bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of OMI Total Column Water Vapor Product
Authors: Wang Huiqun , Gonzalez Abad Gonzalo , Liu Xiong , Chance Kelly
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The Collection 3 OMI Total Column Water Vapor (TCWV) data generated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)’s algorithm Version 1.0.0 and archived at the Aura Validation Data Center (AVDC) are compared with NCAR’s ground-based GPS data, AERONET sunphotometer data and Remote Sensing System’s SSM/I data. Results show that the OMI data track the seasonal and interannual variability of TCWV for a wide range of climate regimes. During the period from 2005 to 2009, the mean (OMI – GPS) over land is −0.3 mm, the mean (OMI – AERONET) over land is 0 mm, and the mean (OMI – SSM/I) over the ocean is −4.3 mm. The better agreement over land than over the ocean is corroborated by the smaller fitting residuals over land and suggests that liquid water is a key factor for the fitting quality over the ocean in the Version 1.0.0 retrieval algorithm. We find that the influence of liquid water is reduced using a shorter retrieval window. As a result, the TCWV retrieved with the new algorithm increases significantly over the ocean and only slightly over land, improving the land/ocean consistency and the overall quality of whole OMI TCWV dataset.
Impact of mixing state and hygroscopicity on CCN activity of biomass burning aerosol in Amazonia
Authors: Sánchez Gácita Madeleine , Longo Karla M. , Freire Julliana L. M. , Freitas Saulo R. , Martin Scot T.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Smoke aerosols prevail throughout Amazonia because of widespread biomass burning during the dry season. External mixing, low variability in the particle size distribution and low particle hygroscopicity are typical. There can be profound effects on cloud properties. This study uses an adiabatic cloud model to simulate the activation of smoke particles as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and to assess the relative importance of variability in hygroscopicity, mixing state, and activation kinetics for the activated fraction and maximum supersaturation. The analysis shows that use of medium values of hygroscopicity representative of smoke aerosols for other biomass burning regions on Earth can lead to significant errors, compared to the use of low hygroscopicity reported for Amazonia. Kinetic limitations, which can be significant for medium and high hygroscopicity, did not play a strong role for CCN activation of particles representative of Amazonia smoke aerosols, even when taking into account the large aerosol mass and number concentrations typical of the region. Internal compared to external mixing of particle components of variable hygroscopicity resulted in a significant overestimation of the activated fraction. These findings on uncertainties and sensitivities provide guidance on appropriate simplifications that can be used for modeling of smoke aerosols within general circulation models.
Complexities in the First Aerosol Indirect Effect over the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Pennypacker Sam , Steiner Allison L.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The aerosol first indirect effect (FIE) is typically characterized by a reduction in cloud droplet size and an increase in cloud optical thickness in the presence of high concentrations of condensation nuclei. Past studies have derived observational evidence of the FIE in specific locations and conditions, yet critical uncertainties in the validity of this conceptual model as it applies to a range of cloud types and meteorological settings remain unaddressed. We utilize five years of surface aerosol measurements and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations of cloud properties to discern the FIE in springtime cloud statistics over the Southern Great Plains region of the United States. We extend this analysis to explore the role of three confounding factors: cloud phase, observational uncertainty and the role of regional meridional flow. While high aerosol days are dominated by smaller average droplet size in liquid clouds, the response of cloud optical thickness is variable and is dominantly a function of cloud water path. Ice clouds experience more variability in their response to high aerosol loading and satellite retrieval uncertainty thresholds. Finally, the direction of meridional flow does not play a large role in stratifying the cloud response to different aerosol loading. Overall, these observations show that much of the classical theory for liquid clouds is supported. Higher aerosol loadings are correlated with a reduction in effective radius and generally higher cloud optical thickness, and this relationship dominates over any driving influence from the low-level jet. However, for ice clouds we see a variable response that may be driven by aerosol composition and cold cloud microphysics. These observations provide further insight into the importance of considering deviations from the classic FIE in understanding regional variability in aerosol-cloud interactions in a continental setting.
A new mechanistic framework to predict OCS fluxes from soils
Authors: Ogée Jérôme , Sauze Joana , Kesselmeier Jürgen , Genty Bernard , Van Diest Heidi , Launois Thomas , Wingate Lisa
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Estimates of photosynthetic and respiratory fluxes at large scales are needed to improve our predictions of the current and future global CO2 cycle. Carbonyl sulfide (OCS) is the most abundant sulfur gas in the atmosphere and has been proposed as a new tracer of photosynthetic gross primary productivity (GPP), as the uptake of OCS from the atmosphere is dominated by the activity of carbonic anhydrase (CA), an enzyme abundant in leaves that also catalyses CO2 hydration during photosynthesis. However soils also exchange OCS with the atmosphere, which complicates the retrieval of GPP from atmospheric budgets. Indeed soils can take up large amounts of OCS from the atmosphere as soil microorganisms also contain CA, and OCS emissions from soils have been reported in agricultural fields or anoxic soils. To date no mechanistic framework exists to describe this exchange of OCS between soils and the atmosphere, but empirical results, once upscaled to the global scale, indicate that OCS consumption by soils dominates OCS emission and its contribution to the atmospheric budget is large, at about one third of the OCS uptake by vegetation, also with a large uncertainty. Here, we propose a new mechanistic model of the exchange of OCS between soils and the atmosphere that builds on our knowledge of soil CA activity from CO2 oxygen isotopes. In this model the OCS soil budget is described by a first-order reaction–diffusion–production equation, assuming that the hydrolysis of OCS by CA is total and irreversible. Using this model we are able to explain the observed presence of an optimum temperature for soil OCS uptake and show how this optimum can shift to cooler temperatures in the presence of soil OCS emission. Our model can also explain the observed optimum with soil moisture content previously described in the literature as a result of diffusional constraints on OCS hydrolysis. These diffusional constraints are also responsible for the response of OCS uptake to soil weight and depth observed previously. In order to simulate the exact OCS uptake rates and patterns observed on several soils collected from a range of biomes, different CA activities had to be invoked in each soil type, coherent with expected physiological levels of CA in soil microbes and with CA activities derived from CO2 isotope exchange measurements, given the differences in affinity of CA for both trace gases. Our model can be used to help upscale laboratory measurements to the plot or the region. Several suggestions are given for future experiments in order to test the model further and allow a better constraint on the large-scale OCS fluxes from both oxic and anoxic soils.
Effects of wastewater treatment plant effluent inputs on planktonic metabolic rates and microbial community composition in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Vaquer-Sunyer Raquel , Reader Heather E. , Muthusamy Saraladevi , Lindh Markus V. , Pinhassi Jarone , Conley Daniel J. , Kritzberg Emma
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The Baltic Sea is the largest area suffering from eutrophication-driven hypoxia. Low oxygen levels are threatening its biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The main causes for eutrophication-driven hypoxia are high nutrient loadings and global warming. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) contribute to eutrophication as they are important sources of nitrogen to coastal areas. Here, we evaluated the effects of wastewater treatment plant effluent inputs on Baltic Sea planktonic communities in 4 experiments. We tested for effects of effluent inputs on chlorophyll a content, on bacterial community composition, and on metabolic rates: gross primary production (GPP), net community production (NCP), community respiration (CR) and bacterial production (BP). Nitrogen-rich dissolved organic matter (DOM) inputs from effluents increased bacterial production and decreased primary production and community respiration. Nutrient amendments and seasonally variable environmental conditions lead to lower alpha-diversity and shifts in bacterial community composition (e.g. increased abundance of a few cyanobacterial populations in the summer experiment), concomitant with changes in metabolic rates. An increase in BP and decrease in CR could be caused by high lability of the DOM that can support secondary bacterial production, without an increase in respiration. Increases in bacterial production and simultaneous decreases of primary production lead to more carbon being consumed in the microbial loop, and shifts the ecosystem towards heterotrophy.
Quantification of the impact of hydrology on agricultural production as a result of too dry, too wet or too saline conditions
Authors: Hack-ten Broeke M. J. D. , Kroes J. G. , Bartholomeus R. P. , van Dam J. C. , de Wit A. J. W. , Supit I. , Walvoort D. J. J. , van Bakel P. J. T. , Ruijtenberg R.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. For calculating the effects of hydrological measures on agricultural production in the Netherlands a new comprehensive and climate proof method is being developed: WaterVision Agriculture (in Dutch: Waterwijzer Landbouw). End users have asked for a method that considers current and future climate, that can quantify the differences between years and also the effects of extreme weather events. Furthermore they would like a method that considers current farm management and that can distinguish three different causes of crop yield reduction: drought, saline conditions or too wet conditions causing oxygen shortage in the root zone. WaterVision Agriculture is based on the hydrological simulation model SWAP and the crop growth model WOFOST. SWAP simulates water transport in the unsaturated zone using meteorological data, boundary conditions (like groundwater level or drainage) and soil parameters. WOFOST simulates crop growth as a function of meteorological conditions and crop parameters. Using the combination of these process-based models we have derived a meta-model, i.e. a set of easily applicable simplified relations for assessing crop growth as a function of soil type and groundwater level. These relations are based on multiple model runs for at least 72 soil units and the possible groundwater regimes in the Netherlands. So far, we parameterized the model for the crops silage maize and grassland. For the assessment, the soil characteristics (soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity) are very important input parameters for all soil layers of these 72 soil units. These 72 soil units cover all soils in the Netherlands. This paper describes (i) the setup and examples of application of the process-based model SWAP-WOFOST, (ii) the development of the simplified relations based on this model and (iii) how WaterVision Agriculture can be used by farmers, regional government, water boards and others to assess crop yield reduction as a function of groundwater characteristics or as a function of the salt concentration in the root zone for the various soil types.
An individual subjectivist critique of the use of corpus linguistics to inform pedagogical materials
Authors: Richards Kendall , Pilcher Nick
Published: April 2016

Corpus linguistics, or the gathering together of language into a body for analysis and development of materials, is claimed to be an assured, established method (or field) that valuably informs pedagogical materials and knowledge of language (e.g. Ädel 2010; Gardner & Nesi, 2013). The fundamental validity of corpus linguistics is rarely, if ever, critiqued. In this empirical paper we critically consider the foundations of corpus linguistics as being based on an abstract objectivist view of language. We critique this foundation through the lens of an individual subjectivist view of language. Our introduction outlines abstract objectivist and individual subjectivist views of language described by Voloshinov (1973). We then present what is claimed regarding corpus linguistics, and consider contemporary critiques of these claims . We then critique the foundations of corpus linguistics from an individual subjectivist view of language. We illustrate this critique by drawing on data from interviews and focus groups with content material lecturers and students in the subject areas of ‘Business’; ‘Nursing’; ‘Design’ and ‘Computing’. These data question the fundamental assumption about how  corpus linguistics operates: that what is counted is indeed countable. The data  show how ostensibly similar words are understood in very different ways with very different underpinning psychological elements. We argue that corpus linguistics thus informs pedagogical materials with a merely passive understanding of the language. This view can only gain access to the inert crust of previous language, because it removes language from its individual subjective context. This context is fundamental to giving language the conscious and psychological elements that underpin its use. We argue the language should be taught through dialogue in this subject context and not removed from it.
Is Performance Improvement possible by generating high levels of Focus in Individuals to create Flow?
Authors: Fisher Eddie John , Gonzalez Yorkys Santana , Fisher Eddie
Published: April 2016

The ability to improve performance levels at work through the development of flow has the potential to become a new management skill for managers. The outcome of this research suggests that managers can achieve higher performance levels in each of their team members. It is a necessary condition that they, for example, lead them by example, allow people to act within their abilities, show them how to mask distractions and create mental and emotional fitness within people’s minds. It appears that more than one component of flow is necessary to develop what is generally referred to as a state of flow. The outcome of this research suggests that the contribution flow makes to performance improvement can be measured through appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 
Customer Service Responsiveness in Logistics Outsourcing Contracts: The Influence of Job Autonomy and Role Clarity among On-site Representatives
Authors: Bolumole Yemisi A. , Grawe Scott J. , Daugherty Patricia J.
Published: April 2016

This research examines the role of individuals in managing relationships between logistics service providers and their customers. Using self-determination theory's principles of psychological empowerment and employee stewardship, the study considers the autonomy of boundary spanners (implants) and the level of clarity in the individual's role and the resulting impact on implants' efforts toward customer service responsiveness. Survey responses were collected from implants in a logistics setting to test the proposed relationships. Findings show that as implants are given more autonomy in their job function and as the clarity of their roles increases, they are willing to become more responsive to customer needs. A discussion of the results and managerial implications are also offered.
Technology, Firm Size, and Safety: Theory and Empirical Evidence from the US Motor-carrier Industry
Authors: Cantor David E. , Corsi Thomas M. , Grimm Curtis M. , Singh Prabhjot
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between motor-carrier firm size and safety outcomes. Leveraging insights from the resource-based view of the firm, we develop hypotheses regarding this important relationship. To test our hypotheses, we constructed an original commercial motor-carrier safety database, drawing on data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System and the Safety Measurement System. The results demonstrate that there is a significant and positive relationship between firm size and safety performance as measured through a carrier's number of crashes, unsafe driving violations, hours-of-service compliance, and vehicle maintenance violations. The impact of firm size on safety performance varies according to industry segment. This study has important academic and public policy implications.
The Balanced Theory of Port Competitiveness
Authors: Hales Douglas , Lee Lam Jasmine Siu , Chang Young-Tae
Published: April 2016

Due to weakening demand since the 2008 global recession, ports have had to reconsider how to compete differently to attract new business and new investors. Extant literature mainly focuses on either customer competitiveness or investor competitiveness. This study develops a new model of port competitiveness that simultaneously considers the effect of port strategy on customers and investors. This model is referred to as the “balanced theory of port competitiveness.” An analytical hierarchy process model builds on 10 factors that customers and investors consider important, and it is tested on 12 global seaports. The results show that port managers should consider the effect of their decisions among the factors because failure to do so can improve one factor of competitiveness while harming another. This study tests a theory that explains the behaviour of port managers and provides them with a practical guide to evaluate the effect of their decisions on customers and investors.
ANTICORPOS CONTRA Toxoplasma gondii EM GATOS APREENDIDOS PELO CENTRO DE CONTROLE DE ZOONOSES DE LAGES, SC.
Authors: Moura Anderson Barbosa de , Trevisani Natascha , De Quadros Rosiléia Marinho , Ledo Geanice , Souza Antonio Pereira de , Sartor Amélia Aparecida
Published: April 2016

A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial. O gato doméstico tem papel importante na epidemiologia da doença por atuar como hospedeiro definitivo, eliminando oocistos que contaminam o ambiente. A sorologia em gatos pode ser considerada um reflexo da contaminação ambiental. Com os objetivos de determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e identificar possíveis fatores de risco para a infecção em gatos apreendidos pelo Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Lages, SC, 107 amostras de sangue foram colhidas e remetidas ao Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias do CAV/UDESC. A pesquisa de anticorpos foi realizada por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) utilizando como antígeno taquizoítos da cepa RH do protozoário. Foram consideradas positivas amostras reagentes na diluição ≥1:64. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes exato de Fisher e χ2 (P<0,05) para verificar correlação entre soropositividade e o sexo e a idade dos animais. Do total de amostras, 38 (35,5%) foram positivos para T. gondii. Houve correlação estatística significativa (P<0,05) entre idade e soropositividade com 79% (30/38) dos positivos apresentando idade ≥13 meses.
CARACTERÍSTICAS DO LEITE CRU E DO QUEIJO MINAS ARTESANAL DO SERRO EM DIFERENTES MESES
Authors: Figueiredo Silvania Pereira , Boari Cleube Andrade , Sobrinho Paulo De Souza Costa , Chaves Ana Carolina Sampaio Dória , Silva Rafael Bolina da , Silva Helenita Bárbara Fonseca
Published: April 2016

Objetivou-se avaliar características do leite cru e do queijo Minas artesanal do Serro, Minas Gerais, produzidos em diferentes meses. Amostras foram coletadas em janeiro, março, maio, julho, setembro e novembro de 2013. No leite cru foi determinada a acidez titulável, densidade, gordura, umidade, massa seca, proteína, lactose, resíduo mineral fixo, coliformes totais e termotolerantes, Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, bactérias láticas e micro-organismos aeróbios mesófilos. Nos queijos foram realizadas as análises mencionadas, exceto densidade e lactose. Também foi determinado pH, atividade de água, firmeza, adesividade e cor (L*a*b*, croma e matiz). Houve variação (P<0,05) na acidez, lactose, contagens de coliformes termotolerantes e bactérias láticas no leite cru. Dentre estas, ressalta-se a maior acidez e menor teor de lactose em janeiro, março, julho, setembro e novembro, meses que também apresentaram maiores contagens de coliformes termotolerantes e bactérias láticas. Nos queijos houve variação, ao longo dos meses, para pH, acidez, gordura corrigida para a massa seca, massa seca, firmeza, adesividade, intensidade de verde (−a*), intensidade de amarelo (b*), croma (C), atividade de água, contagens de coliformes termotolerantes e Staphylococcus spp. Os resultados sugerem que o teor umidade, massa seca e gordura corrigida para massa seca dos queijos são suscetíveis à umidade relativa do ar e variações nestes parâmetros influenciam a firmeza, adesividade, atividade de água e cor. Assim como no leite, nos queijos foram observadas maiores contagens de coliformes termotolerantes e de Staphylococcus spp. em janeiro e novembro, os quais apresentam maior índice pluviométrico e temperatura mais alta.
UMA RARA OCORRÊNCIA DE TERATOMA BILATERAL EM BÚFALA – DESCRIÇÃO DE UM CASO
Authors: Vale William Gomes
Published: April 2016

O caso se refere a um estudo que avaliou n = 615 trato genital de fêmeas de búfalos abatidos num matadouro na cidade de Belém, Estado do Pará, Brasil, onde um caso de teratoma ovariano bilateral foi encontrado o que correspondeu a 0,16% de ocorrência de patologias totais. O teratoma é um tumor de células germinativas de ocorrência freqüente em animais domésticos, porém raro em bubalinos. Macroscopicamente, o tumor de ovário bilateral mostrou duas estruturas medindo 10 x 10 x 10 cm e 9 x 9 x 9 cm para a gonada direita e para a esquerda, respectivamente. Ambos mostraram uma superfície multilobulada de consistência firme que, ao corte mostrou cistos macro no interior do estroma ovários, o qual continha material estranho como cabelo e material de consistência pastosa acinzentada. Na análise histopatológica observou-se a presence de um tecido epitelial escamoso estratificado, glândulas sebáceas e cartilagens, como estruturas representativas do tumor, confirmando o diagnóstico de teratoma em ambos ovários.
COLESTEROL E BETA-HIDROXIBUTIRATO SÉRICO EM VACAS COM HIPOCALCEMIA SUBCLÍNICA
Authors: Huf Lucas Fabio , Guyoti Viviane Marques , Bragança Jose Francisco Manta , Rocha Jose Francisco Xavier da , Bennemann Paulo Eduardo , Rocha Ricardo Xavier da
Published: April 2016

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os níveis de colesterol e beta-hidroxibutirato sérico em vacas leiteiras com hipocalcemia subclínica. Para isso foram utilizadas 14 vacas leiteiras da raça Holandesa no período de transição. O experimento foi dividido em duas etapas, onde na primeira os animais foram acompanhados quanto ao pH urinário no pré-parto e os níveis de cálcio sérico nos três primeiros dias pós-parto. Na segunda etapa, os animais foram divididos em dois grupos a partir dos níveis de cálcio sérico até as 24 horas pós-parto, sendo: G1: (n=6) animais com cálcio sérico acima de 8 mg/dL e G2 (n=8) animais com cálcio sérico inferior a 8 mg/dL. Foram avaliados os níveis de colesterol sérico no segundo e décimo dias pós-parto e os níveis de beta-hidroxibutirato sérico no décimo dia pós-parto. Observou-se uma redução nos valores de colesterol sérico tanto no segundo como no décimo dia pós-parto e um aumento nos níveis de beta-hidroxibutirato sérico no G2 quando comparado ao G1. Assim, pode-se concluir que a hipocalcemia subclínica afeta negativamente o metabolismo energético, isto demonstrado pela redução dos valores de colesterol sérico e elevação dos níveis séricos de beta-hidroxibutirato.
AVALIAÇÃO DO BEM ESTAR DE ANIMAIS DE COMPANHIA NA COMUNIDADE DA VILA FLORESTAL EM LAGOA SECA/PB
Authors: Azevedo Camila Firmino de , Costa Neto Benedito Marinho da , Bezerra Ana Carolina , Lima Júnior Alfredo Rosas de
Published: April 2016

Com o intuito de fornecer subsídios que norteiem futuras ações de educação socioambiental para a melhoria do bem estar animal, foi realizado um trabalho investigativo com o objetivo de avaliar o bem estar de animais de companhia na comunidade da Vila Florestal em Lagoa Seca/PB. Para tal, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas através da aplicação de questionários durante visitas domiciliares a fim de traçar o perfil das famílias residentes na comunidade em relação à saúde pública e ao bem estar de cães e gatos. O procedimento amostral visou obter um número de famílias entrevistadas que fosse representativo da população e os dados coletados foram analisados a partir de análise estatística descritiva. Foi observado que 68% das famílias visitadas na Vila Florestal em Lagoa Seca/PB possuem cães e/ou gatos, porém a minoria destes tem o hábito de higienizar, vacinar e vermifugar seus animais. De forma geral, os moradores desta comunidade desconhecem aspectos importantes relativos à guarda responsável e de manejo dos animais de companhia, sendo que o poder aquisitivo mostra a impossibilidade da procura por serviços veterinários, como atendimento médico veterinário e vacinações. A pesquisa também fornece dados importantes que podem servir de subsídio para futuras ações pelo bem estar e saúde animal e, além disso, torna evidente a necessidade de ações educativas sobre guarda responsável, prevenção de doenças e também a necessidade de um serviço público veterinário para toda a população, contribuindo assim para a saúde pública local.
INFLUÊNCIA DO ENRIQUECIMENTO AMBIENTAL NOS PADRÕES DE COMPORTAMENTOS SOCIAIS E ANORMAIS DE CABRAS EM CONFINAMENTO
Authors: Guedes Oliveira Ana Paula , Costa Weliton Menário , Da Costa Willian Moreira , Nunes Rafael De Almeida , Da Silva Dias Natalia Caroliny , Madella-Oliveira Aparecida De Fátima
Published: April 2016

A partir do processo de domesticação as cabras foram retiradas do seu ambiente natural e inseridas em um ambiente empobrecido em estímulos. O problema é que, em função do confinamento inadequado, os animais deixam de realizar comportamentos típicos da espécie e passam a desenvolver comportamentos anormais. Na tentativa de minimizar esses comportamentos, têm-se utilizado a técnica denominada enriquecimento ambiental. O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar, analisar e descrever os comportamentos sociais agonísticos e anormais de cabras confinadas com e sem o uso de enriquecimentos ambientais, relacionando-os ao ganho de peso. Para o desenvolvimento do trabalho, utilizaram-se 20 cabras mestiças (Saanen x Boer), igualmente divididas em duas baias, sendo a baia controle (Trat 1) tratada conforme a rotina do setor e a baia de enriquecimento (Trat 2) submetida à técnica de enriquecimento ambiental. Realizaram-se observações do tipo focal, perfazendo um total de 216 horas. Verificou-se que as médias de frequência dos comportamentos em cada tratamento diferiram entre si, sendo que na baia de enriquecimento ambiental os animais exibiram menor frequência de comportamentos sociais agonísticos e anormais em relação à baia controle. Conclui-se que o enriquecimento ambiental influenciou de forma positiva no comportamento anormal e social das cabras estudadas.
AVALIAÇÃO DO FOTOPERÍODO E DURAÇÃO DO PROTOCOLO COM PROGESTÁGENO SOBRE A CONCENTRAÇÃO PLASMÁTICA DE PROGESTERONA EM OVELHAS INSEMINADAS EM TEMPO FIXO
Authors: Ortigosa João Lawrence , Saraiva Helena Fabiana Reis de Almeida , Zundt Marilice , Plens Rodrigo Mariuzzo , Giometti Ines Cristina , Castilho Caliê
Published: April 2016

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram: avaliar, na primavera e verão (novembro a março), a concentração plasmática de progesterona em ovelhas lanadas e deslanadas criadas no oeste paulista; avaliar a concentração plasmática de progesterona em função do tempo de permanência do progestágeno (6, 9 ou 12 dias) em protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). No experimento 1 foram utilizadas 12 ovelhas mestiças: 6 padrão Texel (Te) e 6 Santa Inês (SI), nas quais foram feitas, entre novembro e março, sete colheitas de sangue (C1 a C7), por venopunção da jugular, para posterior dosagem de progesterona (P4)por radioimunoensaio (RIA). No experimento 2 foram utilizadas 38 ovelhas Te e SI divididas aleatoriamente em três grupos: G-6 (n= 13); G-9 (n= 13); e G-12 (n= 12). Inicialmente cada ovelha recebeu uma esponja intravaginal de progestágeno (D0) que permaneceu por 6 (G-6), 9 (G-9) ou 12 dias (G-12). Na retirada da esponja foram administrados, por via intramuscular, 0,1315 mg de prostaglandina F2α (PGF2α) e 300 UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG). A IATF, por via laparoscópica, foi feita a partir de 50 horas após a retirada do progestágeno. Trinta dias após foi realizado diagnóstico de gestação através de ultrassonografia transabdominal. Exp. 1. Com exceção da colheita 7 (C7), em todas as outras o grupo SI apresentou concentração de P4 estatisticamente superior (P<0,05) ao grupo Te. Exp. 2. No momento da retirada do progestágeno o G-12 apresentou concentração de P4 significativamente (P<0,05)menor (0,342 ng/mL) que o G-6 (1,684 ng/mL) e G-9 (1,762 ng/mL). No entanto não houve diferença na taxa de prenhez entre os grupos G-6 (76,9%), G-9 (61,5%) e G-12 (91,6%). As ovelhas SI apresentaram concentração plasmática de P4 maior que as ovelhas Te nos períodos avaliados. A duração da permanência do progestágeno não afeta a taxa de prenhez em ovelhas.
EFEITOS DO ENRIQUECIMENTO AMBIENTAL NA MATERNIDADE SOBRE O BEM-ESTAR DE CAMUNDONGOS CRIADOS EM BIOTÉRIO
Authors: Medeiros Hisly Any Stiegelmeier , Deguchi Bernardo Graça Fatori , Bones Vanessa Carli , Molento Carla Forte Maiolino
Published: April 2016

Objetivou-se verificar os efeitos do enriquecimento ambiental (EA) sobre o bem-estar de camundongos em maternidade de um biotério. Para isso, camundongos Swiss da maternidade do biotério da Universidade Positivo foram separados ao acaso em dois grupos de seis fêmeas cada, sendo um grupo com enriquecimento (CE), constituído de papel para a confecção de ninho, e outro grupo sem enriquecimento (SE); duas fêmeas foram alocadas em cada caixa. Foram avaliados os comportamentos exploratório (EXP), agonístico (AGO), de autocuidado (CUI), interação com enriquecimento (IE), interação com filhotes (IF), interação entre mães (IM) e alimentação (ALI), comparados em geral e ao longo de nove dias de filmagens. Na comparação geral, o comportamento AGO foi menor no grupo CE (P = 0,047); no entanto, a mediana foi igual a 0% para ambos os grupos. Ao longo dos dias, houve diferença (P<0,05) nos comportamentos EXP, IF, e ALI em ambos os grupos, com a diminuição do tempo de EXP e aumento do tempo de IF e de ALI. Houve diferença (P<0,05) nas medianas de CUI e IM, indicando variação ao longo dos dias no grupo SE, e não houve diferença no CE (P>0,05), o que significa que em CE, CUI e IM ocorreram de forma mais contínua. Ainda no grupo CE, houve variação (P<0,05) de IE, evidenciando diminuição ao longo dos dias, passando de 29% no primeiro dia para 1% no último dia. O grupo CE apresentou maior variação na expressão de comportamento AGO (P<0,05), enquanto no SE não houve diferença (P>0,05), o que indica que AGO não variou ao longo dos dias. Conclui-se que o EA melhora o convívio entre os animais, diminuindo comportamentos agonísticos e favorecendo o comportamento natural de nidificação. Devido ao impacto positivo, mais estudos sobre as formas de EA para camundongos são relevantes.
CARACTERÍSTICAS BIOMÉTRICAS E PARÂMETROS ESPERMÁTICOS DE TESTÍCULOS E EPIDÍDIMOS DIREITOS E ESQUERDOS DE TOUROS ZEBUÍNOS
Authors: Bertol Melina Andrea Formighieri , Weiss Romildo Romualdo , Kozicki Luiz Ernandes , De Abreu Ana Cláudia Machinski Rangel
Published: April 2016

A capacidade reprodutiva de touros é um dos principais fatores que interfere no ganho em produtividade e consequentemente no sucesso da bovinocultura de corte. Os objetivos do estudo foram: comparar os testículos e epidídimos direitos e esquerdos de touros, quanto à dimensão, peso e parâmetros espermáticos, e verificar a correlação entre o peso do testículo e a reserva espermática no epidídimo. Dez touros da raça Tabapuã com idade entre 36 e 84 meses, foram castrados para obtenção e mensuração das estruturas do aparelho sexual externo, e posterior colheita de espermatozoides diretamente da cauda do epidídimo por fluxo retrógrado. O comprimento, largura e altura testicular foram semelhantes (P>0,05). Em relação aos parâmetros espermáticos, os valores médios encontrados para os lados direito e esquerdo foram, respectivamente: motilidade total 63,5 e 62,5%, vigor 4,6 e 4,5, total de defeitos morfológicos 14,7 e 16,8% e concentração por mL de 243,75x106 e 254,25x106, não diferindo entre si (P>0,05). Ocorreu correlação negativa, moderada e não significativa (r=0,20; P>0,05) entre a concentração espermática e o peso testicular. Concluímos que ambos os testículos e epidídimos de um bovino possuem dimensões e peso semelhantes e mantêm uma produção de gametas com motilidade, vigor, morfologia e concentração similares.
A simple prognostic model for overall survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Assi Hazem I. , Patenaude Francois , Toumishey Ethan , Ross Laura , Abdelsalam Mahmoud , Reiman Tony
Published: April 2016

Introduction: The primary purpose of this study was to develop a simpler prognostic model to predict overall survival for patients treated for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) by examining variables shown in the literature to be associated with survival.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated for mRCC at two Canadian centres. All patients who started first-line treatment were included in the analysis. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed using a stepwise procedure. Patients were assigned to risk groups depending on how many of the three risk factors from the final multivariate model they had.

Results: There were three risk factors in the final multivariate model: hemoglobin, prior nephrectomy, and time from diagnosis to treatment. Patients in the high-risk group (two or three risk factors) had a median survival of 5.9 months, while those in the intermediate-risk group (one risk factor) had a median survival of 16.2 months, and those in the low-risk group (no risk factors) had a median survival of 50.6 months.

Conclusions: In multivariate analysis, shorter survival times were associated with hemoglobin below the lower limit of normal, absence of prior nephrectomy, and initiation of treatment within one year of diagnosis.
First Canadian experience with robotic single-incision pyeloplasty: Comparison with multi-incision technique
Authors: Law Jeffrey , Rowe Neal , Archambault Jason , Nastis Sofia , Sener Alp , Luke Patrick P.
Published: April 2016

Introduction: We compared the outcomes of single-incision, robotassisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty vs. multiple-incision pyeloplasty using the da Vinci robotic system.

Methods: We reviewed all consecutive robotic pyeloplasties by a single surgeon from January 2011 to August 2015. A total of 30 procedures were performed (16 single:14 multi-port). Two different single-port devices were compared: the GelPort (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) and the Intuitive single-site access port (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA).

Results: Patient demographics were similar between the two groups. Mean operating time was similar among the single and multi-port groups (225.2 min vs. 198.9 minutes [p=0.33]). There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay in either group (86.2 hr vs. 93.2 hr [p=0.76]). There was no difference in success rates or postoperative complications among groups.

Conclusions: Single-port robotic pyeloplasty is non-inferior to multiple-incision robotic surgery in terms of operative times, hospitalization time, success rates, and complications. Verifying these results with larger cohorts is required prior to the wide adoption of this technique. Ongoing objective measurements of cosmesis and patient satisfaction are being evaluated.

 
Anticholinergic use in children: Persistence and patterns of therapy
Authors: Blais Anne-Sophie , Bergeron Michelle , Nadeau Geneviève , Ramsay Sophie , Bolduc Stéphane
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are complex and generally require long-term therapy. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that persistence rates of antimuscarinic drug use are low in adults. Better understanding of the treatment patterns of children treated with antimuscarinics could help to improve drug management. Our objective was to evaluate persistence rates of patients under 20 years of age on antimuscarinic therapy over a four-year period.

Methods: Patients having received a first-ever antimuscarinic drug prescription between April 2007 and March 2008 were identified using IMS Brogan’s Public and Private Drug Plans database. Canadian drug claims data from Private Drug Plans, Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec, and Ontario Public Drug Plans were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were followed for four years to assess the prescribed drugs, the lines of treatment, and the duration of each treatment.

Results: Data were available for 374 patients. The most prescribed drug as a first-line therapy was oxybutynin (87.2%), followed by tolterodine LA (5.9%). Patients refilled their index prescriptions for an average of 429 days. Solifenacin had the highest mean duration of index therapy (765 days). The median number of antimuscarinics prescribed was one. At the end of the followup, 44 patients were still on therapy. Reasons for discontinuation of treatment were not available.

Conclusions: Overall discontinuation rate of antimuscarinic therapy in children is comparable to what has been reported in adult patients with OAB. However, children seem to persist on the medication for a longer duration before adherence rates start declining. The low rate of persistence highlights the need to identify the reasons for discontinuation of therapy in children in order to obtain better persistence rates.
Ground Stereo Vision-Based Navigation for Autonomous Take-off and Landing of UAVs: A Chan-Vese Model Approach
Authors: Tang Dengqing , Hu Tianjiang , Shen Lincheng , Zhang Daibing , Kong Weiwei , Low Kin Huat
Published: April 2016

This article aims at flying target detection and localization of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) autonomous take-off and landing within Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied environments. A Chan-Vese model–based approach is proposed and developed for ground stereo vision detection. Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is fused into state estimation to reduce the localization inaccuracy caused by measurement errors of object detection and Pan-Tilt unit (PTU) attitudes. Furthermore, the region-of-interest (ROI) setting up is conducted to improve the real-time capability. The present work contributes to real-time, accurate and robust features, compared with our previous works. Both offline and online experimental results validate the effectiveness and better performances of the proposed method against the traditional triangulation-based localization algorithm.
Analysis of Foot Slippage Effects on an Actuated Spring-Mass Model of Dynamic Legged Locomotion
Authors: Or Yizhar , Moravia Moti
Published: April 2016

The classical model of spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) and its extensions have been widely accepted as a simple description of dynamic legged locomotion at various scales in humans, legged robots and animals. Similar to the majority of models in the literature, the SLIP model assumes ideal sticking contact of the foot. However, there are practical scenarios of low ground friction that causes foot slippage, which can have a significant influence on dynamic behaviour. In this work, an extension of the SLIP model with two masses and torque actuation is considered, which accounts for possible slippage under Coulomb's friction law. The hybrid dynamics of this model is formulated and numerical simulations under representative parameter values reveal several types of stable periodic solutions with stick-slip transitions. Remarkably, it is found that slippage due to low friction can sometimes increase average speed and improve energetic efficiency by significantly reducing the mechanical cost of transport.
Global Health Innovation Technology Models
Authors: Harding Kimberly
Published: April 2016

Chronic technology and business process disparities between High Income, Low Middle Income and Low Income (HIC, LMIC, LIC) research collaborators directly prevent the growth of sustainable Global Health innovation for infectious and rare diseases. There is a need for an Open Source-Open Science Architecture Framework to bridge this divide. We are proposing such a framework for consideration by the Global Health community, by utilizing a hybrid approach of integrating agnostic Open Source technology and healthcare interoperability standards and Total Quality Management principles. We will validate this architecture framework through our programme called Project Orchid. Project Orchid is a conceptual Clinical Intelligence Exchange and Virtual Innovation platform utilizing this approach to support clinical innovation efforts for multi-national collaboration that can be locally sustainable for LIC and LMIC research cohorts. The goal is to enable LIC and LMIC research organizations to accelerate their clinical trial process maturity in the field of drug discovery, population health innovation initiatives and public domain knowledge networks. When sponsored, this concept will be tested by 12 confirmed clinical research and public health organizations in six countries. The potential impact of this platform is reduced drug discovery and public health innovation lag time and improved clinical trial interventions, due to reliable clinical intelligence and bio-surveillance across all phases of the clinical innovation process.
ACM/Hindered Phenol Hybrids: A High Damping Material with Constrained-Layer Structure for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Simulation
Authors: Li Cong , Cai Xiaoxia , Wu Chifei , Wu Guozhang
Published: April 2016

Due to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions, hindered phenol 3,9-bis[1,1-dimethyl-2{β-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5- methylphenyl)propionyloxy}ethyl]- 2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]-undecane (AO-80) demonstrated a remarkable damping effect when it was hybridized with acrylic rubber (ACM). The loss factor of ACM could be largely increased and the position of loss peak could be regulated by controlling the content of the hindered phenol. This kind of high damping hybrids can be used as the laminated layer of sandwich beam for vibration control. Instead of the traditional method ASTM E756-98, a new method based on dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) was developed to characterize the damping behaviors of ACM/AO-80 laminated beam. Testing results demonstrated that DMA can reflect the variation of damping behaviors of sandwich beams with various factors effectively, and a theoretical model established here was used to explain the damping behaviors. Based on this model, by means of adjusting the content of AO-80, a high damping ability for the sandwich beam could be obtained at appointed temperature during a wide frequency range.
Physical Properties of Polyacrylamide/Polyvinylalcohol Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: E. Abulyazied Dalia , A. Mansour Nahla , M. Mazrouaa Azza , G. Mohamed Manal
Published: April 2016

In this paper, samples of Polyacrylamide (PAAm) nanosilica nanocomposites were prepared having different concentration of nanosilica (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5). Polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were blended with different ratio (3/1, 1/1, 1/3) using solution-cast technique. The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractions (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra showed the presence of hydrogen bonding between–CONH2 groups in PAAm and –OH group in PVA and confirm the hydrophilic nature of the blends. X-ray diffractions shows the presence of a strong broad peak centered at 22º (2θ) confirms the amorphous nature of silica which is supposed to be the characteristic of SiO2. The results obtained from different experimental techniques were supported by SEM image analysis. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites enhanced by increasing the silica content in the blend. The DC electrical conductivity was studied for all prepared samples. It was found that the conductivity increase by increasing silica content as well as, increased by increasing the wt% of PVA.
Design, Synthesis, Characterizations, and Processing of a Novel c-Donor-nc-Bridge-cf-Acceptor Type Block Copolymer for Optoelecronic Applications
Authors: H. Nguyen Thuong , Hasib Muhammad , Wang Dan , Sun Sam-Shajing
Published: April 2016

A novel c-D-nc-B-cf-A (or DBfA) type of block copolymer has been designed, synthesized, characterized, and preliminarily studied for optoectronic applications, where c-D is a conjugated donor type polyphenylenevinylene (PPV) block, nc-B is a non-conjugated bridge unit, and cf-A is a conjugated and fluorinated acceptor type PPV block. The frontier HOMO/LUMO orbital levels of D and fA conjugated blocks are -5.22/-3.06 and -6.10/-3.43 as determined from electrochemical and optical measurements. Photoluminescence emissions of D and fA are quenched in DBfA indicating a potential photo induced charge separation pathway between the donor and the acceptor blocks. Solid state thin film studies revealed more uniform and nano-scale phase separated morphologies in DBfA as compared to D/fA blend. A two orders of magnitude enhancement of photoelectric energy conversion efficiency was observed in a best solar cell fabricated from the DBfA block copolymer as compared to a best cell fabricated from the corresponding D/fA blend. Such significant photoelectric conversion enhancement could be attributed to the improvements of phase separated and bicontinously ordered nanostructure (BONS) morphology in DBfA as compared to D/fA.
Hybrid Porphyrin-Polymeric Materials and their Amazing Applications: A Review
Authors: Fagadar-Cosma Gheorghe , Birdeanu Mihaela , Fagadar-Cosma Eugenia
Published: April 2016

Porphyrins are versatile multifunctional biomimetic molecules that are obtained by condensation of pyrrole with the desired aromatic aldehydes. The porphyrin structure can be synthetically modified by either introduction of various peripheral functional groups or metals in its core, allowing creation of various porphyrin derivatives that exhibit amazing optoelectronic properties. This feature makes porphyrins molecules extremely useful especially in hybrid combination with photonic, electronic and magnetic compounds. This review is focused on the more recently obtained porphyrin-polymeric materials and on their various analytical, industrial and medical applications. The study underlines the assembling capacity of these porphyrin-polymer hybrids to form supramolecular tunable architectures by means of the association of more building block units. Porphyrin-polymer nano- and micro-materials play a preeminent role in sensing applications involving chromophores in the formulation of organic solar cells - due to their capacity to generate photo induced charge separation centers - and as new materials with interesting catalytic properties. Besides these technical applications, the photobactericidal activity of these porphyrin–polymer materials was evaluated against Gram positive and Gram negative strains bacteria and they represent an alternative to antibiotics in order to overcome the growing bacterial multiresistance. Polymer functionalization with porphyrin is commonly used to overcome some drawbacks such as self-quenching and photo-toxicity to the skin produced by the bare porphyrins, when used as photosensitizers in the non-invasive Photodynamic therapy of cancer (PDT).