bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenovirus 36 and Obesity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Gabbert Charles , Donohue Michael , Arnold John , Schwimmer Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The primary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between adenovirus 36 (AD36)-specific antibodies and obesity in children.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study of children 8 to 18 years of age was performed. Children were classified according to BMI percentile as nonobese (<95th percentile) or obese (≥95th percentile). The presence of AD36-specific neutralizing antibodies was assessed by using the serum neutralization assay.

RESULTS:

A total of 124 children (median age: 13.6 years) were studied. Of those children, 46% were nonobese and 54% were obese. AD36 positivity was present in 19 children (15%). The majority of children found to be AD36-positive were obese (15 [78%] of 19 children). AD36 positivity was significantly (P < .05) more frequent in obese children (15 [22%] of 67 children) than nonobese children (4 [7%] of 57 children). Among the subset of children who were obese, those who were AD36-positive had significantly larger anthropometric measures, including weight, BMI, waist circumference, and waist/height ratio.

CONCLUSION:

These data support an association of obesity and higher body weight with the presence of neutralizing antibodies to AD36 in children. If a cause-and-effect relationship is established, it would have considerable implications for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Day Care Versus Hospital Care of Severe Pneumonia in Bangladesh
Authors: Ashraf Hasan , Mahmud Rokhsana , Alam Nur H. , Jahan Selina A. , Kamal Syed M. , Haque Fazlul , Salam Mohammed A. , Gyr Niklaus
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

A randomized controlled trial compared day care versus hospital care management of pneumonia.

METHODS:

Children 2 to 59 months of age with severe pneumonia received either day care, with antibiotic treatment, feeding, and supportive care from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or hospital care, with similar 24-hour treatment.

RESULTS:

In 2006–2008, 360 children were assigned randomly to receive either day care or hospital care; 189 (53%) had hypoxemia, with a mean ± SD oxygen saturation of 93 ± 4%, which increased to 99 ± 1% after oxygen therapy. The mean ± SD durations of day care and hospital care were 7.1 ± 2.3 and 6.5 ± 2.8 days, respectively. Successful management was possible for 156 (87.7% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.9%–90.9%]) of 180 children in the day care group and 173 (96.1% [95% CI: 92.2%–98.1%]) of 180 children in the hospital care group (P = .001). Twenty-three children in the day care group (12.8% [95% CI: 8.7%–18.4%] and 4 children in the hospital care group (2.2% [95% CI: 0.9%–5.6%] required referral to hospitals (P < .001). During the follow-up period, 22 children in the day care group (14.1% [95% CI: 9.5%–20.4%]) and 11 children in the hospital care group (6.4% [95% CI: 3.6%–11%]) required readmission to hospitals (P = .01). The estimated costs per child treated successfully at the clinic and the hospital were US$114 and US$178, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Severe childhood pneumonia without severe malnutrition can be successfully managed at day care clinics, except for children with hypoxemia who require prolonged oxygen therapy.
Trends and Outcomes of Adolescent Bariatric Surgery in California, 2005–2007
Authors: Jen Howard C. , Rickard Diana G. , Shew Stephen B. , Maggard Melinda A. , Slusser Wendy M. , Dutson Erik P. , DeUgarte Daniel A.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to evaluate trends, and outcomes of adolescents who undergo bariatric surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Patients younger than 21 years who underwent elective bariatric surgery between 2005 and 2007 were identified from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the type of surgery.

RESULTS:

Overall, 590 adolescents (aged 13–20 years) underwent bariatric surgery in 86 hospitals. White adolescents represented 28% of those who were overweight but accounted for 65% of the procedures. Rates of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) increased 6.9-fold from 0.3 to 1.5 per 100 000 population (P < .01), whereas laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) rates decreased from 3.8 to 2.7 per 100 000 population (P < .01). Self-payers were more likely to undergo LAGB (relative risk [RR]: 3.51 [95% confidence interval: 2.11–5.32]) and less likely to undergo LRYGB (RR: 0.45 [95% confidence interval: 0.33–0.58]) compared with privately insured adolescents. The rate of major in-hospital complication was 1%, and no deaths were reported. Of the patients who received LAGB, 4.7% had band revision/removal. In contrast, 2.9% of those who received LRYGB required reoperations.

CONCLUSIONS:

White adolescent girls disproportionately underwent bariatric surgery. Although LAGB has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in children, its use has increased dramatically. There was a complication rate and no deaths. Long-term studies are needed to fully assess the efficacy, safety, and health care costs of these procedures in adolescents.
Efetividade de programa de suplementação alimentar no ganho ponderal de crianças
Authors: Augusto Rosângela Aparecida , Souza José Maria Pacheco de
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade de programa governamental de suplementação alimentar no ganho ponderal de crianças. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte com dados secundários de 25.433 crianças de baixa renda com idade entre seis e 24 meses que ingressaram em programa de distribuição de leite fortificado Projeto Vivaleite, realizado no Estado de São Paulo de 2003 a 2008. O ganho ponderal foi medido por meio dos valores de escores z de peso para idade, calculados pelo padrão da Organização Mundial da Saúde (2007), obtidos, na rotina do programa, ao ingressar e a cada quatro meses durante a permanência. As crianças foram divididas em três grupos de escore z ao entrar: sem comprometimento de peso (z > -1); risco de baixo peso (-2 < z < -1) e baixo peso (z < -2). Utilizou-se regressão linear multinível (modelo misto), permitindo a comparação, em cada idade, das médias ajustadas do escore z dos ingressantes e participantes há pelo menos quatro meses, ajustadas para correlação entre medidas repetidas. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se efeito positivo do programa no ganho de peso das crianças, variando em função do estado nutricional ao ingressar; para as que entraram sem comprometimento de peso, o ganho médio ajustado foi 0,183 escore z;entre as que entraram com risco de baixo peso, foi 0,566; e entre as ingressantes com baixo peso, foi 1,005 escore z. CONCLUSÕES: O programa é efetivo para o ganho ponderal de crianças menores de dois anos, com efeito mais pronunciado entre as crianças que entram no programa em condições menos favoráveis de peso.
Reliability of a questionnaire on substance use among adolescent students, Brazil
Authors: Machado Neto Adelmo de Souza , Andrade Tarcisio Matos , Fernandes Gilênio Borges , Zacharias Helder Paulo , Carvalho Fernando Martins , Machado Ana Paula Souza , Dias Ana Carmen Costa , Garcia Ana Carolina Rocha , Santana Lauro Reis , Rolin Carlos Eduardo , Sampaio Cyntia , Ghiraldi Gisele , Bastos Francisco Inácio
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE: To analyze reliability of a self-applied questionnaire on substance use and misuse among adolescent students. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were carried out for the instrument test-retest. The sample comprised male and female students aged 1119 years from public and private schools (elementary, middle, and high school students) in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil, in 2006. A total of 591 questionnaires were applied in the test and 467 in the retest. Descriptive statistics, the Kappa index, Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of substance use/misuse was similar in both test and retest. Sociodemographic variables showed a "moderate" to "almost perfect" agreement for the Kappa index, and a "satisfactory" (>0.75) consistency for Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation. The age which psychoactive substances (tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis) were first used and chronological age were similar in both studies. Test-retest reliability was found to be a good indicator of students' age of initiation and their patterns of substance use. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire reliability was found to be satisfactory in the population studied.
Intervenção comunitária para prevenção de acidentes de trânsito entre trabalhadores ciclistas
Authors: Bacchieri Giancarlo , Barros Aluísio J D , Santos Janaína V dos , Gonçalves Helen , Gigante Denise P
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma intervenção educacional de prevenção de acidentes de trânsito com trabalhadores que utilizam a bicicleta como modo de transporte. MÉTODOS: Estudo de intervenção, longitudinal, com implementação escalonada, realizado em cinco bairros com características geográficas distintas na cidade de Pelotas, RS, de janeiro de 2006 a maio de 2007. Foram sorteados 42 setores censitários desses bairros. Todos os domicílios foram visitados em busca de trabalhadores do sexo masculino que utilizassem a bicicleta como modo de transporte, resultando em uma amostra de 1.133 indivíduos. Foram analisados como desfechos "acidentes de trânsito" e de "quase-acidentes". Mensalmente, via telefone, os ciclistas eram questionados a respeito da ocorrência de acidentes de trânsito e de "quase-acidentes". Quinzenalmente, a partir do segundo mês de acompanhamento, um grupo de aproximadamente 60 ciclistas era convidado a participar da intervenção, que incluía um componente educativo (palestra e apresentação de vídeo educativo), distribuição de um kit de segurança (colete noturno refletivo, cartilha educativa e fitas refletivas) e revisão dos freios da bicicleta (manutenção realizada se necessário). Regressão de Poisson, com ajuste para o efeito do tempo, foi utilizada para medir o efeito da intervenção. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 45% dos ciclistas não compareceram à intervenção. Durante o período do estudo, 9% dos indivíduos informaram um acidente de trânsito e 88%, um quase-acidente. No total, ocorreram 106 acidentes e 1.091 quase-acidentes. Não foi observado efeito da intervenção em ambos os desfechos. CONCLUSÕES: A intervenção proposta não foi capaz de reduzir acidentes entre trabalhadores ciclistas. Falta de interesse em segurança por parte dos ciclistas e fatores externos, tais como infra-estrutura das vias e comportamento dos motoristas, podem ter colaborado para esse resultado.
Autopercepção da saúde bucal entre idosos brasileiros
Authors: Martins Andréa Maria Eleutério de Barros Lima , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Silveira Marise Fagundes da , Santa-Rosa Thalita Thyrza de Almeida , Pereira Rodrigo Dantas
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: Identificar os fatores associados à autopercepção da saúde bucal entre idosos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se dados do Projeto SB Brasil, realizado em 20022003. Foi examinada e entrevistada amostra probabilística de 5.349 idosos de 65 a 74 anos agrupados em dentados e edentados. A variável dependente foi autopercepção da condição de saúde bucal e as independentes foram: local de moradia, características individuais, comportamentos relacionados à saúde, condições objetivas de saúde e condições subjetivas relacionadas à saúde. Foram conduzidas análises descritivas e análises de regressão linear múltipla hierárquica. RESULTADOS: Nos dois grupos a autopercepção da saúde bucal foi considerada positiva, apesar das precárias condições de saúde bucal entre os idosos. No modelo final, o local de moradia e as características individuais pouco contribuíram para explicar a variabilidade da autopercepção. Entre dentados, o uso de serviços odontológicos esteve associado ao desfecho, e as condições objetivas e subjetivas se mostraram associadas nos dois grupos. Entre dentados e edentados, o R² para o ambiente externo foi de 0,00; com o acréscimo das características individuais, respectivamente, 0,05 e 0,02; incluindo o comportamento relacionado à saúde, 0,06 e 0,03; acrescentando as condições objetivas de saúde, 0,11 e 0,04; adicionando as condições subjetivas relacionadas à saúde foram 0,50 e 0,43. Foi possível explicar 50% da variabilidade da autopercepção entre dentados e 43% entre edentados. CONCLUSÕES: Os principais fatores associados à autopercepção da saúde bucal como positiva nos dois grupos foram a autopercepção da aparência como ótima seguida pela autopercepção da mastigação como positiva. O terceiro fator associado, entre dentados, foi o relato de nenhuma necessidade de tratamento odontológico e, entre edentados, a autopercepção da fala.
Validade e reprodutibilidade dos instrumentos de medida da atividade física do tipo self-report em adolescentes: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Farias Júnior José Cazuza de , Lopes Adair da Silva , Florindo Alex Antonio , Hallal Pedro C.
Published: September 2010

Realizou-se revisão sistemática de estudos de reprodutibilidade e validade de instrumentos de medida da atividade física do tipo self-report - medidas subjetivas, em adolescentes (10-19 anos). Buscas foram realizadas em bases de dados (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, SportsDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, Lilacs) e nas referências dos artigos localizados. Sessenta e seis estudos atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. A maioria deles foi realizada em países da América do Norte, apenas cinco no Brasil. Identificaram-se 52 instrumentos diferentes: 42 questionários, 6 diários e 4 entrevistas. A reprodutibilidade "teste-reteste" variou de 0,20 a 0,98; a maioria (28/50) dos coeficientes apresentou valores < 0,70. Os coeficientes de validade apresentaram ampla variação (-0,13 a 0,88), sendo a maioria deles (64/84) < 0,50. Apenas três instrumentos apresentaram correlações > 0,70. Diversos instrumentos foram testados em adolescentes, especialmente questionários. Em geral, tais instrumentos demonstraram melhor reprodutibilidade "teste-reteste" do que validade.
Methodology of a nationwide cross-sectional survey of prevalence and epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, B and C infection in Brazil
Authors: Ximenes Ricardo Arraes de Alencar , Pereira Leila Maria Beltrão , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi , Merchán-Hamann Edgar , Stein Airton Tetelbom , Figueiredo Gerusa Maria , Braga Maria Cynthia , Montarroyos Ulisses Ramos , Brasil Leila Melo , Turchi Marília Dalva , Fonseca José Carlos Ferraz da , Lima Maria Luiza Carvalho de , Alencar Luis Cláudio Arraes de , Costa Marcelo , Coral Gabriela , Moreira Regina Celia , Cardoso Maria Regina Alves
Published: September 2010

A population-based survey to provide information on the prevalence of hepatitis viral infection and the pattern of risk factors was carried out in the urban population of all Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District, between 2005 and 2009. This paper describes the design and methodology of the study which involved a population aged 5 to 19 for hepatitis A and 10 to 69 for hepatitis B and C. Interviews and blood samples were obtained through household visits. The sample was selected using stratified multi-stage cluster sampling and was drawn with equal probability from each domain of study (region and age-group). Nationwide, 19,280 households and ~31,000 residents were selected. The study is large enough to detect prevalence of viral infection around 0.1% and risk factor assessments within each region. The methodology seems to be a viable way of differentiating between distinct epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, B and C. These data will be of value for the evaluation of vaccination policies and for the design of control program strategies.
O idoso institucionalizado: avaliação da capacidade funcional e aptidão física
Authors: Gonçalves Lúcia Hisako Takase , Silva Aline Huber da , Mazo Giovana Zarpsellon , Benedetti Tânia R. Bertoldo , Santos Silvia Maria Azevedo dos , Marques Sueli , Rodrigues Rosalina A. Partezani , Portella Marilene Rodrigues , Scortegagna Helenice de Moura , Santos Silvana Sidney C. , Pelzer Marlene Teda , Souza Andrea dos Santos , Meira Edmeia Campos , Sena Edite Lago da Silva , Creutzberg Marion , Rezende Tais de Lima
Published: September 2010

O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a relação entre a aptidão física e a capacidade funcional de residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos de baixa renda. Foi realizada avaliação em seis instituições localizadas em três regiões do país. Amostra foi composta de 78 idosos, com média de idade de 77,4 anos (DP = 7,9). A avaliação da aptidão física aplicando-se testes da AAHPERD adaptada para idosos institucionalizados, e da capacidade funcional pela escala de Katz, constatou que a aptidão física, em seus cinco componentes, em média era regular na flexibilidade, coordenação, agilidade e resistência aeróbia, era boa no componente força. Já o Índice de Aptidão Física Geral (IAFG), em média era regular. Os resultados demonstram que quanto maior o grau de dependência dos idosos institucionalizados menor é a força e o resultado do IAFG e, quanto melhor é a coordenação e a agilidade melhor é o nível de independência para a realização das atividades da vida diária. As implicações estão em contribuir com os programas de exercícios físicos adequados na manutenção e/ou recuperação da funcionalidade.
Epidemiologia da sífilis gestacional em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil: um agravo sem controle
Authors: Campos Ana Luiza de Araujo , Araújo Maria Alix Leite , Melo Simone Paes de , Gonçalves Marcelo Luiz Carvalho
Published: September 2010

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi conhecer o perfil epidemiológico das gestantes com VDRL reagente, em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, no ano de 2008. Foi verificado o percentual das gestantes com sífilis que foram consideradas inadequadamente tratadas e os motivos da inadequação, de acordo com as normas do Ministério da Saúde. Foram entrevistadas 58 gestantes no pós-parto imediato, internadas em cinco maternidades públicas do município, e consultadas as informações do prontuário e do cartão das gestantes. Foram avaliados dados sociodemográficos, obstétricos e variáveis relacionadas ao diagnóstico e tratamento da gestante e do parceiro. Apenas três (5,2%; IC95%: 1,8%-14,1%) gestantes foram consideradas adequadamente tratadas. O principal motivo da inadequação do tratamento foi a falta ou inadequação do tratamento do parceiro (88% dos casos; IC95%: 76,2%-94,4%). Foi possível constatar a necessidade de um segundo VDRL no terceiro trimestre de gestação. Os dados evidenciaram que o atendimento recebido pela gestante não foi suficiente para garantir o controle da sífilis congênita.
Estado nutricional dos indígenas Kaingáng matriculados em escolas indígenas do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Castro Teresa Gontijo de , Schuch Ilaine , Conde Wolney Lisboa , Veiga Juracilda , Leite Maurício Soares , Dutra Carmem Lucia Centeno , Zuchinali Priccila , Barufaldi Laura Augusta
Published: September 2010

Caracterizar o estado nutricional de 3.254 Kaingáng de escolas indígenas de 12 terras indígenas do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Transversal de base escolar. Obtidas medidas de peso (P), estatura (E) e circunferência da cintura (CC) conforme Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS (1995). Classificação do estado nutricional: crianças: índices E/I, P/I e P/E, de acordo com o National Center for Health Statistics (WHO, 1995) e E/I, P/I e índice de massa corporal/idade (IMC/I) de acordo com OMS (2006); adolescentes: IMC/I (OMS, 1995 e 2006) e E/I (OMS, 2006); adultos: IMC (OMS, 1995) e CC (OMS, 2003). Adolescentes representaram 56% dos avaliados, crianças 42,5%, adultos 1,4% e idosos 0,1%. Deficit estatural de 15,1% (OMS, 1995) e 15,5% (OMS, 2006) entre as crianças e de 19,9% entre adolescentes. Freqüências de excesso de peso foram: crianças: 11% (OMS, 1995) e 5,7% (OMS, 2006); adolescentes: 6,7%; adultos: 79,2%. Entre adultos, 45,3% estavam em risco aumentado para doenças metabólicas. Observada a transição nutricional no segmento, caracterizada por prevalências importantes de baixa estatura na infância e adolescência e sobrepeso proeminente em todas as faixas etárias.
Anemia no binômio mãe-filho no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Miglioli Teresa Cristina , Brito Ana Maria de , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral de , Figueroa José Natal , Batista Filho Malaquias
Published: September 2010

Analisaram-se prevalência e fatores associados à anemia em mães (n = 1.022) e seus filhos (n = 1.242) menores de 5 anos em Pernambuco, Brasil, 2006. Estudo transversal, populacional, com amostra probabilística representativa do meio urbano e rural. Diagnóstico de anemia determinado pelo nível de hemoglobina < 11g/dL (crianças) e < 12g/dL (mulheres), dosagem feita pelo HemoCue. Análises uni e multivariadas realizadas por regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto do erro padrão, adotando-se para crianças modelo hierárquico de determinação do desfecho. Este procedimento não foi aplicado às mães, pelo pequeno número de fatores associados nas análises univariadas. Prevalência de anemia foi 16,4% e 34,4%, em mães e filhos, respectivamente. Mães anêmicas comparadas às mães com níveis normais de hemoglobina apresentaram RP = 1,44 (IC95%: 1,21-1,72) em relação ao risco de anemia em seus filhos, praticamente se mantendo no modelo ajustado (RP = 1,39; IC95%: 1,16-1,66). A prevalência de anemia nos filhos foi o dobro da registrada nas mães, encontrando-se, no modelo final, apenas um único fator comum para ambos: renda per capita familiar.
Blood pressure measurement: arm circumference and cuff size availability
Authors: Veiga Eugenia Velludo , Arcuri Edna Aparecida Moura , Cloutier Lyne , Santos Jair Lício Ferreira
Published: September 2010

To avoid inaccurate blood pressure (BP) readings, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends cuff width (CW) encircling 40% of the arm circumference (AC) and cuff length at least 80-100%. This study aimed to identify inpatients´ AC, the corresponding cuff size and the cuff size availability. In total, 81 AC were measured in the right arm. The cuff sizes to fit them were calculated according to AHA AC/CW width 0.40 ratio. The AC varied from 17.5 to 40.5 cm and the corresponding cuff width from 6 to 16cm. The standard cuff 12 by 23 cm, the only size available in the clinics, was appropriate for only 17.3% of the subjects, whose AC varied between 32.5 and 34.3 cm. The lack of availability of different cuff sizes continues being a challenging problem to be faced. The standard cuff available, 12cm large, did not fit 82.7% of the identified AC, resulting in over or underestimated BP registers.
Restoration relevance of recent National Fire Plan treatments in forests of the western United States
Authors: Schoennagel Tania , Nelson Cara R
Published: September 2010

The US National Fire Plan (NFP) is among the largest forest‐restoration initiatives worldwide, removing wild‐land fuels on about 11 million hectares and costing over $6 billion. We evaluated the extent to which areas treated under the NFP – from 2004 to 2008, in forest ecosystems outside the wildland–urban interface in 11 western states (“West”) – were predicted to need restoration, due to disruption of fire regimes and expected fuels buildup. Fuel‐reduction treatments were implemented on about 1% of the West's forested areas. Forty‐three percent of the treated area was predicted to have high‐restoration need – almost twice as much as expected, given the distribution of these forests. However, an equal amount was in mixed‐ or uncertain‐need forests, and 14% occurred in low‐need forests, suggesting that managers need additional information on fire‐regime disruptions in some forest ecosystems to help prioritize restoration activities. Only one‐quarter of the West's forested area shows strong evidence of uncharacteristic fuels buildup, which is often emphasized as the primary cause of current wildfire problems, potentially directing attention away from other important drivers such as climate change and an expanding wildland–urban interface.
Applied linguistics in its disciplinary context
Authors: Liddicoat Anthony J.
Published: September 2010

Australia’s current attempt to develop a process to evaluate the quality of research (Excellence in Research for Australia – ERA) places a central emphasis on the disciplinary organisation of academic work. This disciplinary focus poses particular problems for Applied Linguistics in Australia. This paper will examine Applied Linguistics in relation to this issue of discipline in two ways. First, it will examine ways in which Applied Linguistics has articulated for itself its disciplinary nature. In most formulations of the focus of Applied Linguistics, the emphasis has not been on identifying a discipline, but rather on identifying an area of focus. Such formulations necessarily cover a very diverse range of research methods, theories, etc. This approach can be seen as one of emphasising diversity and breadth within the field. Other attempts have been made to characterise Applied Linguistics in more discipline-like terms. Such broad characterisations however conceal a high degree of internal diversity. Applied Linguistics does not appear to be a ‘discipline’ but rather an interdisciplinary field of enquiry. Second, the paper will examine some possible implications of the diversity of Applied Linguistics for how it is positioned through the ERA process.
Mathematical modeling of aeration efficiency and dissolved oxygen provided by stepped cascade aeration
Authors: Khalifa A. , Bayoumi S. , El Monayeri O.
Published: September 2010

Mathematical modeling has been a vital tool in the field of environmental engineering. Various models have been developed to simulate the level of aeration efficiency (AE) provided by different aerating structures to raise levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) in streams; one of which is the stepped cascade structure. Three models developed by Gameson et al. WRL, and Nakasone, in addition to Qual2k, a computer program for stream modeling, have been used in this research; values of AEs obtained have been compared to those computed using DO measured from a built model at a WWTP. A stepped cascade structure was installed with different heights to aerate five flowrates with different levels of COD. An adjustment has been made to the Nakasone model to test the effect of pollutant load on the amount of aeration that could be reached. Values of AEs computed using the Gameson model were 30%, 39.5%, and 40% for cascade heights (Hd) 45, 60, and 75 cm respectively for the five flowrates (q) that ranged from 21–66 m3/hr. Values of AEs from WRL model were 32.8%, 42%, and 43% consequently. Values of AEs from Nakasone model ranged from 4.6–7.5%, 6–10%, and 7.6–12% respectively. For the adjusted Nakasone model, values of AEs ranged from 3.2–4.9%, 3.3–5.3%, and 4.1–6.7% respectively. Finally, the AEs computed using the values of downstream DO generated by Qual2k ranged from 4–18%, 2–15%, and 2.5–5.1% correspondingly. Around 80% of the downstream DO values computed using the Nakasone and adjusted Nakasone model were closer to those measured in the field, thus more reliable in cascade design.
Water reuse for irrigation in Jordan: plant beneficial nutrients, farmers’ awareness and management strategies
Authors: Carr G. , Nortcliff S. , Potter R. B.
Published: September 2010

The reuse of treated wastewater (reclaimed water) is particularly well suited for irrigated agriculture as it often contains significant quantities of plant essential nutrients. This work has shown that reclaimed water in Jordan can have adequate concentrations of potassium, phosphate, sulphate and magnesium to meet all or part of the crop’s requirements. To fully benefit from these inputs farmers must have an awareness of the water quality and reduce the application of inorganic fertilisers accordingly. Interviews with farmers have shown that 75 per cent of farmers indirectly using reclaimed water are aware of the nutrients. Farmers’ decision making as to the application of inorganic fertilisers appears to be influenced by a range of factors which include the type of crops being cultivated, the provision of training on nutrient management and the availability of information on the nutrient content of the reclaimed water.
Adsorption of dimethylamine from aqueous solution by manganese dioxide
Authors: Yang L. , Chen Z. , Zhang D. , Liu Y. , Han Y. , Shen J.
Published: September 2010

Removal of precursors of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), such as the most direct precursor dimethylamine (DMA), might be an effective method to control NDMA formation during practical water treatment process. Adsorption of DMA onto manganese dioxide (MnO2) from aqueous solution has been investigated using batch experiments in this study. Results indicate that DMA adsorption is initially rapid (in the first 5 h) and the adsorption process reaches a steady state after 15 h. The adsorption isotherms are well described by the Freundlich models. The desorption shows an irreversibility of DMA adsorption onto MnO2. The effects of temperature, pH, ionic strength, humic acid, and the presence of other secondary aliphatic amines on adsorption processes are also examined. According to the experimental results, the amount of DMA adsorbed increases with an increase of temperature from 288 to 308 K, and with a decrease of ionic strength from 1 to 10 mM. The maximum adsorption appeared at pH 7.0. However, the amount of DMA adsorbed onto MnO2 does not show obvious difference in the presence of humic acid. According to the results, it suggests that the adsorption is primarily brought about by electrostatic interaction between DMA and MnO2 surface.
Modelling of lead removal by an aquatic moss
Authors: Martins R. J. E. , Boaventura R. A. R.
Published: September 2010

Aquatic bryophytes are frequently used as biomonitors for trace metals in aquatic ecosystems. Nevertheless, their special characteristics also allow using them as biosorbents to clean industrial wastewaters. As biosorption is a low cost and effective method for treating metal-bearing wastewaters, understanding the process kinetics is relevant for design purposes.

In this study, the ability of the aquatic bryophyte Fontinalis antipyretica to remove lead from simulated wastewaters was evaluated. Three kinetic models (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and Elovich) were fitted to the experimental data and compared by the F-test. Previously, the effect on biosorption of parameters such as the initial solution pH, contact time and initial metal ion concentration was investigated. The initial pH of the solution was found to have an optimum value is in the range 4.0–6.0. The equilibrium sorption capacity of lead by Fontinalis antipyretica increased with the initial metal concentration. For an initial metal concentration of 10 mg L−1, the uptake capacity at equilibrium was 4.8 mg g−1. Nevertheless, when the initial concentration increased up to 100 mg L−1, the uptake of lead was 10 times higher. The pseudo-second order biosorption kinetic model provided the better correlation with the experimental data (R2=1.00). The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms to the present system was also assessed. The maximum lead sorption capacity by Fontinalis antipyretica was 68 mg g−1.
Water and energy link in the cities of the future – achieving net zero carbon and pollution emissions footprint
Authors: Novotny V.
Published: September 2010

This article discusses the link between water conservation, reclamation, reuse and energy use as related to the goal of achieving the net zero carbon emission footprint in future sustainable cities. It defines sustainable ecocities and outlines quantitatively steps towards the reduction of energy use due to water and used water flows, management and limits in linear and closed loop water/stormwater/wastewater management systems. The three phase water energy nexus diagram may have a minimum inflection point beyond which reduction of water demand may not result in a reduction of energy and carbon emissions. Hence, water conservation is the best alternative solution to water shortages and minimizing the carbon footprint. A marginal water/energy chart is developed and proposed to assist planners in developing future ecocities and retrofitting older communities to achieve sustainability.
One-year monthly survey of rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus in three sewage treatment plants in Beijing, China and associated health risk assessment
Authors: He X. Q. , Cheng L. , Zhang D. Y. , Xie X. M. , Wang D. H. , Wang Z.
Published: September 2010

To evaluate the presence and distribution of the three main viruses (rotavirus, astrovirus, and norovirus) responsible for human acute gastroenteritis in sewerage system an one-year study was carried out in Beijing, China. A total of 96 samples of influent and effluents from three sewage treatment plants (STPs) were collected from November 2006 to October 2007. Silica was used to concentrate viral particles from water samples and a reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nested PCR) method was used for detection of viruses. Viruses could be detected in 35.4% (34/96) of the water samples analyzed, where human rotavirus was the most frequently detected (32.3%, 31/96), followed by human astrovirus (6.3%, 6/96) and human norovirus (3.1%, 3/96). According to the quantitation results of rotaviruses, which were gained by the real-time quantitative RT-PCR method with SYBR Green I , it was known that the distributions of rotaviruses in influents and effluents of three STPs were quite similar, i.e., abundant in cold weather (from October to March) and less prevalent in warm weather (from April to September). According to the estimated exposure dose, exposure frequency, as well as the acceptable annual risk level, it was shown that the rotaviruses in the reused wastewater after conventional treatment process presented potential risk to human health through both occupational and accidental exposure.
TV Channels, Self-Control and Happiness
Authors: Benesch Christine , Frey Bruno S. , Stutzer Alois
Published: September 2010

Standard economic theory suggests that more choice is usually better. We address this claim and investigate whether people can cope with the increasing number of television programs and watch the amount of TV they find optimal for themselves or whether they are prone to over-consumption. We find that heavy TV viewers do not benefit but instead report lower life satisfaction with access to more TV channels. This finding suggests that an identifiable group of individuals experiences a self-control problem when it comes to TV viewing.
Upward Pricing Pressure in Horizontal Merger Analysis: Reply to Epstein and Rubinfeld
Authors: Farrell Joseph , Shapiro Carl
Published: September 2010

We reply here to a comment by Epstein and Rubinfeld to our paper on the antitrust evaluation of horizontal mergers.
THE EFFECT OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING ON THE CRITICAL THINKING OF STUDENTS IN THE INTELLECTUAL AND ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT
Authors: Semerci Nuriye
Published: September 2010

The aim in this study was to determine the effect of problem-based learning (PBL) on the critical thinking of students in the Development and Learning course in the Intellectual and Ethical Development Unit. The experimental model with a pretest-posttest control group was used with
60 students. The experimental group continued for 4 weeks and the students were provided with sample events which included problems, and they were asked to find the necessary information by themselves while explaining these events. In the control group, traditional methods of teaching (expression,
question-answer) were used. Scale data were collected with the “Critical Thinking Scale” (Semerci, 2000). The KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) value of the scale is 0.75 and Cronbach alpha coefficient is 0.90. The experimental group was more successful.
Regulation of Fasting Fuel Metabolism by Toll-Like Receptor 4
Authors: Pang Shanshan , Tang Haiqing , Zhuo Shu , Zang Ying Qin , Le Yingying
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been reported to induce insulin resistance through inflammation in high-fat–fed mice. However, the physiological role of TLR4 in metabolism is unknown. Here, we investigated the involvement of TLR4 in fasting metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Wild-type and TLR4 deficient (TLR4−/−) mice were either fed or fasted for 24 h. Glucose and lipid levels in circulation and tissues were measured. Glucose and lipid metabolism in tissues, as well as the expression of related enzymes, was examined.

RESULTS

Mice lacking TLR4 displayed aggravated fasting hypoglycemia, along with normal hepatic gluconeogenesis, but reversed activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) in skeletal muscle, which might account for the fasting hypoglycemia. TLR4−/− mice also exhibited higher lipid levels in circulation and skeletal muscle after fasting and reversed expression of lipogenic enzymes in skeletal muscle but not liver and adipose tissue. Adipose tissue lipolysis is normal and muscle fatty acid oxidation is increased in TLR4−/− mice after fasting. Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in TLR4−/− mice abolished hyperlipidemia, hypoglycemia, and PDC activity increase, suggesting that TLR4-dependent inhibition of muscle lipogenesis may contribute to glucose and lipid homeostasis during fasting. Further studies showed that TLR4 deficiency had no effect on insulin signaling and muscle proinflammatory cytokine production in response to fasting.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that TLR4 plays a critical role in glucose and lipid metabolism independent of insulin during fasting and identify a novel physiological role for TLR4 in fuel homeostasis.
Fetal Exposure to Altered Amniotic Fluid Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor–Binding Protein 1 Occurs Before Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tisi Daniel K. , Burns David H. , Luskey Gary W. , Koski Kristine G.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

We explored the possibility that perturbations in amniotic fluid glucose, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor–binding protein 1(IGFBP1) and/or metabolic acids exist before routine screening for GDM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We selected consenting mother-infant pairs (n = 408) who met our inclusion criteria (singleton pregnancy, no genetic abnormalities, and no preexisting diabetes) and for whom sufficient amniotic fluid and appropriate medical information were available. We compared birth outcomes and second trimester amniotic fluid glucose, insulin, IGFBP1 concentrations, and amniotic fluid lactic, β-hydroxybutyric, and uric acids of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (n = 52) with those of mothers with no diagnosis of GDM at >24 weeks (n = 356).

RESULTS

Higher amniotic fluid glucose, lactic acid, uric acid, and insulin and lower IGFBP1 concentrations were present by 15.1 ± 0.1 weeks in mothers in whom GDM was subsequently diagnosed. However, logistic regression showed that second trimester amniotic fluid glucose, but not insulin, IGFBP1, or metabolic acids was associated with an increased odds ratio (1.2 [95% CI 1.052–1.338]) for diagnosis of GDM at 24–28 weeks. In addition, probability contour maps that accounted for nonlinear relationships among the dynamically changing amniotic fluid constituents showed an increased risk for GDM with elevated second trimester amniotic fluid glucose in combination with either elevated amniotic fluid insulin or low amniotic fluid IGFBP1

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses are exposed to increased amniotic fluid glucose before 15 weeks of gestation, suggesting that metabolic perturbations are underway before diagnosis and that earlier screening and intervention may be warranted.
Channels and Transporters
Authors: Dutzler Raimund , Ernst Beat , Hediger Matthias A. , Keppler Dietrich , Mohr Peter , Neidhart Werner , Märki Hans Peter
Published: September 2010

During a half-day symposium, the topic 'Channels and Transporters' was covered with five lectures, including a presentation on 'Introduction and Basics of Channels and Transporters' by Beat Ernst, lectures on structure, function and physiology of channels and transporters ('The Structural
Basis for Ion Conduction and Gating in Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels' by Raimund Dutzler and 'Uptake and Efflux Transporters for Endogenous Substances and for Drugs' by Dietrich Keppler), and a case study lecture on 'Avosentan' by Werner Neidhart. The program was completed by Matthias
Hediger who introduced to the audience the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR)-TransCure in his lecture entitled 'From Transport Physiology to Identification of Therapeutic Targets'.
The Late Pretest Problem in Randomized Control Trials of Education Interventions
Authors: Schochet Peter Z.
Published: September 2010

Pretest–posttest experimental designs often are used in randomized control trials (RCTs) in the education field to improve the precision of the estimated treatment effects. For logistic reasons, however, pretest data often are collected after random assignment, so that including them in the analysis could bias the posttest impact estimates. Thus, the issue of whether to collect and use late pretest data in RCTs involves a variance-bias trade-off. This article addresses this issue both theoretically and empirically for several commonly used impact estimators using a loss function approach that is grounded in the causal inference literature. The key finding is that for RCTs of interventions that aim to improve student test scores, estimators that include late pretests will typically be preferred to estimators that exclude them or that instead include uncontaminated baseline test score data from other sources. This result holds as long as the growth in test score impacts do not grow very quickly early in the school year.
Two Simple Approaches to Overcome a Problem With the Mantel-Haenszel Statistic: Comments on Wang, Bradlow, Wainer, and Muller (2008)
Authors: Sinharay Sandip , Dorans Neil J.
Published: September 2010

The Mantel-Haenszel (MH) procedure (Mantel and Haenszel) is a popular method for estimating and testing a common two-factor association parameter in a 2 × 2 × K table. Holland and Holland and Thayer described how to use the procedure to detect differential item functioning (DIF) for tests with dichotomously scored items. Wang, Bradlow, Wainer, and Muller showed that the MH procedure unexpectedly often found DIF where there was none for very easy items. They showed that their suggested Bayesian procedure for DIF detection did not have the same problem. We discuss a simpler solution of the problem—the use of the standardized difference in proportion correct (STD P-DIF) procedure in conjugation with the MH procedure—that has been used by DIF analysts since 1988. We also show, using results from real and simulated data, that it is possible to overcome the problem using the empirical Bayes (EB) procedure of Zwick, Thayer, and Lewis, which also is computationally simpler than the procedure suggested by Wang et al.
Attitudes of Psychiatrists in South Australia Towards Research Degrees
Authors: Chur-Hansen Anna
Published: September 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper was to identify attitudes towards higher degrees by research (PhDs and Masters) among psychiatrists in South Australia, with the objective of identifying possible ways to increase the uptake of higher degrees in that population.

Method: A survey questionnaire was designed, piloted and sent to all members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in South Australia.

Results: The response rate was 54.9% (n = 179). The sample included 99 individuals who had completed or considered completing a higher degree and 80 individuals who had not considered this. Responses to items were collated separately according to these two groups. Qualitative data were analysed thematically across the sample. Service demands, financial pressures and time constraints, along with a number of other factors including a lack of mentors and role models, were identified as issues in both quantitative and qualitative data.

Conclusions: A number of positive attitudes were expressed regarding higher degrees by research, but a number of negative opinions were also expressed. The study achieved its aim of identifying attitudes, but ways in which to increase higher degrees by research for psychiatrists remains an area for further exploration.
Coalition Dynamics and the Changing German Party System
Authors: Lees Charles
Published: September 2010

The article draws upon the formal coalition literature to demonstrate that party system change over the last thirty years means that the Volksparteien enjoy more coalition options and greater ideological leverage within coalitions that form than was the case in the past. The Free Democrats have lost their kingmaker status and the distribution of party weights over recent elections allows no other small party to act in this manner. By contrast, the numerical and ideological resources possessed by the two Volksparteien means that they remain the only parties within the German party system that can act as formateur in the coalition game and are less vulnerable to threats of a decisive defection by small parties to alternative coalitions than they were in the past.
Determination of Adsorption and Kinetic Parameters for Butanol-Acetic Acid Esterification System Catalysed by Amberlyst 15
Authors: Sert Emine , Atalay Ferhan Sami
Published: September 2010

The esterification of acetic acid with butanol catalysed by Amberlyst 15 was studied over a range of catalyst loadings, temperature, molar ratio of reactants, stirrer speed and particle size of catalyst. The equilibrium constant was experimentally determined and the reaction was found to be exothermic. Swelling and adsorption studies were performed to estimate the adsorption constants. The values found for the adsorption constants follow the order: water > butanol > acetic acid > butyl acetate. Experimental kinetic data for the esterification were correlated with the Pseudohomogeneous (PH), Eley-Rideal (ER) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Haugen-Watson (LHHW) models. The activity coefficients were calculated according to the UNIQUAC method. A possible mechanism of this reaction involved following the Eley-Rideal mechanism in which an adsorbed and protonated butanol molecule reacts with an acetic acid molecule in the bulk. The activation energy of the forward reaction was found to be 45.4kJ mol−1.
Structure–Reactivity Correlation in the Oxidation of Substituted Benzaldehydes by Pyridinium Bromochromate
Authors: Vadera K. , Yajurvedi D. , Purohit P. , Mishra P. , Sharma Pradeep K.
Published: September 2010

Oxidation of 36 monosubstituted benzaldehydes by pyridinium bromochromate (PBC) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), leads to the formation of corresponding benzoic acids. The reaction is first order with respect to both PBC and aldehydes. The reaction is promoted by hydrogen ions; the hydrogen–ion dependence has the form kobs = a + b[H+]. The oxidation of [2H]benzaldehyde (PhCDO) exhibited a substantial primary kinetic isotope effect. The reaction was studied in 19 different organic solvents and the effect of solvent was analysed using Taft's and Swain's multi-parametric equations. The rates of oxidation of para- and meta-substituted benzaldehydes showed excellent correlation in terms of Charton's triparametric LDR equation, whereas the oxidation of ortho-substituted benzaldehydes were correlated well with the tetraperametric LDRS equation. The oxidation of para-substituted benzaldehydes is more susceptible to the delocalized effect than is that of ortho- and meta-substituted compounds, which display a greater dependence on the field effect. The positive value of η suggests the presence of an electron-deficient reaction centre in the rate-determining step. The reaction is subjected to steric acceleration by the ortho-substituents. A suitable mechanism has been proposed.