bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Bias Coupled Photoelectrochemical Zero Bias Hydrogen Generation Utilizing Self-Assembled TiO2 Nanoarchitecture Electrode
Authors: Sato Masataka , Kamo Yoichi , Sakamaki Kenji
Published: May 2014

Photoelectrochemical zero bias hydrogen generation has been achieved with self-assembled nanoporous anatase type TiO2 (SANAT) photoelectrode and chemical bias. The SANAT fabricated using halogen free conventional electrolytes by anodization exhibits more than 2 times superior performance to rutile single crystal electrodes in photoelectrolysis of water. The chemical bias assisted cell consists of two separate compartments connected by a liquid junction. The SANAT anode is immersed in alkaline electrolyte, Pt cathode is in acidic electrolyte. The use of electrolytes of two different pH values produces a chemical bias of 0.059 ∆pH V due to the proton concentration gradient. Under zero bias condition, photocurrent sufficient for photolysis of water was observed. Hydrogen evolution was visible at counter electrode without the application of any external voltage. We call this system fuel type photoelectrochemical zero bias hydrogen generation or water splitting.
A Compact Planar Magnetron Plasma Sputtering Device for TiO2 Deposition
Authors: Villamayor Michelle Marie S. , Doi Kenta , Cruz Edna Mae D. , Avenir Freya Gay J. , Wada Motoi , Ramos Henry J.
Published: May 2014

A Compact Planar Magnetron Plasma Sputtering Deposition Device (CPM-PSDD) has been used to deposit TiO2 on silicon, glass and cotton cloth. An 80 mm diameter Ti target was placed at the cathode and was sputtered by argon-oxygen plasma with 10-20 mA discharge current and -300 V to -450 V discharge potential. Reactive oxygen gas fed into the system at 13:1 Ar:O2 sccm ratio for the deposition durations between one to four hours. The deposited films exhibited both anatase and rutile phases. Cotton cloths were dipped in methyl blue to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the film.
Immobilization of diamond nanocrystals on graphene
Authors: Lange Sven , Pille Annika , Kiisk Valter , Kahro Tauno , Alles Harry , Sildos Ilmo
Published: May 2014

Immobilization of fluorescent nanoparticles on graphene is an important step in the assembly of certain graphene-based photonic devices as well as in optical visualization of graphene and its defects. Hereby we report a viable approach to deposit diamond nanoparticles on a wide-area graphene substrate. It is demonstrated that a suitable plasma treatment leads to a selective immobilization of deposited nanodiamond on graphene with practically no agglomeration. Absence of photoemission from the individual adsorbed diamond nanoparticles suggests an energy transfer from the excited N-V centers to graphene.
Saúde e povos indígenas no Brasil: notas sobre alguns temas equívocos na política atual
Authors: Cardoso Marina Denise
Published: June 2014

O objetivo deste texto é analisar as políticas de saúde para os povos indígenas no Brasil, tendo como marco a Constituição Federal de 1988 e os seus desdobramentos para o atendimento médico-assistencial destas populações. Destacam-se três eixos norteadores para esta análise: o projeto gestor, balizado pelas noções de “autonomia” e “controle social”, mas que traduz certo modo de organização das formas de representação e participação indígenas no plano das políticas públicas estatais; o pressuposto da noção da “atenção diferenciada” para a construção de um modelo assistencial inclusivo, mas operacionalmente normativo; e, por fim, a relação entre o modelo gestor de atenção à saúde indígena e as próprias práticas terapêuticas indígenas.
Estudo comparativo da evolução nutricional de pacientes candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica assistidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde e pela Rede Suplementar de Saúde
Authors: Santos Helisregina do Nascimento , Lima Juliana Menêses Santos , Souza Márcia Ferreira Cândido de
Published: June 2014

Foi realizado um estudo transversal comparativo sobre a evolução nutricional de pacientes obesos graves candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica assistidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e a Rede Suplementar de Saúde (RS). O tempo médio de acompanhamento pré-operatório foi 14,3 ± 7,7meses no SUS e 2,4 ± 1,7meses na RS. Houve predominância feminina entre os pacientes assistidos pelo SUS (80,6%) e pela RS (75,7%). Foi observada uma redução significativa do peso, do IMC e na Circunferência da Cintura (CC) e nos valores de Colesterol Total dos pacientes de ambas as redes de saúde. Os pacientes assistidos pelo SUS não apresentaram diminuição significativa nos valores de LDL, Triglicérides e Glicemia de Jejum, enquanto que os pacientes assistidos pela RS apresentaram uma redução significativa desses valores. A maior perda ponderal entre os pacientes do SUS explica-se pelos mesmos terem sido acompanhados por um tempo mais longo. A redução insignificante da maioria dos indicadores bioquímicos dos pacientes do SUS pode ser justificada pelos mesmos apresentarem um grau mais avançado da obesidade.
Perfil de manipuladores de alimentos em domicílios
Authors: Deon Barbara Cecconi , Medeiros Laissa Benites , Hecktheuer Luisa Helena , Saccol Ana Lúcia de Freitas
Published: June 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar o perfil dos manipuladores de alimentos nos domicílios da cidade de Santa Maria (RS). Foi determinada uma amostra de 15 domicílios por bairro através da divisão geográfica da cidade, totalizando 615 residências. Para a realização do diagnóstico do perfil dos manipuladores nos domicílios, elaborou-se um formulário sobre os dados pessoais com 6 questões abertas e 13 fechadas incluindo o gênero, estado civil, escolaridade, profissão e renda mensal, bem como questões como a frequência do preparo das refeições nos domicílios, satisfação em prepará-las, participação em cursos e percepção deles sobre a segurança dos alimentos. Verificou-se que 92,5% dos manipuladores eram do sexo feminino, 52,2% possuíam nível de escolaridade fundamental completo ou incompleto, e 35,4% com rendimento mensal familiar de 3 a 9 salários mínimos. Dos entrevistados, 82,6% informaram que preparam as refeições todos os dias da semana e 77,9% relataram que nunca enfrentaram problemas ocasionados por alimentos produzidos em casa. É importante identificar o perfil dos manipuladores de alimentos nos domicílios para desenvolver estratégias para prevenir ou diminuir as doenças transmitidas pelos alimentos.
Effect of lipid sources and inclusion levels in diets for broiler chickens
Authors: Polycarpo G.V. , Cruz V.C. , Alexandre N.C. , Fascina V.B. , Souza I.M.G.P. , Cravo J.C.M. , Albuquerque R. , Sartori J.R. , Pezzato A.C.
Published: June 2014

This research aimed to evaluate the interactions and effects of 2 and 4% addition levels of poultry slaughterhouse fat (chicken tallow) and soybean oil in diets for broiler chickens. Two experiments were carried out using one-day-old male Cobb chicks in an entirely random design with a 2x2 factorial scheme. In the first experiment, 560 chicks were used to evaluate performance and carcass characteristics. In the second experiment, 100 chicks were used to determine the nutrient digestibility, dietary energy utilization and the lipase and amylase pancreatic activity. There was no interaction between the fat sources and the addition levels for any of the analyzed variables, except for the digestibility coefficient of dry matter (DCDM), which was higher in diets added with 2% soybean oil when compared to chicken tallow. The addition of 4% fat in the diet, regardless of fat source, improved the digestibility coefficient of ethereal extract (DCEE) and increased weight gain and feed intake. Moreover, in the initial phase, the addition of 4% fat to the diet increased lipase activity when compared to diets with 2% addition, and a positive correlation between DCEE and pancreatic lipase activity was observed. In conclusion, there is no interaction between fat sources and addition levels, except for DCDM. Carcass characteristics are not influenced by any of the studied factors. The addition of 4% fat increases pancreatic lipase activity and improves DCEE, resulting in greater weight gain, regardless of the tested fat source, making chicken tallow a great alternative to soybean oil.
Comparação das formas de aplicação papel e caneta e eletrônica do índice de estresse parental versão reduzida (PSI-SF)
Authors: Aiello Camila Piccini , Silva Ana Pietra da , Ferrari Deborah Viviane
Published: June 2014

Objetivo avaliar se a aplicação eletrônica do Índice de Estresse Parental – versão reduzida (PSI-SF) é comparável à aplicação em formato papel e caneta. Verificar o estresse em pais de crianças com desenvolvimento normal. Métodos quarenta adultos, pais de crianças entre seis meses e 10 anos, foram divididos em quatro grupos, sendo pareados por idade, sexo, escolaridade e idade da criança. Cada participante completou o questionário em duas ocasiões, com intervalo de sete a dez dias, nas versões: papel-caneta/papel-caneta (PP), papel-caneta/eletrônico (PE), eletrônico/eletrônico (EE), eletrônico/papel-caneta (EP). O PSI-SF apresenta 36 afirmações, divididas em três subescalas: Sofrimento Parental (SP); Interações Disfuncionais entre Pai e Criança (IDPC) e Criança Difícil (CD). Para análise dos dados foram realizadas as correlações (Pearson) e comparação da pontuação do PSI-SF intra e inter-grupos. Resultados foram obtidas correlações positivas fortes e médias e significantes entre a pontuação total e das subescalas do PSI-SF na primeira e segunda aplicação, para todos os grupos. Diferenças significantes foram observadas entre as médias das pontuações para o grupo PP (subescala “Criança Difícil”;) e grupo EE (subescala “Criança Difícil”; e pontuação total). No entanto, tais diferenças de pontuação não alteraram a interpretação do resultado do questionário. Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos para as quatro subescalas analisadas, confirmando equivalência da variância entre os grupos. O estresse dos participantes, em todas as subescalas, recaiu dentro da normalidade. Conclusão a aplicação no formato eletrônico do questionário PSI-SF apresenta resultados semelhantes à aplicação papel e caneta. Os níveis de estresse observados foram considerados normais.
Comunicação e transtornos do espectro do autismo: análise do conhecimento de professores em fases pré e pós-intervenção
Authors: Misquiatti Andréa Regina Nunes , Brito Maria Claudia , Ceron Jéssica dos Santos , Carboni Priscila Piassi , Olivati Ana Gabriela
Published: June 2014

Objetivo analisar o conhecimento de professores de ensino fundamental sobre a comunicação de pessoas com transtornos do espectro do autismo, em dois momentos distintos, pré e pós-intervenção. Métodos trata-se de um estudo descritivo comparativo, em que participaram 160 professores de escolas municipais de ensino fundamental, de ambos os gêneros, com idades entre 23 e 65 anos. Para verificar o conhecimento dos professores sobre a comunicação nos transtornos do espectro do autismo, foi elaborado e aplicado um questionário especificamente para este estudo. O instrumento, oferecido aos professores, foi aplicado em dois momentos distintos, pré e pós-intervenção. O procedimento de intervenção constou de dois encontros, de quatro horas cada, conduzidos por fonoaudiólogos e entrega de manual de orientação sobre os transtornos do espectro do autismo, com ênfase em aspectos da comunicação e linguagem. Foram analisadas e comparadas as respostas pré e pós-intervenção. Os resultados foram tratados estatisticamente (p<0,05 e em alguns casos p<0,01; foi utilizado o teste de Qui-quadrado para Proporções). Resultados foi possível observar que os professores apresentavam conhecimento restrito sobre a comunicação nos transtornos do espectro do autismo e sobre esses quadros clínicos de modo geral. Além disso, verificou-se aumento significante de respostas corretas por parte dos professores após a intervenção. Conclusão constatou-se um restrito conhecimento dos professores sobre a comunicação nos transtornos do espectro do autismo e efeitos positivos do procedimento de intervenção, por meio da análise comparativa entre as fases pré e pós-intervenção, que evidenciou aumento significante de respostas adequadas sobre os transtornos do espectro do autismo.
Autopercepção e qualidade vocal de estudantes de jornalismo
Authors: Santos Ana Alice Leal dos , Pereira Eliane Cristina , Marcolino Juliana , Dassiê-Leite Ana Paula
Published: June 2014

Objetivo relacionar dados da avaliação perceptivo-auditiva queixa e autopercepção vocal de estudantes de Jornalismo. Métodos trata-se de estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal, com coleta de dados prospectiva, realizado na Universidade Estadual do Centro Oeste/UNICENTRO-PR. Participaram 41 estudantes de Jornalismo, sendo 27 do sexo feminino e 14 do sexo masculino. Foi aplicado um protocolo para coleta de dados de identificação e de queixas de voz, bem como foram feitos registros vocais com emissão sustentada da vogal “a”; e encadeada (contagem de números e meses do ano). Tais registros foram analisados por um fonoaudiólogo especialista em voz quanto à qualidade vocal (adaptada ou alterada). Os estudantes também responderam ao protocolo “Termos descritivos sobre a voz”;. Resultados mesmo apresentando vozes adaptadas, os estudantes apresentaram queixas vocais. As queixas mais comuns referiram-se a alterações de pitch, produção fonêmica, qualidade vocal e velocidade de fala. Os estudantes que apresentaram qualidade vocal adaptada mencionaram maior quantidade de termos positivos referentes à autopercepção. Não houve diferença na comparação entre a quantidade média de termos positivos e negativos apresentados pelo grupo. Os termos positivos mais referidos foram: voz simpática, expressiva, confiante, feminina, forte e dócil. Os negativos foram: voz desafinada, instável, oscilante, irregular, rápida, anasalada, baixa e tímida.  Conclusão mesmo com vozes adaptadas do ponto de vista perceptivo-auditivo, acadêmicos de jornalismo referem queixas vocais, provavelmente pela demanda imposta durante a graduação.
Análise clínica das propostas de classificação do frênulo da língua por índice e porcentagem
Authors: Witwytzkyj Ligia Patron , Cordeiro Mariane Cristina , Coelho Tânia Terezinha Tozi
Published: June 2014

Objetivo verificar a aplicabilidade clínica das propostas de classificação do frênulo da língua por índice e porcentagem. Métodos a casuística desta pesquisa foi composta por 287 sujeitos de ambos os sexos com idade variando entre 23 e 28 anos. Os frênulos da língua foram classificados a partir de duas medidas definidas com o auxilio de compasso e de paquímetro digital, e analisadas nas fórmulas e padrões propostos a partir de uma pesquisa realizada com cadáveres que resultou em fórmulas para mensurar o frênulo da língua por índice e porcentagem. Resultados observou-se que o padrão estabelecido na classificação do frênulo da língua pela proposta por porcentagem é fidedigno. Na proposta por índice um novo padrão foi encontrado na população pesquisada. Conclusão após aplicação clínica, sugere-se que um novo padrão na classificação por índice seja adotado. Na proposta por porcentagem o padrão inicial deve ser mantido, proporcionando a efetividade de ambas as formas de classificação do frênulo da língua na prática fonoaudiológica.
Fluxo aéreo adaptado e coeficientes fônicos de futuros profissionais da voz
Authors: Cielo Carla Aparecida , Christmann Mara Keli , Scherer Talita Marin , Hoffmann Carla Franco
Published: June 2014

Objetivo verificar e correlacionar o fluxo aéreo adaptado (FAA), coeficiente fônico simples (CFS) e coeficiente fônico composto (CFC) de adultos jovens de ambos os sexos, sem alterações vocais, futuros profissionais da voz, e verificar a frequência dos sexos. Métodos 62 sujeitos entre 18 e 35 anos (12 homens, média 24,25 anos e 50 mulheres, média 21,42 anos); avaliação vocal pela escala RASATI com coeficiente de confiabilidade Kappa; coleta dos tempos máximos de fonação (TMF) de /a,i,u,s,z/, contagem de números, capacidade vital e FAA; cálculo dos CFS e CFC; teste de Spearmann para as correlações entre as variáveis e teste binomial para proporções de valores normais, diminuídos e aumentados. Resultados a maioria significante feminina apresentou CFS e CFC normais, e FAA normal e aumentado, em comparação aos valores diminuídos. A maioria significante masculina apresentou CFS normal e aumentado, em comparação aos valores diminuídos; CFC normal e FAA sem diferença estatisticamente significante. Houve correlação positiva moderada entre o CFS e o CFC para ambos os sexos. Conclusão a maioria significante dos futuros profissionais da voz estudados apresentou CFS e CFC normais e com correlação positiva moderada. A maioria significante feminina obteve resultados de FAA normais e aumentados, em comparação aos valores diminuídos, e o FAA não apresentou correlação com CFS e CFC. A maioria significante do grupo de futuros profissionais da voz foi composta por mulheres.
Planning nursing care in oncology: study of the structure of social representations of nurses
Authors: SILVA Rita de Cássia Velozo da , CRUZ Enêde Andrade da
Published: June 2014

Characterize the social representations of nurses regarding the planning of nursing care for people with cancer, by determining the central nucleus and of the peripheral system. Qualitative study conducted in a specialized hospital in Salvador, Bahia, between July 2008 and March 2009. Data collection was made by free association of words, with forty-one nurses. The data were processed by the software Ensemble de Programmes Permettant L'analyse des Evocationsand analyzed according to the Theory of Social Representations. The results indicated the following central elements: humanization, care, organization, individualizing and suffering. In the peripheral system, professional and personal attitudinal elements necessary for the planning were observed: skill, knowledge on the disease, family care, respect and sensitivity. It is concluded that care planning is linked to the peculiarities of the individual with cancer, and requires that nurses have knowledge and skills necessary to prioritize actions and ensure the quality of care.
Fatores-chave do processo de maturidade nas empresas caribenhas de língua inglesa
Authors: Chevers Delroy A.
Published: June 2014

A comunidade de sistemas de informação (SI) tem sofrido com a produção de sistemas de baixa qualidade. A melhoria do processo de softwares (SPI) tem sido aceita como um dos paliativos para superar este problema, sendo a maturidade do processo um elemento-chave; no entanto, a maioria dos estudos sobre a maturidade processual e os determinantes da qualidade IS foram realizados em grandes empresas, em países desenvolvidos. Este estudo avaliou os principais determinantes da maturidade nos processos, em empresas de desenvolvimento de software pequenas, no Caribe, e de língua Inglesa (ESC). Usando as práticas estabelecidas na integração do modelo de maturidade da capacidade (CMMI), como a linha de base para a análise, verificou-se que o monitoramento e controle do projeto, juntamente com a verificação e validação, são os principais determinantes da maturidade processual nas ESC. Essas descobertas podem ajudar os profissionais de IS, em sua busca por produzir produtos de software de qualidade superior, e também fornecem uma plataforma para o refinamento do modelo de pesquisa, proposto por pesquisadores da área de IS.
Brote de faringo-amigdalítis por estreptococo ?-hemolítico grupo A
Authors: Culqui Dante R , Manzanares-Laya Sandra , Van Der Sluis Sarah Lafuente , Fanlo Albert Anton , Comas Rosa Bartolomé , Rossi Marcello , Caylá Joán A
Published: June 2014

El objetivo fue describir un brote de faringo-amigdalitis causado por estreptococos β-hemolíticos del grupo A (EGA) en profesionales de la salud. El estudio que se transmite de persona-persona o por vía alimentaria. El estudio transversal descriptivo se realizó en 17 clientes, localizados en la misma mesa, que participaron de una cena en restaurante de Barcelona, España, en julio de 2012. Se analizaron, la frecuencia de síntomas de los afectados, el tiempo y la severidad de los síntomas, variables demográficas y alimentos ingeridos, entre otros factores. La tasa de ataque (TA) en los comensales fue del 58,8% (10/17). El 60,0% (6/10) de los comensales fueron positivos para EGA. El 46,2% (6/13) de los manipuladores de alimentos suministrados en la cena presentaron síntomas. No se identificó asociación con los alimentos ingeridos. Existen evidencias epidemiológicas de la transmisión alimentaria del EGA, pero no podría descartarse la transmisión respiratoria.
Produtividade de genótipos de milho doce e milho verde em função de intervalos de colheita
Authors: Luz José MQ , Camilo Jéssica S , Barbieri Vitor HB , Rangel Ramon M , Oliveira Roberta C
Published: June 2014

O milho doce é uma espécie olerícola de alto valor agregado destinado basicamente ao consumo humano devido ao sabor dos grãos. O Brasil possui potencial para expandir sua produção, porém, mais estudos são necessários para dar suporte e permitir alta produtividade aliada à boa qualidade do produto. Avaliou-se a produtividade e rendimento de grãos de híbridos de milho doce e milho verde em função de intervalos de colheita. O experimento foi instalado na Estação Experimental de Pesquisa da Syngenta Seeds Ltda., no município de Uberlândia-MG. O delineamento experimental foi blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 8x4, correspondente a seis híbridos simples experimentais de milho doce (SWC03, SWC04, SWC05, SWC06, SWC07 e SWC08) e dois de milho verde (SWC01 e SWC02) em quatro intervalos de colheita [26, 28, 30 e 32 dias após o florescimento (DAF)], com três repetições. A colheita do milho doce e verde deve ser realizada quando os grãos contiverem entre 72% a 78% de umidade (estádio leitoso), o que ocorre entre 20 a 28 DAF. Os híbridos SWC04 e SWC08 detiveram as maiores produtividades de espigas com palha, produtividade de grãos e rendimento de grãos quando colhidos aos 30 DAF (24,38 e 22,18 t ha-1; 11,70 e 10,95 t ha-1 e 47,96 e 49,30%, respectivamente).
Modelos de regressão não linear aplicados a grupos de acessos de alho
Authors: Reis Renata M , Cecon Paulo R , Puiatti Mário , Finger Fernando L , Nascimento Moysés , Silva Fabyano F , Carneiro Antônio PS , Silva Anderson R
Published: June 2014

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi comparar modelos de regressão não linear aptos a descreverem o acúmulo de massa seca de diferentes partes da planta do alho ao longo do tempo (60, 90, 120 e 150 dias após plantio). Objetivou-se também identificar acessos semelhantes em relação às características avaliadas por meio de análises de agrupamento. Foram utilizados 20 acessos de alho pertencentes ao Banco de Germoplasma de Hortaliças da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (BGH/UFV). O teor de massa seca da folha, do pseudocaule, do bulbo e da raiz foram definidos como variáveis na análise de agrupamento (algoritmo de Ward utilizando como medida de dissimilaridade a distância quadrada generalizada de Mahalanobis), que resultou na indicação de um número ótimo (critério de Mojena) de três grupos de acessos, cujas médias de massa seca do bulbo, da raiz e total da planta em cada tempo de interesse foram utilizadas para o ajuste de cinco modelos de regressão não linear (Mitscherlich, Gompertz, Logístico, Brody e von Bertalanffy). A identificação do modelo que melhor se ajustou às três características de cada grupo foi realizada mediante coeficiente de determinação (R2), o quadrado médio do resíduo (QMR) e o desvio médio absoluto dos resíduos (DMA). Comparando os valores desses avaliadores observou-se que, para as três caraterísticas dos três grupos, o modelo que melhor se ajustou foi o Logístico.
Set-up of pile shaft friction in laboratory chamber tests
Authors: Lim Jit Kheng , Lehane Barry M.
Published: May 2014

Although field evidence of increases in pile shaft friction over time (i.e. set-up) in sand is compelling, the observations are highly scattered and the mechanisms leading to the increases are poorly understood. Several attempts have been made to model the phenomenon using small-scale physical models in a controlled environment, but the investigations were hampered by numerous restrictions. This paper describes an improved small-scale model pile experiment designed to investigate the ageing effects of pile shaft friction in sand. Details of the experimental set-up adopted and procedures employed are presented. Results show that the phenomenon of pile set-up is successfully modelled and that load–displacement characteristics are in keeping with those observed in centrifuge tests. Although the ageing effects observed in this laboratory-scale physical model may not be directly applicable to field scale piles, comparative studies involving various influential parameters provide qualitative indications of the relative influence of a variety of parameters on the phenomenon.
Use of null gauges to monitor soil stresses during excavation in a centrifuge
Authors: Li Yuchen , Talesnick Mark , Bolton Malcolm
Published: May 2014

A centrifuge test is presented that tracks the earth pressures around a stiff retaining wall, propped at the top, during in-flight excavation in dry sand. The test featured the first use in a centrifuge of a new earth pressure cell, the null gauge, which is designed to avoid measurement errors due to soil arching around flexible cells. Any tendency for membrane deflection is detected and quickly countered by applying a measured air pressure inside the cell. A sequence of centrifugal loading, unloading and reloading was conducted prior to any excavation. Null gauge measurements of (analogue) vertical stress showed some hysteresis from which the effects of boundary friction were assessed. Small corrections could be made using silo theory. Measurements of initial horizontal earth pressures conformed to conventional empirical estimates. The process of in-flight excavation using a scraper was monitored, and found to generate lateral pressure spikes owing to scraper penetration. These were analysed and found to fit an estimate based on soil compaction effects. Finally, the horizontal pressures during excavation are presented. Mobilised passive pressures are found to be non-linear with depth beneath the excavation, confirming the importance of excavating soil in flight rather than simulating the process using a heavy fluid.
The role of data assimilation in predictive ecology
Authors: Niu Shuli , Luo Yiqi , Dietze Michael C. , Keenan Trevor F. , Shi Zheng , Li Jianwei , III F. Stuart Chapin
Published: May 2014

In this rapidly changing world, improving the capacity to predict future dynamics of ecological systems and their services is essential for better stewardship of the earth system. Prediction relies on models that describe our understanding of the major processes that underlie system dynamics and data about these processes and the present state of ecosystems. Prediction becomes more effective when models are well informed by data. A technological revolution in the capacity to collect data now provides very different opportunities to test hypotheses and project future dynamics than when many standard statistical tests were first developed. Data assimilation is an emerging statistical approach to combine models with data in a rigorous way to constrain model parameters and system states, identify model error, and improve ecological prediction. In this paper, we illustrate how data assimilation can improve ecological prediction to support decision‐making by reviewing applications of data assimilation across four different research fields: (1) emerging infectious disease, (2) fisheries, (3) fire, and (4) the terrestrial carbon cycle. Across these fields, data assimilation substantially improves prediction accuracy, highlighting its important role in enabling predictive ecology. Data assimilation with regional and global models faces major challenges, such as the large number of parameters to be estimated, high computational demands, the need to integrate multiple and heterogeneous data sets, and complex social‐ecological interactions. Nevertheless, data assimilation provides an important statistical approach that has great potential to enhance the predictive capacity of ecological models in a changing climate.
Wildfire and the effects of shifting stream temperature on salmonids
Authors: Beakes Michael P. , Moore Jonathan W. , Hayes Sean A. , Sogard Susan M.
Published: May 2014

The frequency and magnitude of wildfires in North America have increased by four‐fold over the last two decades. However, the impacts of wildfires on the thermal environments of freshwaters, and potential effects on coldwater fishes are incompletely understood. We examined the short‐term effects of a wildfire on temperatures and Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) bioenergetics and distribution in a California coastal stream. One year after the wildfire, mean daily stream temperatures were elevated by up to 0.6°C in burned compared to unburned pools. Among burned pools, light flux explained over 85% of the variation in altered stream temperatures, and 76% of the variation in light flux was explained by an index of burn severity based on proximity of the pool to burned streamside. We estimated that salmonids of variable sizes inhabiting burned pools had to consume between 0.3–264.3 mg of additional prey over 48 days to offset the 0.01–6.04 kJ increase in metabolic demand during the first post‐fire summer. However, stomach content analysis showed that fish in the burned region were consuming relatively little prey and significantly less than fish in the reference region. Presumably due to starvation, mortality, or emigration, we found a significant negative relationship between the change in total salmonid biomass over the post‐fire summer and the average energy costs (kJ·g−1·day−1) within a burned pool. This study demonstrates that wildfire can generate thermal heterogeneity in aquatic ecosystems and drive short‐term increases in stream temperature, exacerbating bioenergetically stressful seasons for coldwater fishes.
Implications of climatic heterogeneity for conservation of the Lesser Prairie‐Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)
Authors: Dunn William C. , Milne Bruce T.
Published: May 2014

A geographic range is a heterogeneous matrix where the natural capability to support resident species varies from detrimental to optimal. Given this, the first priority for species conservation should be to determine where optimal environments exist. We used MaxEnt species distribution modeling to distinguish climatic characteristics associated with persistent leks from those at random locations in order to characterize the niche and potential distribution of the imperiled Lesser Prairie‐Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus). Annual, brood period, and winter precipitation were the most important characteristics of the niche across the entire range, but maximum temperature during nesting was a key characteristic in the southern part of the range. Habitat suitability across the geographic range was multimodal but also consistent with a center‐periphery pattern. Western Kansas and Oklahoma and east‐central New Mexico contributed more than expected, whereas all other areas contributed less than expected, to habitat suitability of the geographic range. Lesser Prairie‐Chickens appear constrained on the western edge of their range by abiotic factors, namely aridity, unfavorable temperatures and sandy soils. Conversely, they appear constrained on the eastern edge by biotic factors, namely transition from mid‐grass to tallgrass prairie that results in dominance by the Greater Prairie‐Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido). Conserving Lesser Prairie‐Chickens will depend on maintaining persistent populations in western Kansas and Oklahoma and east‐central New Mexico, as well as expanding its distribution across Texas. Aridity, unfavorable temperatures, and a paucity of habitat make eastern Colorado and southeastern New Mexico challenging areas for persistence of this species. Climate change may make it more difficult for populations in New Mexico and adjacent parts of Texas to persist, but more favorable for populations in eastern Colorado. The potential difficulties for populations in the southern part of the range will make it increasingly important to conserve populations in western Kansas and Oklahoma.
Toll‐Like Receptor 4–Mediated Hyper‐Responsiveness of Gingival Epithelial Cells to Lipopolysaccharide in High‐Glucose Environments
Authors: Yang Xi , Zhang Jincai , Ni Jia , Ouyang Bin , Wang Dan , Luo Shigao , Xie Baoyi , Xuan Dongying
Published: May 2014

Background: Increasing evidence indicates that diabetes mellitus increases the incidence and severity of periodontitis. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a role in the pathogenic processes of diabetes and its complications, but the effect of high glucose on TLRs in patients with diabetes and periodontitis is still unclear.

Methods: Two kinds of diabetes rat models were established. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) were established and challenged with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the context of high glucose in vitro. The expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 were detected using immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and flow cytometry. The TLR4 inhibitor ethyl (6R)‐6‐[(2‐chloro‐4‐fluorophenyl)sulfamoyl]cyclohexene‐1‐carboxylate (TAK‐242) was applied to block the TLR4 in HGECs, and the inflammatory factors were detected by qRT‐PCR.

Results: The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in gingival tissue from both rat diabetes models was significantly increased compared with that of healthy controls. Moreover, TLR4 expression was also markedly increased in HGECs incubated with high glucose. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 were significantly increased in HGECs while challenged with LPS in the context of high glucose; however, the expression inflammatory cytokines were decreased significantly, whereas TLR4 was blocked by TAK‐242.

Conclusion: High glucose contributes to an upregulated expression of TLR4 in gingival epithelium, and TLR4‐dependent inflammatory response may promote the susceptibility to periodontitis in patients with diabetes.
An Experimental Study of CO2-Brine Relative Permeability in Sandstone
Authors: Chen Xiongyu , Kianinejad Amir , DiCarlo David A.
Published: June 2014

We present an experimental study on CO2-brine relative permeability in a Berea sandstone core at 1500 psi and 20 °C. Recently, there have been many experimental studies on CO2 relative permeability, but most of them determined the relative permeabilities only using the total pressure drop across a core sample; this pressure drop can be strongly affected by the capillary end effect, especially for a low viscosity fluid like CO2. In order to minimize the capillary end effect, we chose a long (61 cm) and low permeability (49 mD) core such that the capillary pressure in the core is negligible compared with the total pressure drop across the core. In addition, we used a core holder with four pressure taps that allow us to measure the pressure drops of the five continuous sections of the core. Capillary end effect was detected in our experimental results and was isolated to the most upstream and most downstream sections of the core. And the middle three sections are considered with minimized capillary end effect and the average of the relative permeabilities in middle three sections are taken as the best measurements. In summary, our experiments obtained a CO2 end point relative permeability of 0.4~0.8 and a brine end point relative permeability of 0.04~0.08, which are very similar to oil-brine end point relative permeabilities in water-wet sandstone.
Wireless Retrofit Solutions to Replace Failed Permanent Downhole Gauges: Case Study in a Gas Well
Authors: Green Annabel , Bowden Neil , Halvorsen Martin
Published: June 2014

A retrofit wireless gauge was installed into a dry gas well and provided downhole pressure and temperature data for over a year before being retrieved. This paper discusses the installation of the system, a comparison of modelled vs. actual telemetry characteristics and a critical analysis of the gauge performance with lessons learnt.

Troll is Norway's largest gas reservoir and has been on-line since 1996. Production is expected to continue for many decades. Declining pressure means that surface compression is required to drive production and an accurate understanding of reservoir pressure and decline is critical to meeting contractual gas deliveries and achieving recovery targets. As an alternative option to retrofit permanent downhole gauges, the operator was seeking intervention based solutions to enable data collection if permanent gauges are not available.

The pressure and temperature data from the installed gauge was compressed and transmitted via a pressure pulse telegram to surface. The telemetry system used a down-hole choke to cause a small reduction in flowing wellhead pressure which was recorded using the existing wellhead sensors. Interpretation of the telegram was performed by accessing the wellhead sensor data to provide daily downhole pressure and temperature readings.

To ensure successful telegram detection through large seasonal variations in production rate a pressure regulation protocol was introduced to the wireless gauge. Differences in the predicted and actual transient flow response meant that modifications to the downhole pulse were initially required before an acceptable pulse amplitude was achieved.

As the system did not require any topside modifications it was envisaged that no interaction would be required with the asset production team. However, after an intermittent flaw was discovered in the telegram protocol a production management response was implemented to mitigate any damage potential. The application of the wireless gauge ultimately produced clearly detectable pressure pulse telegrams sent daily for 428 days in service.

Thousands of wells today use downhole pressure gauges to optimize production and provide data used to maximise recovery. As lifetime of producers may extend past the practical service life of these gauges intervention based solutions can provide a viable alternative. Proving, evaluating and improving this technology will result in more robust systems, greater service life and increased data quality enabling the benefits to be realised in a wider range of applications.
Aliphatic Metabolism during Anther Development Interfered by Chemical Hybridizing Agent in Wheat
Authors: Ba Qingsong , Zhang Gaisheng , Che Huixue , Liu Hongzhan , Ng Tzi Bun , Zhang Lin , Wang Junsheng , Sheng Ying , Niu Na , Ma Shoucai , Wang Junwei
Published: May 2014

Chemically‐interfered male sterility (CIMS) system in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the male sterility types used for hybrid wheat production in China. The main morphological defect in male sterile line 1376‐CIMS interfered by chemical hybridizing agents (CHA) is that the tapetum seems to be abnormally degrated and pollen extine is aberrant. As a complex pollen wall in wheat, the pollen outer wall mainly contains lipidic sporopollenin. However, the mechanism for synthesizing these aliphatic precursors during pollen development has not been fully elucidated. To elucidate the relationship between aliphatic mechanism and chemically‐interfered male sterility, we report on the function of SQ‐1 (a new kind of chemical hybridizing agent) in aliphatic metabolism and its disruptive role during wheat pollen development. The observations of scanning electron microscopy revealed that anther and pollen wall formation was significantly altered in 1376‐CIMS. The contents of aliphatic compositions of anther underwent changes in 1376‐CIMS revealed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), including in particular reductions in fatty alcohols, alkanes and alkenes, and an abnormal increase in fatty acids in 1376‐CIMS. cDNA‐AFLP data revealed that an array of genes implicated in a diversity of biological pathways (180 in total, 124 up‐expression and 56 down‐expression) exhibited statistically significant expressional differences between 1376 and 1376‐CIMS. Also, a group of genes putatively involved in aliphatic transport and metabolism were significantly altered in 1376‐CIMS, indicating the disruptive role of SQ‐1 in aliphatic transport and metabolism in the formation of the anther and pollen wall. In addition to its function in promoting tapetum programmed cell death (PCD), SQ‐1 probably plays crucially perturbative roles in several basic biological processes during wheat anther development.
Genetic Architecture of Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Tropical Maize Cultivated in a Low‐P Soil
Authors: Mendes Flávia F. , Guimarães Lauro J. M. , Souza João Cândido , Guimarães Paulo Evaristo O. , Magalhaes Jurandir V. , Garcia Antonio Augusto F. , Parentoni Sidney N. , Guimaraes Claudia T.
Published: May 2014

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major limiting factor for crop production in several countries. A better understanding of the genetic components of P use efficiency (PUE) is required to improve crop performance in low‐P soils. To date, no QTLs (quantitative trait loci) were mapped for PUE using grain yield and other late phenotypic data in tropical conditions. Thus, we evaluated the genetic architecture of PUE in tropical maize (Zea mays L.) using multiple interval mapping for design III in a population of 140 RILs (recombinant inbred lines) backcrossed with both parental lines. The parental lines contrasted for yield and for PUE, a phenotypic index that was further decomposed into P acquisition efficiency (PAE) and P utilization efficiency. Our results showed that dominance effects were more important than additive effects for explaining the variations in PUE and its components. Approximately 80% of the QTLs mapped for PAE co‐localized with those for PUE, indicating that the efficiency in acquiring P is the main determinant of PUE in tropical maize. Also, QTLs for PUE and PAE were located near to candidate genes previously associated with root development. Thus, we present important information to guide breeding strategies for the development of maize cultivars more adapted to P deficiency.
Relationship Between Sources of Information and the Willingness of
Healthcare Workers to Risk their Lives for a Patient During the Peak of
A/H1N1 Pandemic in Israel§
Authors: Bar-Dayan Yaron , Manor Sarit Natan , Boldor Noga , Kremer Inbar , Barak Maya Iohan , Bar-Dayan Yosefa
Published: June 2014

Background:

The willingness of healthcare workers to risk their lives for a patient if a fatal transformation of
the virus would occur is a major concern, especially during a pandemic where the need for adequate staffing is crucial and
where the public atmosphere might increase anxiety and fear of exposure.

Objective:

To examine the relationships between the source of information about the disease and the willingness of
healthcare workers to risk their lives for a patient with a fatal A/H1N1 flu, during the winter A/H1N1 pandemic in Israel.

Methods:

A questionnaire was distributed to healthcare workers in 21 hospitals and 40 primary clinics in Israel between
November 26, 2009 and December 10, 2009 (the peak of the winter A/H1N1 flu outbreak).

Results:

The questionnaire was completed by 1147 healthcare workers. The most common source of information reported
was television (65%), followed by speaking with colleagues and reading the Ministry of Health regulations (63%) each,
internet (61%), and newspapers (51%). The least common sources of information were reading a scientific article (35%)
and attending a professional lecture (31%). Willingness to risk one’s life was significantly higher in healthcare workers
who reported that their source of information about the disease was reading a scientific article, Ministry of Health
regulations, a professional lecture, or a colleague. Willingness was not significantly different among health care workers
who reported that their source of information about the disease was television programs, a newspaper article, or general
internet sites.

Conclusions:

Willingness to risk one’s life for a patient is directly related to professional sources of information and is not
related to nonprofessional information obtained from mass media.
Binary Regression Models with Log-Link in the Cohort Studies
Authors: Jalava Katri , Räsänen Sirpa , Ala-Kojola Kaija , Nironen Saara , Möttönen Jyrki , Ollgren Jukka
Published: June 2014

Regression models have been used to control confounding in food borne cohort studies, logistic regression has
been commonly used due to easy converge. However, logistic regression provide estimates for OR only when RR estimate
is lower than 10%, an unlikely situation in food borne outbreaks. Recent developments have resolved the binary model
convergence problems applying log link. Food items significant in the univariable analysis were included for the
multivariable analysis of two recent Finnish norovirus outbreaks. We used both log and logistic regression models in R
and Bayesian model in Winbugs by SPSS and R. The log-link model could be used to identify the vehicle in the two
norovirus outbreak datasets. Convergence problems were solved using Bayesian modelling. Binary model applying log
link provided accurate and useful estimates of RR estimating the true risk, a suitable method of choice for multivariable
analysis of outbreak cohort studies.
Nitrogen Runoff from Tunnel Blasted Rocks— a Large‐Scale Test
Authors: Bækken Torleif
Published: May 2014

Eight tunnel blasted rock samples were washed five times in 10 m3 containers to calculate the runoff potential of nitrogen from unexploded remains of the ammonium nitrate slurry explosive in rock piles. During the first wash, 65% of total nitrogen was washed off. The average concentrations of NH4+ and NO3− in the first wash water were 46 mg N/L and 58 mg N/L, respectively, being reduced to 2.5 and 1.2 mg N/L after the last wash. The average runoff of total nitrogen from the blasted rocks was 24.2 g N/ton, being 14.7% of nitrogen in the loaded explosives. pH was high (range 8.1 to 11.8) resulting from shotcrete spill, pushing the NH4+/NH3 equilibrium toward the toxic NH3. The consequences of runoff from blasted rock piles may be damaging for water quality and biology in small recipients, and abatement measures should be assessed.
Cost–effectiveness of uterine-preserving procedures for the treatment of uterine fibroid symptoms in the USA
Authors: Cain-Nielsen Anne H , Moriarty James P , Stewart Elizabeth A , Borah Bijan J
Published: May 2014

Objective:To evaluate the cost–effectiveness of the following three treatments of uterine fibroids in a population of premenopausal women who wish to preserve their uteri: myomectomy, magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and uterine artery embolization (UAE).Materials & methods:A decision analytic Markov model was constructed. Cost–effectiveness was calculated in terms of US$ per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) over 5 years. Two types of costs were calculated: direct costs only, and the sum of direct and indirect (productivity) costs. Women in the hypothetical cohort were assessed for treatment type eligibility, were treated based on eligibility, and experienced adequate or inadequate symptom relief. Additional treatment (myomectomy) occurred for inadequate symptom relief or recurrence. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate uncertainty in the model parameters.Results: In the base case, myomectomy, MRgFUS and UAE had the following combinations of mean cost and mean QALYs, respectively: US$15,459, 3.957; US$15,274, 3.953; and US$18,653, 3.943. When incorporating productivity costs, MRgFUS incurred a mean cost of US$21,232; myomectomy US$22,599; and UAE US$22,819. Using probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and excluding productivity costs, myomectomy was cost effective at almost every decision threshold. Using PSA and incorporating productivity costs, myomectomy was cost effective at decision thresholds above US$105,000/QALY; MRgFUS was cost effective between US$30,000 and US$105,000/QALY; and UAE was cost effective below US$30,000/QALY.Conclusion:Myomectomy, MRgFUS, and UAE were similarly effective in terms of QALYs gained. Depending on assumptions about costs and willingness to pay for additional QALYs, all three treatments can be deemed cost effective in a 5-year time frame.