na prevenção e tratamento de diabetes e hipertensão: estudo de base populacional no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Knuth Alan G. , Bielemann Renata M. , Silva Shana G. da , Borges Thiago T. , Del Duca Giovâni F. , Kremer Marina M. , Hallal Pedro C. , Rombaldi Airton J. , Azevedo Mario R.
Published: March 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento dos adultos de Pelotas, Sul do Brasil, sobre o papel da atividade física na prevenção e tratamento de diabetes e hipertensão arterial, e os fatores associados aos conhecimentos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostragem por conglomerados, incluindo 972 indivíduos de 20 a 69 anos. O conhecimento dos efeitos da atividade física na prevenção e tratamento foi maior para a hipertensão (82%) do que para diabetes (47,2%). Para a prevenção de diabetes maiores conhecimentos se associaram ao sexo feminino (RP = 1,16; IC95%: 1,03-1,31), e no tratamento além destes, indivíduos ativos, obesos e de elevado nível econômico, tiveram maior conhecimento. Na prevenção da hipertensão, elevado conhecimento associou-se ao maior nível econômico (RP = 1,23; IC95%: 1,11-1,36). Quanto ao tratamento, mulheres, indivíduos ativos e obesos apresentaram maior conhecimento. Em síntese, o conhecimento sobre o papel da atividade física no tratamento de diabetes e hipertensão é maior, em comparação à prevenção; tal achado merece destaque, pois a capacidade de prevenção da atividade física não parece estar tão bem difundida em termos populacionais.
Efecto del tiempo de exposición a PM10 en las urgencias por bronquitis aguda
Authors: Muñoz Franz , Carvalho Marilia Sá
Published: March 2009

Este trabajo analiza el efecto de las horas de exposición a PM10 en las urgencias diarias por bronquitis aguda, controlando por temperatura y humedad. El estudio fue realizado en seis sectores de la ciudad de Santiago, Chile, durante el período de invierno de los años 2002 al 2004, para lactantes (< 1 año) y adultos mayores (> 65 años). Analizamos el retraso de la respuesta mediante una función polinomial distributiva (pdl), incluida en un modelo lineal generalizado (GLM-pdl), y la estructura del efecto de la exposición, mediante modelos aditivos generalizados (GAM), utilizando regresión spline como técnica de estimación. Los resultados mostraron que al cuarto día de retardo, el efecto de la exposición fue mayor, especialmente en lactantes, y varió en la medida que incrementó la concentración atmosférica de PM10. El efecto de las horas de exposición a PM10 mostró una variación significativa, según el sector geográfico. Al estimar linealmente este efecto en el sector Oeste, notamos que el incremento de consultas diarias en lactantes fue de 3% por cada hora de exposición sobre os 150µg/m³.
Características da força de trabalho médica na Província de Cabinda, Angola
Authors: Oliveira Miguel dos Santos de , Artmann Elizabeth
Published: March 2009

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre a força de trabalho médica na rede pública de saúde da Província de Cabinda, República de Angola. O objetivo foi estudar as características dos recursos humanos médicos, visando contribuir para o desenho de estratégias para melhorar o acesso e a qualidade de assistência médica. O período do estudo foi de 2001 a 2004 e utilizou-se de dados secundários, entrevistas com profissionais e gestores, com roteiro semi-estruturado, observação direta e discussão com a literatura sobre o assunto. Constatou-se que a qualidade da assistência médica em Cabinda é baixa, com um índice médico/habitante de um médico para 3.356 habitantes. Em algumas localidades não existe nenhum médico sequer para uma comunidade de mais de 35 mil habitantes, além das deficientes condições de trabalho e a pouca motivação dos profissionais. O estudo concluiu que a formulação e a implementação de políticas que visam à melhoria da gestão dos profissionais do setor podem contribuir para o aumento da qualidade da assistência médica na província, mas é necessário o envolvimento dos atores relevantes e pesquisas sobre outros grupos profissionais.
Fatores associados a excesso de peso e concentração de gordura abdominal em adultos na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Lucivalda P. M. , Assis Ana Marlúcia O. , Silva Maria da Conceição Monteiro da , Santana Mônica Leila Portela de , Santos Nedja Silva dos , Pinheiro Sandra M. C. , Barreto Mauricio Lima , Souza Carine de Oliveira
Published: March 2009

O objetivo foi identificar os fatores associados ao excesso de peso e concentração de gordura abdominal em adultos de ambos os sexos. Um estudo transversal envolvendo amostra representativa de 570 adultos de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada na análise, adotando-se o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a circunferência da cintura como variáveis dependentes. Para as mulheres, a inadequação do IMC e da circunferência da cintura ocorreu com o aumento da idade e entre as que faziam dieta no momento do estudo, a história familiar de obesidade associou-se apenas com o IMC elevado. Para os homens, o IMC elevou-se na faixa etária de 30 a 39 e 50 a 59 anos. A circunferência da cintura elevou-se com a realização de três ou menos refeições-dia, com a hipertensão arterial, uso de bebida alcoólica e diminuiu entre mulatos e negros. Tanto IMC quanto circunferência da cintura elevaram-se com a historia familiar de infarto. Portanto são distintos os fatores que se associam ao excesso de peso e da gordura abdominal em homens e mulheres. Mas muitos deles podem ser modificados com a adoção do estilo de vida saudável.
Atendimento à demanda pela esterilização cirúrgica na Região Metropolitana de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil: percepção de gestores e profissionais dos serviços públicos de saúde
Authors: Osis Maria José Duarte , Carvalho Luiz Eduardo Campos de , Cecatti José Guilherme , Bento Silvana Ferreira , Pádua Karla Simônia de
Published: March 2009

A presente pesquisa descreve a percepção de gestores e profissionais de serviços públicos de saúde de municípios da Região Metropolitana de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, acerca do atendimento à demanda pela esterilização cirúrgica voluntária. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, em quatro municípios, onde se realizaram entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 26 gestores e profissionais de saúde envolvidos no atendimento às solicitações de esterilização cirúrgica. Apontaram-se dificuldades para agendamento de consultas nos ambulatórios de planejamento familiar ou centros de referência e número insuficiente de cirurgias que podiam ser agendadas semanalmente nos hospitais credenciados. Enfatizou-se a falta de estrutura física e recursos humanos tanto nas unidades básicas de saúde, quanto nos ambulatórios de planejamento familiar ou centros de referência. Houve críticas aos critérios legais para autorizar a esterilização, bem como se mencionaram adaptações para torná-los mais adequados à situação de cada município. Gestores e profissionais de saúde entendiam que, apesar dos esforços empenhados, o atendimento à demanda pela esterilização cirúrgica na Região Metropolitana de Campinas estava prejudicado pela centralização em ambulatórios de planejamento familiar ou centros de referência, que, na prática, tinham que suprir as deficiências da oferta de ações de planejamento familiar em geral na rede básica de cada município.
Air quality and emergency pediatric care for symptoms of bronchial obstruction categorized by age bracket in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Moura Marisa , Junger Washington Leite , Mendonça Gulnar Azevedo e Silva , Leon Antonio Ponce de
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to estimate the association between levels of air pollutants and respiratory symptoms in children. An ecological time-series study was conducted between April 2002 and March 2003 with daily data on PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3 and paediatric care in emergency rooms due to symptoms indicating bronchial obstruction. The potential confounding factors considered were: time trend, seasonality, meteorological variables, respiratory infections and the effects of weekends and holidays. A semi-parametric Poisson regression was used to model the time series. Splines (data smoothing functions), indicator variables and cubic polynomials were used to adjust the effects of the confounding variables. A 5% significance level was adopted for the study. A statistically significant increase of 6.7% in paediatric visits of children of less than 2 years of age was associated with PM10. A 3% positive association with O3 showed borderline significance (p < 0.06) in this age bracket. Our findings highlight the existence of an acknowledged public health problem in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and also emphasize the need to identify the principal sources of air pollutants.
Forum: challenges in STD/AIDS prevention in Portuguese-speaking African countries: contributions from social research and from a gender approach: Introduction
Authors: Monteiro Simone
Published: March 2009

This forum on the challenges of preventing STD/AIDS in Portuguese-speaking African countries contains three articles and a postscript. The first paper reviews academic production on the topic from the fields of the social sciences and of health, with special attention on how local cultural and socioeconomic factors impact the dynamics of the epidemic. Based on an ethnographic study of a region in southern Mozambique, the second paper analyzes the notion of 'tradition' within the context of Mozambique and how it affects perceptions of the local population's vulnerability to STD/AIDS. The third and final article discusses common ground and differences between government and civil society in gender approaches by community HIV/AIDS projects in Mozambique. Their observations suggest that important mistakes have been made in STD/AIDS prevention discourse and initiatives in African countries because the unique features of local development models and cultural systems have not been taken into account.
STD/AIDS prevention in Portuguese-speaking Africa: a review of the recent literature in the social sciences and health
Authors: Monteiro Simone
Published: March 2009

The article reviews academic literature in the social sciences and health on the problems and challenges of STD/AIDS prevention in Portuguese-speaking African countries. Based on a bibliographic survey of the SciELO, PubMed, and Sociological Abstracts databases between 1997 and 2007, the research under review was organized into two groups, according to content. The first group of studies sought to understand STD/AIDS vulnerability among social groups by examining local cultural and socioeconomic factors as related to gender dynamics, sexuality, color/race, religion and health care. The second group encompassed critical assessments of shortcomings in the STD/AIDS educational messages delivered by governments and international agencies. Attention is called to the way in which the presence of traditional medicine systems and the occurrence of civil wars in the post-colonial period impact the STD/AIDS epidemic in the African countries under study.
"Tradition", person, gender, and STD/HIV/AIDS in southern Mozambique
Authors: Passador Luiz Henrique
Published: March 2009

In southern Mozambique, the "traditional" notion of personhood is constructed through a process, as an outcome of diachronic and synchronic social relations that encompass kin and other peers, including spirits. Both person and body are thought of as elements traversed and determined by these relations, which include the gender relations whose complementarity finds expression in alliances and the production of descendants. In this system of agnatic kinship, descent is possible through women, who produce the male and female persons. Because of women's structural position, they may be suspected of fostering deconstruction of the person as well, with diseases providing the objective data that ground such a charge. To a certain degree, HIV/AIDS has been experienced in terms of this sociocultural arrangement, which defines disease as the result of action by social subjects that jeopardizes the person, placing women in the vulnerable position of being seen as the producers of disease. This has defined the ways in which people experience both the epidemic as well as STD/HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment messages and public policies.
The gender approach in community AIDS projects in Mozambique: agreement and disagreement between government and civil society
Authors: Villela Wilza Vieira , Barber-Madden Rosemary
Published: March 2009

This article discusses some areas where government and civil society converge and clash in their gender approaches in community HIV/AIDS projects in Mozambique, based on an evaluative study conducted in 2006 encompassing 160 of the 1,124 NGO projects undertaken with the support of the country's national AIDS council, known as the Conselho Nacional de Combate ao SIDA (CNCS). An analysis of projects and official documents shows that, for the CNCS, the term "gender" represents a way of underscoring the epidemic's impact on women. In community projects, the gender approach often times finds expression in initiatives to mitigate the economic impact of the epidemic on widows. Initiatives aimed at men and at the population as a whole generally pay little attention to power relations between men and women or their affect on the epidemic. This suggests that any endeavor to transfer Western analytical techniques or forms of intervention for coping with the HIV/AIDS epidemic to other regions of the world demands painstaking efforts to translate these and adapt them to local cultural standards.
Conceptualization about internalizing problems in children and adolescents
Authors: Wilkinson Paul
Published: March 2009

This review will discuss the concept of internalizing disorders. It will describe the two main types of internalizing disorder: depressive and anxiety disorders. It will discuss how they have much in common, but that there are also key differences. The review will use data from modern studies of symptom factor analysis, aetiology, treatment and prognosis to illustrate the commonalities and differences. It will conclude by trying to answer where internalizing disorders should be placed in future diagnostic classification schemes.
A relação entre professores com sofrimento psíquico e crianças escolares com problemas de comportamento
Authors: Lyra Gabriela Franco Dias , Assis Simone Gonçalves de , Njaine Kathie , Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes de , Pires Thiago de Oliveira
Published: March 2009

O presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar a relação entre professores com sofrimento psíquico e crianças escolares com problemas de comportamento. Um total de 151 professores avaliou a presença de problemas de comportamento em 372 alunos, através da escala Teacher´s Report Form (TRF). Os alunos foram selecionados através de amostragem por conglomerados e estavam matriculados na primeira série do ensino fundamental. Os professores também responderam a um questionário auto-aplicado a fim de avaliar algumas características pessoais e a presença de sofrimento psíquico (Self Reported Questionnaire SRQ-20). A prevalência de sofrimento psíquico encontrada entre os professores foi de 21,8%. Os resultados mostram percentuais mais elevados na identificação de problemas internalizantes pelas professoras que apresentam sofrimento psíquico.
Uma reflexão acerca da prevenção da violência a partir de um estudo sobre a agressividade humana
Authors: Andrade Elaine Vasconcelos de , Bezerra Jr. Benilton
Published: March 2009

O objetivo deste artigo é oferecer uma ferramenta que ilumine a compreensão acerca dos comportamentos agressivos e das situações violentas comumente encontrados na instituição escolar. As palavras "violência" e "agressividade" não são utilizadas de forma inequívoca e estabelecer uma cartografia que demonstre tal fato permite a designação de lugares e formas de tratamento específicos aos fenômenos. Seguindo o modelo teórico proposto pelo psicanalista Donald Winnicott, faremos uma discussão das diferenças entre agressividade e violência, ilustrando-a com a apresentação de um caso trabalhado por nossa equipe de saúde em uma escola pública do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Diante dos questionamentos levantados e das dificuldades encontradas, procuramos mostrar que a desnaturalização da violência e a despatologização da agressividade nos oferecem a possibilidade de propor ações que não se restrinjam ao controle e à correção de tais manifestações, mas que possam ser mais eficientes em prevenir a irrupção e a reprodução de situações violentas, por levarem em conta o contexto social em que emergem e as experiências subjetivas nelas envolvidas.
Pseudo-dynamic analysis of reinforced soil wall subjected to oblique displacement
Authors: Narasimha Reddy G. V. , Choudhury D. , Madhav M. R. , Saibaba Reddy E.
Published: March 2009

Numerous pseudo-static methods are available for assessing the seismic stability of reinforced soil walls. These methods consider the dynamic effects of earthquake loading by adding a pseudo-static seismic earth pressure component to the static earth pressure force; they do not consider the effects of time or of body waves travelling through the wall. Hence these approaches provide an approximate and conservative solution. This paper considers an alternative pseudo-dynamic method proposed by Steedman and Zeng, and further modified by Choudhury and Nimbalkar, that considers the above effects. Most of the available methods for analysing the stability of reinforced soil walls consider only the axial resistance of the reinforcement to pullout. However, the failure surface in a reinforced soil structure nearly always intersects the reinforcement layers obliquely, and thus subjects the reinforcement to an oblique force imposed by the sliding mass of soil. The seismic stability of reinforced soil walls is investigated, considering the kinematics of this oblique pull. A parametric study quantifies the effects of different soil-wall parameters on the factor of safety of a reinforced soil wall subjected to pseudo-dynamic seismic forces, considering the increase in tension due to oblique pull or displacement.
Effects of urbanization on plant species diversity in central Arizona
Authors: Walker Jason S , Grimm Nancy B , Briggs John M , Gries Corinna , Dugan Laura
Published: March 2009

Modern urban development provides an excellent laboratory for examining the interplay among socioecological relationships. We analyzed how the rapidly urbanizing Phoenix, Arizona metropolis has affected plant species diversity and community composition at a regional scale. Species diversity and plant density probably result from abiotic sorting in undeveloped desert sites, but not in urban sites. We found that species richness at the plot scale was higher for desert as opposed to urban sites; however, the estimated total species pool in the urban ecosystem is higher than that in the desert, as a result of the increased importation of introduced species through the nursery trade. Ordination of plant communities suggests three unique groupings of species based on land‐use type of the site (desert, urban, and agriculture) and two unique groupings of urban sites based on landscaping aesthetics (mesic or xeric). We therefore recognize both bottom‐up and top‐down controls of plant biodiversity within the urban ecosystem.
Aging Effects on Cobalt Availability in Soils
Authors: Wendling Laura A. , Kirby Jason K. , McLaughlin Michael J.
Published: March 2009

Aging processes in soils can significantly affect the potential biological availability of introduced metals via incorporation into crystal lattices, diffusion into micropores, or formation of metal precipitates on the surfaces of soil minerals. Over time, metals in contact with the soil solid phase are less freely exchangeable with the soil solution and, hence, less available to soil biota. In the present study, the effects of aging on the fate and behavior of added divalent cobalt (Co2+) in a range of soils with varying physicochemical characteristics was assessed using isotope-exchange techniques, chemical extraction, and plant growth. Following addition to soil, the Co2+ salt rapidly partitioned to the soil solid phase. Particularly in soils with neutral to alkaline pH, a large percentage of the surface-bound Co was fixed in forms no longer in equilibrium with soil solution cobalt through aging reactions. Using techniques commonly applied to estimate metal bioavailability in soil, the lability (E values), plant availability (L values), and extractability of added Co2+ salts with the mild chemical extractants calcium chloride (CaCl2) and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) were observed to markedly decrease with time, particularly in soils with high pH or those containing appreciable quantities of iron/ manganese oxyhydroxide minerals. Results indicated rapid partitioning of added Co2+ into isotopically nonexchangeable pools, with more than 60% of the aging occurring within 15 d in most soils. Soil pH was the primary factor controlling the rate of cobalt aging and extent of exchangeability in the soils examined. Understanding the influence of long-term aging on cobalt availability in soils is necessary to accurately assess the potential risk associated with cobalt contamination of soil environments.
Petrophysical Properties Determination of Tight Gas Sands from NMR Data Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Elshafei M. , Hamada G. M.
Published: March 2009

Analysis of heterogeneous gas sand reservoirs is one of the most difficult problems. These reservoirs usually produce from multiple layers with different petrophysical properties. Therefore, using new well logging techniques like NMR or a combination of NMR and conventional open hole logs is essential for improved reservoir characterization. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logs differ from conventional neutron, density, sonic and resistivity logs because the NMR measurements provide mainly lithology independent detailed porosity and offer a good evaluation of the hydrocarbon potential. NMR logs can also be used to determine formation permeability and capillary pressure.

This paper focuses on permeability estimation from NMR logging data. Three models have been used to derive permeability from NMR; Kenyon model, Coates-Timer model and Bulk Gas Magnetic Resonance model. These models have advantages and limitations which depend on the reservoir characteristics. We first estimated permeability from NMR data using the Bulk Gas model. Then neural network model was developed to predict formation permeability using NMR and other open hole logs data. The permeability results of the neural network model and the Bulk Gas model were validated by core permeability for the studied wells.