bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of low bone mineral density in children and adolescents with celiac disease under treatment
Authors: Motta Maria Eugênia Farias Almeida , Faria Maria Eduarda Nóbrega de , Silva Gisélia Alves Pontes da
Published: February 2010

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Low bone mineral density may be a finding among children and adolescents with celiac disease, including those undergoing treatment with a gluten-free diet, but the data are contradictory. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of bone mineral density abnormalities in patients on a gluten-free diet, considering age at diagnosis and duration of dietary treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional prevalence study at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of Instituto Materno Infantil Professor Fernando Figueira. METHODS: Thirty-one patients over five years of age with celiac disease and on a gluten-free diet were enrolled. Bone mineral density (in g/cm²) was measured in the lumbar spine and whole body using bone densitometry and categorized using the criteria of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, i.e. low bone mineral density for chronological age < -2.0 Z-scores. Age at diagnosis and duration of dietary treatment were confirmed according to the date of starting the gluten-free diet. RESULTS: Low bone density for chronological age was present in 3/31 patients in the lumbar spine and 1/31 in the whole body (also with lumbar spine abnormality). At diagnosis, three patients with low bone mineral density for the chronological age were more than 7.6 years old. These patients had been on a gluten-free diet for six and seven months and 3.4 years. CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients with celiac disease on long-term treatment are at risk of low bone mineral density. Early diagnosis and long periods of gluten-free diet are directly implicated in bone density normalization.
Lapatinib for treatment of advanced or metastasized breast cancer: systematic review
Authors: Riera Rachel , Soárez Patrícia Coelho de , Puga Maria Eduarda dos Santos , Ferraz Marcos Bosi
Published: February 2010

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Around 16% to 20% of women with breast cancer have advanced, metastasized breast cancer. At this stage, the disease is treatable, but not curable. The objective here was to assess the effectiveness of lapatinib for treating patients with advanced or metastasized breast cancer. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review of the literature, developed at Centro Paulista de Economia da Saúde (CPES), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp). METHOD: Systematic review with searches in virtual databases (PubMed, Lilacs [Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde], Cochrane Library, Scirus and Web of Science) and manual search. RESULTS: Only one clinical trial that met the selection criteria was found. This study showed that lapatinib in association with capecitabine reduced the risk of cancer progression by 51% (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.34-0.71; P < 0.001), compared with capecitabine alone, without any increase in severe adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The combination of lapatinib plus capecitabine was more effective than capecitabine alone for reducing the risk of cancer progression. Further randomized clinical trials need to be carried out with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of lapatinib as monotherapy or in association for first-line or second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer.
Biomechanical parameters of gait among transtibial amputees: a review
Authors: Soares Alex Sandra Oliveira de Cerqueira , Yamaguti Edward Yuji , Mochizuki Luis , Amadio Alberto Carlos , Serrão Júlio Cerca
Published: February 2010

Rehabilitation for lower-limb amputees needs to focus on restoration of daily functions and independent locomotion. As gait is reestablished, reorganization of the motor pattern takes place in order to optimize the functions of the locomotor system. Biomechanics is a field of study that enables understanding of this reorganization. From such knowledge, appropriate strategies for recovering the autonomy of the means of locomotion can be established. Thus, this paper had the aim of reviewing the current status of the biomechanics of locomotion among unilateral transtibial amputees. To achieve this aim, papers written in English or Portuguese and published up to 2005 were selected from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Dedalus databases. In cases of transtibial amputation, the absence of plantar flexors negatively affects locomotion. Increased absorption and energy generation by the muscles that control the hip joint of the amputated leg can be considered to be the main compensatory strategy developed by unilateral transtibial amputees during gait. Factors associated with the characteristics of the amputation, prosthesis and experimental protocol used directly influence the results.
Autoinflammatory syndromes: report on three cases
Authors: Matos Thais Cunha , Terreri Maria Teresa Ramos Ascensão , Petry Daniela Gerent , Barbosa Cássia Maria , Len Claudio Arnaldo , Hilário Maria Odete Esteves
Published: February 2010

CONTEXT: Autoinflammatory syndromes are diseases manifested by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation in multiple organs. There is no production of autoantibodies, but interleukins play an important role and acute-phase reactants show abnormalities. Our aim was to report on three cases of autoinflammatory syndromes that are considered to be rare entities. CASE REPORTS: The authors describe the clinical features of three patients whose diagnosis were the following: tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), chronic infantile neurological cutaneous articular (CINCA) syndrome and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). All of the patients presented fever, joint or bone involvement and increased acute phase reactants. The genetic analysis confirmed the diagnoses of two patients. The great diversity of manifestations and the difficulties in genetic analyses make the diagnosing of these diseases a challenge.
Response of Diabrotica speciosa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to 1,4-dimethoxybenzene and analogs in common bean crop
Authors: Marques Francisco de Assis , Wendler Edison Perevalo , Macedo Alexandra , Wosch Celso Luiz , Maia Beatriz Helena Sales , Mikami Adriana Yatie , Arruda-Gatti Iara Cintra , Pissinati Aline , Mingotte Fábio Luiz Checchio , Alves Amilton , Ventura Maurício Ursi
Published: February 2010

Several synthetic and commercial analogs of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, a kairomone of Diabrotica speciosa, along with other compounds already shown to be attractive to other species of Diabrotica, were tested as attractant to D. speciosa. Yellow cup traps were lured with the compounds and installed in a common bean field. Assessments were conducted 24 h later. 1,4-dimethoxybenzene lured traps caught significantly more beetles than the control traps. Captures of traps lured with 1,4-dimethoxybenzene analogs did not differ from the control traps. Results showed that position and nature of the substituents on the aromatic ring played a crucial role in the activity of the natural compound. The aromatic ring was also very important to the activity of the kairomone.
Effect of an aqueous extract of annatto (Bixa orellana) seeds on lipid profile and biochemical markers of renal and hepatic function in hipercholesterolemic rats
Authors: Paula Heberth de , Pedrosa Maria Lúcia , Rossoni Júnior Joamyr Victor , Haraguchi Fabiano Kenji , Santos Rinaldo Cardoso dos , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio
Published: February 2010

Annatto extract is a natural food color obtained from the outer coatings of the seeds of the Annatto tree (Bixa orellana L.). This is the first report in the literature that shows the relationship between the aqueous annatto extract and its influence on lipid profile in animals. Male Fisher rats were divided into three groups (n=12): C group, fed standard diet and water; H group, fed high-lipid diet and water and; HU group, with high-lipid diet and aqueous annatto extract for 60 days. The treatment with annatto extract in animals fed with the high-lipid diet lowered the LDL- and total cholesterol and raised the HDL-cholesterol, suggesting a hypocholesterolemic effect. Neither high-fat diet nor aqueous annatto extract had any significant effect on serum levels of albumin or serum activities of transaminases which suggested that no liver injury was induced.
Morpho-Anatomical Analysis of the Rhizome in Species of Scleria Berg. (Cyperaceae) from Serra do Cipó (MG)
Authors: Lima Vera Fatima Gomes Alves Pereira , Menezes Nanuza Luiza de
Published: February 2010

Aspects related to the nature of stem thickening in monocotyledons have been the subject of many studies. Primary thickening has been attributed to the Primary Thickening Meristem (PTM). According to most authors, it gives rise, besides the adventitious roots, to the vascular tissues and part of the cortex. In other words, it has centripetal and centrifugal activity. For some authors, however, it gives rise only to the vascular system, and for others, only to part of the cortex. However, this work demonstrated that PTM corresponds to the pericycle in the meristematic phase or to the pericycle associated with the endodermis, also with meristematic activity. It was observed that the pericycle was responsible for the formation of the vascular system of the rhizome and of the adventitious roots; the endodermis gave rise to cell layers with radial disposition which comprised the inner portion of the stem cortex, and which corresponded to the region known as the derivatives of the meristematic endodermis (DME). A continuity was also demonstrated between the tissues of the stem and root in species of Scleria Berg. (Cyperaceae).
The influence of freezing rates on bovine pericardium tissue Freeze-drying
Authors: Borgognoni Camila Figueiredo , Tattini Junior Virgilio , Ayrosa Ana Maria Irene Bartolomeu , Polakiewicz Bronislaw , Leirner Adolfo Alberto , Maizato Marina Junko Shiotsu , Higa Olga Zazuco , Beppu Marisa Masumi , Pitombo Ronaldo Nogueira de Moraes
Published: February 2010

The bovine pericardium has been used as biomaterial in developing bioprostheses. Freeze-drying is a drying process that could be used for heart valve's preservation. The maintenance of the characteristics of the biomaterial is important for a good heart valve performance. This paper describes the initial step in the development of a bovine pericardium tissue freeze-drying to be used in heart valves. Freeze-drying involves three steps: freezing, primary drying and secondary drying. The freezing step influences the ice crystal size and, consequently, the primary and secondary drying stages. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of freezing rates on the bovine pericardium tissue freeze-drying parameters. The glass transition temperature and the structural behaviour of the lyophilized tissues were determined as also primary and secondary drying time. The slow freezing with thermal treatment presented better results than the other freeze-drying protocols.
Lipid oxidation and fatty acid profile related to broiler breast meat color abnormalities
Authors: Soares Adriana Lourenço , Marchi Denis Fabrício , Matsushita Makoto , Guarnieri Paulo Donizeti , Droval Adriana Aparecida , Ida Elza Iouko , Shimokomaki Massami
Published: February 2010

The aim of this work was to study the influence of lipid oxidation on broiler breast meat (Pectoralis major m) color abnormalities. There were 27.0 % more lipid oxidation in PSE in relation to normal meat and 41.0 % more in relation to DFD-like meat (p<0.05). The fatty acid profile was also significantly different since the arachidonic acid (AA) fraction increased 38.6 and 70.5 % in PSE meat comparing to normal and DFD-like meats, respectively. The ratio PUFA/SFA changed in these three types of meat: 0.736, 0.713 and 0.694 for PSE, normal and DFD-like meat respectively, reflecting the highest production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the PSE meat samples. Results indicated that phospholipase A2 enzyme activities played a relevant role towards the development of PSE-meat syndrome in a cascade of biochemical reactions promoting the formation of free radicals from AA, which ultimately damaged the muscle membrane systems.
The design of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory and its importance in risk prevention: applicability of UV radiation
Authors: Izquierdo Enrique Gea , Velasco Carlos Ángel Benavides , Escudero José Vicente Maeso , Rodríguez Antonio García
Published: February 2010

This study addressed the environmental control of an IVF laboratory and the potential repercussions that the presence of certain physical, chemical and biological agents could have on workers' health or on the tasks they carried out. The design of the laboratory and its facilities contributed to an improvement in work quality and minimised the environmental-related risks. The preventive measures adopted had an influence on the carried out actions.
An overview on molecular markers for detection of ochratoxigenic fungi in coffee neans
Authors: Fungaro Maria Helena Pelegrinelli , Sartori Daniele
Published: February 2010

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most abundant food-contaminating mycotoxins. Its occurrence in several agricultural commodities has been considered a worldwide problem. This toxin is mainly produced by Aspergillus species. OTA has nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, and carcinogenic effects and consequently the contamination with this toxin represents a high risk for human and animal health. In the last 5 years, several investigators have applied molecular methods in order to develop PCR assays for identifying and quantifying OTA-producing fungi in coffee beans samples. The main objective is to allow the detection of microorganisms capable of producing OTA, preferentially prior to ochratoxin production and accumulation. In this contribution several of these attempts will be reviewed and discussed.
Bovine coronavirus detection in a collection of diarrheic stool samples positive for group a bovine rotavirus
Authors: Barry Aline Fernandes , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Stipp Danilo Tancler , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: February 2010

Neonatal diarrhea is an important cause of economic losses for cattle farmers. The main viral etiologies of enteric diseases are group A rotaviruses (GARV) and the bovine coronavirus (BCoV). Although both viruses infect calves of the same age, the occurrence of mixed infections is still under studied. The present study describes the co-infection of BCoV and GARV in stool samples. Forty-four diarrheic fecal samples from calves up to 60 days old that had previously tested positive for GARV by SS-PAGE were analyzed using semi-nested PCR for BCoV. A product with 251 bp of the BCoV nucleoprotein gene was amplified in 15.9% (7/44) of the samples, demonstrating that co-infection is not an unusual event. These results reinforce the need for testing for both GARV and BCoV, even in fecal samples that previously tested positive for one virus.
Hematological and cerebrospinal fluid changes in cattle naturally and experimentally infected with the bovine herpesvirus 5
Authors: Lisbôa Júlio Augusto Naylor , Isernhagen Allan Jürgen , Borges Alexandre Secorun , Amorim Rogério Martins , Balarin Mara Regina Stipp , Lunardi Michele , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: February 2010

Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) meningoencephalitis is one of the main causes of mortality by encephalopathy in Brazilian cattle herds. However, the neurological signs observed are common to several encephalopathies and do not contribute decisively to a diagnosis. In order to verify hematological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes, blood and CSF samples from naturally and experimentally infected bovines were evaluated. In natural cases (n=17), the samples were collected only once, and in experimental cases (n=7), the samples were sequentially obtained throughout disease progression. While routine methods were used to examine the samples, BoHV-5 infection was confirmed by a PCR assay. Blood analyses did not reveal any consistent hematological alterations and the leukogram results occasionally showed increases in leukocyte and segmented neutrophil. Hyperfibrinogenemia was noted in all experimentally infected calves and in half of the natural cases. Pleocytosis with mononuclear cells was a remarkable finding in CSF collected from both groups of animals and was present even in experimentally infected calves that remained asymptomatic. Therefore, CSF evaluation can be used as an auxiliary method in ante-mortem BoHV-5 diagnosis.
Neurological and epidemiological aspects of a BoHV-5 meningoencephalitis outbreak
Authors: Lunardi Michele , Claus Marlise Pompeo , Lisbôa Júlio Augusto Naylor , Amude Alexandre Mendes , Headley Selwyn Arlington , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: February 2010

Bovine herpesvirus 5 is a DNA virus that has been associated with meningoencephalitis in young cattle. While its clinical diagnosis is obscured by other major diseases that also produce similar neurological disease in cattle, the use of conventional virological techniques is hampered by the establishment of a lifelong latent infection in the host and the difficulty in differentiating BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. The aim of the current report is to describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects observed in a natural outbreak of BoHV-5 meningoencephalitis in a dairy cattle herd from Brazil. In the outbreak, the affected animals consisted of nine calves, which presented three possible forms of the neurological disease, subjectively classified as peracute, acute, and subacute/chronic. In contrast to conventional herpetic meningoencephalitis, characterized mainly by progressive multifocal brain dysfunctions, BoHV-5 infection resulted in focal non-progressive caudal brainstem dysfunction (pontomedullary syndrome) in an animal presented with subacute/chronic BoHV-5 meningoencephalitis. The evaluation of CNS tissue of affected calves through both histological examination and multiplex-PCR was able to confirm BoHV-5 infection. Additionally, the analysis of CSF samples through PCR allowed ante-mortem BoHV-5 diagnosis during the outbreak, which enabled the implementation of several measures of control for the disease.
Validation of a PCR Assay for Chlamydophila abortus rRNA gene detection in a murine model
Authors: Silva-Zacarias Francielle Gibson da , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Spohr Kledir Anderson Hofstaetter , Lima Bruna Azevedo de Carvalho , Negrão Fábio Juliano , Lunardi Michele , Freitas Julio Cesar de
Published: February 2010

Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus) is associated with reproductive problems in cattle, sheep, and goats. Diagnosis of C. abortus using embryonated chicken eggs or immortalized cell lines has a very low sensitivity. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been used to detect C. abortus infection in clinical specimens and organ fragments, such as placenta, fetal organs, vaginal secretions, and semen. The aim of this study was to develop a PCR assay for the amplification of an 856-bp fragment of the rRNA gene of the Chlamydiaceae family. The PCR assay was evaluated using organs from 15 mice experimentally infected with the S26/3 reference strain of C. abortus. The results of the rRNA PCR were compared to the results from another PCR system (Omp2 PCR) that has been previously described for the Omp2 (outer major protein) gene from the Chlamydiaceae family. From the 15 C. abortus-inoculated mice, 13 (K=0.84, standard error =0.20) tested positive using the rRNA PCR assay and 9 (K=0.55, standard error=0.18) tested positive using the Omp2 PCR assay. The detection limit, measured using inclusion-forming units (IFU), for C. abortus with the rRNA PCR (1.05 IFU) was 100-fold lower than for the Omp2 PCR (105 IFU). The higher sensitivity of the rRNA PCR, as compared to the previously described PCR assay, and the specificity of the assay, demonstrated using different pathogenic microorganisms of the bovine reproductive system, suggest that the new PCR assay developed in this study can be used for the molecular diagnosis of C. abortus in abortion and other reproductive failures in bovines, caprines, and ovines.
Development of a Low Cost Bioprocess for Endotoxin Production by Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis Intended for Biological Control of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Soccol Carlos Ricardo , Pollom Teresinha E. V. , Fendrich Ricardo Cancio , Prochmann Fernando Alberto , Mohan Radijiskumar , Blaskowski Marita Maciel Moreira , Melo André Luiz de Almeida , Carvalho Cláudio Jose Barros de , Soccol Vanete Thomaz
Published: February 2010

Aedes aegypti is the vector of Dengue disease, responsible for 20,000 deaths/year worldwide. Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis - Bti releases selective and effective toxins (crystal proteins) against A. aegypti larvae. We present a low cost bioprocess for toxin production, accomplished by a selected Brazilian strain Bti (BR-LPB01) and employment of low cost substrates. Soybean meal and sugarcane molasses lead to high toxic effectiveness after 2L bioreactor fermentation (LD50=26ng/mL), near to the reference strain IPS82 (LD50=17.3 ng/mL). The pH ranged between 5.8 and 7.0 during the exponential growth period and between 7.0 and 8.4 during the stationary phase, with low activity. Thus, control of foam and pH 7.0 were started and proved to be crucial for high activity. It was verified that the fermentation could be discontinued after 20 hours, when the highest activity was present.
Identification of a splicing coactivator gene that affects the production of ochratoxin a in Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Lunardi Lígia Uno , Guembarovski Roberta Losi , Hanai Luiz Ricardo , Cristiano Valderi , Vieira Maria Lucia Carneiro , Sartori Daniele , Fungaro Maria Helena Pelegrinelli
Published: February 2010

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by some fungi species. Among them, Aspergillus carbonarius is considered a powerful producer. Genes involved in the ochratoxin A biosynthesis pathway have been identified in some producer species. However, there are few studies that purpose to identify these genes in A. carbonarius. The use of insertion mutants to identify genes associated with certain properties has been increased in the literature. In this work, the region of T-DNA integration was investigated in one A. carbonarius ochratoxin-defective mutant previously obtained by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, in order to find an association between interrupted gene and the biosynthesis of ochratoxin A. The integration occurred in a gene that possibly encodes a splicing coactivator protein. The analysis of the relative expression of the splicing coativator gene from A. carbonarius wild type strain in four different media showed high correlation between the transcript levels and the ochratoxin A production.
A simplified model for A. Niger FS3 growth during phytase formation in solid State fermentation
Authors: Spier Michele Rigon , Letti Luiz Alberto Junior , Woiciechowski Adenise Lorenci , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2010

A simplified model to describe fungal growth during citric pulp fermentation for phytase production was described for the first time. Experimental data for biomass growth were adjusted to classical mathematical growth models (Monod and Logistic). The Monod model predictions showed good agreement with the experimental results for biomass concentration during 96 hours of fermentation. Parameters such as yield of biomass from oxygen (Y X/O), maintenance coefficient (m) and specific growth rate (µ) were compared showing a good correlation between the data and the model. An alternative method for biomass determination in this process was developed since a great correlation was found between biomass growth and enzyme formation.
The effect of management of transport and lairage conditions on broiler chicken breast meat quality and DOA (Death on Arrival)
Authors: Oba Alexandre , Almeida Mauricio de , Pinheiro João Waine , Ida Elza Iouko , Marchi Denis Fabricio , Soares Adriana Lourenço , Shimokomaki Massami
Published: February 2010

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of time of broiler chicken transportation and lairage prior to slaughtering on the occurrence of PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) meat and Death On Arrival (DOA) under non-commercial conditions in the Brazilian summer. Male birds (n=250) from a commercial line were subjected to different periods of journey (30, 90, and 180 min) and lairage (0, 90, and 180 min) before slaughtering. The occurrence of PSE was higher in broilers subjected to shorter journeys and lairage periods, whereas DOA was more pronounced upon longer periods of transport and lairage. The DOA occurrence percentage was much higher in comparison to commercially available figures, confirming that broiler chickens are very sensitive to both transport and lairage maneuvers.
Replacement of corn silage with cassava foliage silage in the diet of lactating dairy cows: milk composition and economic evaluation
Authors: Santos Geraldo Tadeu dos , Modesto Elisa Cristina , Souza Nilson Evelázio de , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas , Jobim Clóves Cabreira , Kazama Daniele Cristina da Silva , Valloto Altair Antônio , Massuda Ely Mitie
Published: February 2010

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of corn silage (CS) replacement by cassava's foliage silage (CFS) on the production and quality of milk. Twelve lactating dairy cows were used in a randomized block experimental design with four treatments and three repetitions per block. CS was replaced by CFS at the levels of 0, 20, 40, and 60%. The replacement of CS by different levels of CFS had very low effect on the variables studied. Milk density decreased when the replacement level was increased. Fatty acids 4:0 and 6:0 presented a quadratic behavior, while fat acids 8:0, 10:0, and 15:0 presented a linear behavior as their concentrations fell when CFS diet content was increased. The CS replacement by 20% until 60% CFS resulted a significant decrease in the feeding costs. The results suggested that CFS was a good replacement of CS for dairy cows.
Design of Well Placement for an Economic Heat Recovery from Naturally Fractured Geothermal Systems
Authors: Shaik Abdul Ravoof
Published: February 2010

Predicting fluid movement in naturally fractured reservoir is a challenging area in geothermal engineering. This is often addressed in practice by using flow modeling procedures based on continuum approach. With recent advancements in reservoir characterization techniques geological models were able to provide discrete fracture representation. However, this type of representation is too detailed for direct use in continuum approach based flow models. Prediction of hot water production from such systems remains a major challenge for economic evaluation and therefore, development of these resources. Moreover, Most of the geothermal systems are low permeable and needs permeability enhancement through reservoir pressurization. There is a clear need for procedures that provide accurate and efficient production forecasting from highly resolved geological characterizations.

This paper presents an innovative methodology to design and evaluate well placement estimate hot water production for Australian geothermal fields. This model can be used to design and optimization of parameters of production system such as water injection rate, well placement. Moreover, it can be used to, determine the amount of permeability enhancement needed and also reducing the risk of short circuiting between injection and producer due to excessive permeability enhancement. This model makes use of previously developed permeability tensor model, stimulation model and couples them with poroelastic reservoir model to estimate hot water production before and after stimulation.

This paper depicts that a geothermal reservoir can be efficiently pressurized through a pair of induced fracture which increases well injectivity and reduces pressure loss across the reservoir. Fracture density, fracture interconnectivity and matrix permeability play a significant role in economic development of geothermal reservoirs in general and Australian Geothermal Systems in particular.
Paradoxical Phenomena in Deep Waters
Authors: Kulakova O. A. , Kulakova K. A. Antipova
Published: February 2010

Hydrocarbon accumulation is an open natural chemical reactor in which all physical and chemical phenomena arise from the rock, hydrocarbon and water interactions in a single system. All of the processes that take place in hydrocarbon accumulation during its formation leave traces at both the rock and hydrocarbon level, which have a great influence on the drilling and development processes. The processes of drilling and development are complicated by a great number of arbitrary factors which cannot be taken into account on the basis of existing theories. A radically new model of oil and gas reservoirs is elaborated, revealing certain regularities which allow revision of the existing design techniques.
Pore-Level Mechanisms of Surfactant-Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Sagatov Ernar
Published: February 2010

The technique of injecting water is used for about 50% of the world's oil production. However, recovery efficiency of water injection in fractured reservoirs can be very low because, guided by capillary forces, the injected fluid will preferentially flow in the fractures rather than through the matrix. As a result, most of the oil in the matrix is not contacted by the injected water and remains within the matrix. To access this oil, the role of capillary forces on fluid flow can be minimized by adding surfactants and surface-active agents to injected water. Surfactants dramatically change the interfacial properties by reducing the surface tension.

In this study, micromodels were used in a series of experiments to compare the results of forced and spontaneous imbibition tests in the presence of aqueous surfactant solutions. These micromodels contain a repeated flow pattern that is etched onto silicon and roughly offer the pore-size distribution and pore sizes of sandstone. Two-dimensional movement of fluids is studied under a Nikon Optiphot-M reflected light microscope and 10X pictures are taken. Matlab is used to run image analysis on these pictures to interpret quantitatively the residual oil saturation, oil recovery and the porosity values.

A screening study of 6 surfactants at different concentrations was run to choose the system that was most compatible with low-viscosity crude oil (~4.95cP). Solutions that were 2 % (by volume) were used in forced imbibition at 1 m/Day Darcy velocity. The same surfactant solution was also used in spontaneous imbibition Darcy velocity. Forced displacement compared to spontaneous displacement improves recovery efficiency. If most of the oil was removed in secondary injection of surfactant solution in forced displacement, only about 1% of oil was removed in secondary injection of surfactant solution in spontaneous displacement.
Column Studies for the Adsorption of Cationic Surfactant onto an Organic Polymer Resin and a Granular Activated Carbon
Authors: Vergili Ilda , Kaya Yasemin , Gönder Zeren Beril , Barlas Hulusi
Published: February 2010

Adsorption beds containing granular activated carbon and organic polymer resin are used widely to remove organic pollutants from wastewaters and water streams. Adsorption polymers are becoming alternatives to activated carbon for removal of surfactants by adsorption techniques. This study investigated the adsorption characteristics of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant for selected concentrations below and above critical micelle concentration (CMC). A series of column tests were performed to determine the breakthrough curves by using two different adsorbents: (1) Hydraffin CC 8×30 as a commercial granular activated carbon (GAC) and (2) Lewatit VPOC 1064 MD PH as a commercial organic polymer resin. In the experiments, the volumetric flow rate was maintained at 10.5 mL/min (approximately 2 m3/m2·h). Loading of adsorbents was continued until breakthrough was 10% of the feed concentration. The breakthrough took place at 488 bed volume (BV) below CMC (C0 = 40 mg/L) and 39 BV above CMC (C0 = 400 mg/L) onto GAC. The organic polymer resin, however, showed a higher adsorption capacity than GAC (1412 BV below CMC and 287 BV above CMC). From the Logit method, the value of adsorption rate coefficient (K) and adsorption capacity coefficient (N) were obtained.
Measurement and Control Practices in Finnish Wastewater Networks
Authors: Poutiainen H. , Heinonen‐Tanski H.
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we describe measurement and control practices in Finnish wastewater networks. We have surveyed the 14 largest wastewater treatment plants in the country, which account for approximately 40% of total Finnish treatment capacity. It was found that these plants still only rely on a few, traditional measurement techniques. The treatment processes could be improved, and the treatment could be made more energy‐efficient by installing modern instrumentation. We review some recent developments in wastewater plant instrumentation technology and suggest improvements to Finnish plants.
Assessing the Effects of Solids Residence Time and Volatile Fatty Acid Augmentation on Biological Phosphorus Removal Using Real Wastewater
Authors: Horgan Christopher J. , Coats Erik R. , Loge Frank J.
Published: February 2010

The purpose of the research presented herein was to evaluate the effects of solids residence time (SRT) and organic acid augmentation on biological phosphorus removal (BPR), with a focus on how these operational variables affect key metabolisms and the distribution of the microbial population. Using laboratory‐scale sequencing batch reactors seeded with a mixed microbial consortium and fed real wastewater, we observed that longer SRTs can improve BPR performance; organic acid augmentation can stabilize BPR, but it is not necessary for process success; and higher volatile suspended solids concentrations correlate with improved phosphorus removal. The results also suggest that organic acids may not be critical in driving anaerobic phosphorus release, but in driving aerobic growth. Finally, given an observed population similarity across all tested bioreactors, BPR variability appears to be less influenced by the presence of specific microbes and more affected by the induction of critical metabolisms.
Effects of Magnetic Ion‐Exchange Resin Addition During Coagulation on Floc Properties and Membrane Filtration
Authors: Choi Yang Hun , Kweon Ji Hyang , Jeong Young Mi , Kwon Soonbuhm , Kim Hyung‐Soo
Published: February 2010

The application of magnetic ion‐exchange resin (MIEX) during chemical coagulation was investigated for the removal of organic matters responsible for fouling in membrane processes. Two different coagulants were used—polyaluminium chloride (PACl) and polyaluminium chloride silicate (PACS). The MIEX addition during coagulation with both PACl and PACS considerably enhanced removal of dissolved organic carbon. Coagulation with MIEX treatment substantially removed all portions of natural organic matter (NOM), while the MIEX treatment alone effectively removed the hydrophobic and transphilic portions of NOM. The enhanced NOM removal by PACl coagulation with the addition of MIEX had positive effects on membrane flux at moderate transmembrane pressure conditions. However, the almost identical flux patterns were reported in the experiments of coagulation with PACS and PACS with MIEX addition. The results of the specific cake resistances indicated that the MIEX addition substantially decreased the resistances. The larger size distributions of PACl with MIEX corresponded well with the flux improvement.
Microbial Degradation of Phenol in a Modified Three‐Stage Airlift Packing‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Hsien , Liou Rey‐May , Chen Shih‐Hsiung , Hung Mu‐Ya , Lai Cheng‐Lee , Lai Juin‐Yih
Published: February 2010

Phenol degradation was carried out by using a modified three‐stage airlift packing‐bed bioreactor. A laboratory‐scale airlift packing‐bed reactor, with hydrodynamic flexible packing material in the three‐stage bioreactor, was constructed and operated for phenol removal from synthetic wastewater. The airlift packing‐bed reactor successfully degraded phenol and lowered the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater. High COD removal was observed, and much lower sludge effluent was obtained in this investigation. This airlift bioreactor showed a superior hydrodynamics performance and broad operating conditions for phenolic material removal. Different operating modes were discussed to obtain the optimal condition for phenol degradation (i.e., hydraulic retention time [HRT] and gas flowrate of airlift). The HRT and feed phenol concentration of wastewater dominated the removal efficiency of phenol and COD. In this bioreactor, surface loading up to 2.84 g phenol/m2·d, almost 100% phenol removal, and over 90% COD removal was achieved. The lower operating cost combined with higher phenol‐removal efficiency and a low sludge effluent concentration can be achieved by using this reactor for phenol wastewater treatment.
Study of Hybrid Vertical Anaerobic Sludge‐Aerobic Biofilm Membrane Bioreactor for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Phattaranawik Jirachote , Leiknes TorOve
Published: February 2010

Alternative design of a hybrid biofilm reactor was developed and evaluated experimentally in this article, aimed to minimize a suspended solid in the effluent and to manage an excess sludge produced in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system. A hybrid vertical anaerobic sludge‐aerated biofilm reactor (HyVAB) was proposed and coupled with external submerged membrane filtration for wastewater treatment application. The HyVAB featured an upper chamber of aerobic biofilm, a lower chamber of anaerobic activated sludge, and a roof‐shaped separator located between the chambers, to prevent diffusion of dissolved oxygen to the anaerobic chamber. The lower chamber was used for anaerobic digestion of aerobic sludge waste. The effects of hydraulic retention time in the HyVAB on effluent quality and on membrane fouling were studied. The average suspended solids concentration in the effluent was found to be lower than 15 mg/L. The optimum operating conditions for the HyVAB MBR were investigated.
Does Automated Feedback Help Students Learn to Write?
Authors: Kellogg Ronald T. , Whiteford Alison P. , Quinlan Thomas
Published: February 2010

We examined whether an automated essay feedback system could improve the writing performance of college students. Students in a freshmen composition course received no feedback or varying amounts of formative feedback on their first drafts of three practice essays (none, intermittent, or continuous). The students wrote a first and then a revised final draft of an essay in a writing lab held once per week. After a retention interval of 2 weeks, a test essay was written without the use of feedback to assess transfer of learning. Holistic scores showed no reliable gains, but the transfer test showed that students learned to reduce errors of mechanics, usage, grammar, and style. The benefit was found for continuous but not intermittent feedback.
Profit-Maximizing Sale of a Discrete Public Good via the Subscription Game in Private-Information Environments
Authors: Barbieri Stefano , Malueg David A.
Published: February 2010

We analyze a symmetric Bayesian game in which two players individually contribute to fund a discrete public good; contributions are refunded if they do not reach a threshold set by the seller of the good. We characterize the distributions of players' private values that can support a symmetric equilibrium in continuous piecewise-linear strategies, and we calculate these strategies. Allowing the seller to charge an entry fee before players make their private contributions, we show these piecewise-linear equilibrium strategies maximize the seller's expected profit over all incentive compatible selling mechanisms.
Ethics of Human Enhancement: 25 Questions & Answers
Authors: Allhoff Fritz , Lin Patrick , Moor James , Weckert John
Published: February 2010

This paper presents the principal findings from a three-year research project funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) on ethics of human enhancement technologies. To help untangle this ongoing debate, we have organized the discussion as a list of questions and answers, starting with background issues and moving to specific concerns, including: freedom & autonomy, health & safety, fairness & equity, societal disruption, and human dignity. Each question-and-answer pair is largely self-contained, allowing the reader to skip to those issues of interest without affecting continuity.
Third-Cycle Studies in Educational Sciences: Expectations and Competences Development
Authors: Alves Mariana Gaio , Azevedo Nair Rios
Published: February 2010

In Europe, third-cycle studies may be undergoing structural changes because of the orientation of the Bologna process. This article intends to shed light on the question of how and whether the ongoing changes might mean that we are in the process of reconstructing the university offer of doctoral degree studies. The authors look at the particular case of the Educational Sciences Doctoral Programme offered by the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal, which started its activities in 2007–08 under the framework of the Bologna reform. The article draws on data from a survey that constitutes the first stage of a case study of this doctoral programme. Thus, the issue of doctoral students' expectations and competences development, focusing on the perceptions of current students enrolled in the programme, is addressed. Data have been gathered by means of a questionnaire answered by the students. The survey allows for the progressive exploration of emergent questions on the changes taking place at doctoral level within the Bologna reform. These questions concern changes in the profile of third-cycle students as well as organizational and pedagogical strategies.
Effect of Prior Intensive Insulin Treatment During the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) on Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes During the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study
Authors: Albers James W. , Herman William H. , Pop-Busui Rodica , Feldman Eva L. , Martin Catherine L. , Cleary Patricia A. , Waberski Barbara H. , Lachin John M. ,   for the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of former intensive versus conventional insulin treatment on neuropathy in Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) intensive and conventional treatment subjects with type 1 diabetes 13–14 years after DCCT closeout, during which time the two groups had achieved similar A1C levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Clinical and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) performed during the DCCT were repeated during the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study by examiners masked to treatment status on 603 former intensive and 583 former conventional treatment subjects. Clinical neuropathy was defined by symptoms, sensory signs, or reflex changes consistent with distal polyneuropathy and confirmed with NCS abnormalities involving two or more nerves among the median, peroneal, and sural nerves.

RESULTS

The prevalence of neuropathy increased 13–14 years after DCCT closeout from 9 to 25% in former intensive and from 17 to 35% in former conventional treatment groups, but the difference between groups remained significant (P < 0.001), and the incidence of neuropathy remained lower among former intensive (22%) than former conventional (28%) treatment subjects (P = 0.0125). Analytic models of incident neuropathy that adjusted for differences in NCS results at DCCT closeout showed no significant risk reduction associated with former intensive treatment during follow-up (odds ratio 1.17 [95% CI 0.84–1.63]). However, a significant persistent treatment group effect was observed for several NCS measures. Longitudinal analyses of overall glycemic control showed a significant association between mean A1C and measures of incident and prevalent neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of former intensive insulin treatment persisted for 13–14 years after DCCT closeout and provide evidence of a durable effect of prior intensive treatment on neuropathy.
Premises for the construction of balance equations of water reserves in the saturation zone of forest soil
Authors: Suliński Józef , Owsiak Krzysztof
Published: February 2010

Premises for the construction of balance equations of water reserves in the saturation zone of forest soil

Premises for the construction of balance equations of water reserves in the saturation zone of forest soil are presented in this paper. Changes of soil water reserves are dealt with as an effect of the atmosphere-tree stand-soil balance at the assumption of constant ground water flow and negligibly small losses for infiltration down the soil profile below saturation zone. These assumptions are met in permeable lowland forest soils, particularly in areas where the aquifer is situated on relatively shallow impermeable substratum. Then, for snow-free periods, it is possible to: 1) combine the increment of soil water reserves with precipitation above tree crowns and with plant and litter interception and 2) combine the losses of soil water reserves with plant transpiration and evaporation from the soil surface. The periods of increments and losses of soil water reserves are determined from limnigraph records of ground water table depth in piesometers. Examples are given in the paper of equations identified by long term data from 13 soil profiles localised in pine forests on Pleistocene flood-plain of the Dunajec River. The data included: ground water table depth, physical properties of grounds in soil profiles, and hydro-climatic conditions. The equations combine increments and losses of water reserves in the saturation zone with rainfall and deficits of air humidity measured on a mid-forest meadow.
Evaluation of the hydrological role of wetlands in the Włodawka River catchment (Polesie Lubelskie)
Authors: Turczyński Marek , Michalczyk Zdzisław , Chmiel Stanisław , Mięsiak-Wójcik Katarzyna , Głowacki Sławomir
Published: February 2010

Evaluation of the hydrological role of wetlands in the Włodawka River catchment (Polesie Lubelskie)

The Włodawka River catchment of an area of 725 km2 covers the central and eastern part of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District. Evaluation of the role of hydrogenic areas in runoff creation was based on materials of the Department of Hydrography and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management data. The analysis was conducted for selected catchments in which additional hydrometric measurements and water quality tests were done. Such parameters as: the share of hydrogenic surfaces in total catchment area, types of wetlands, their hypsometric location and position with reference to drainage streams were taken into consideration for evaluation. The degree of anthropogenic transformation of the marshland was expressed in terms of density and depth of the drainage ditches that dissect it. It was found that the drained gyttja of Krowie Bagno plays a considerable role in increasing the minimum discharge. Wetlands in the Włodawka River catchment influence the conditions of the runoff and water quality, which is noticeable, primarily, in the concentration of organic carbon, and of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds.
Waterbirds and raptors occurring in the area of Medvedce reservoir (Dravsko polje, NE Slovenia) during the 2002-2008 period
Authors: Bordjan Dejan , Božič Luka
Published: February 2010

Pojavljanje vodnih ptic in ujed na območju vodnega zadrževalnika Medvedce (Dravsko polje, SV Slovenija) v obdobju 2002-2008