bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conflicting Interpretation of Genetic Variants and Cancer Risk by Commercial Laboratories as Assessed by the Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing
Authors: Balmaña Judith , Digiovanni Laura , Gaddam Pragna , Walsh Michael F. , Joseph Vijai , Stadler Zsofia K. , Nathanson Katherine L. , Garber Judy E. , Couch Fergus J. , Offit Kenneth , Robson Mark E. , Domchek Susan M.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Massively parallel sequencing allows simultaneous testing of multiple genes associated with cancer susceptibility. Guidelines are available for variant classification; however, interpretation of these guidelines by laboratories and providers may differ and lead to conflicting reporting and, potentially, to inappropriate medical management. We describe conflicting variant interpretations between Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–approved commercial clinical laboratories, as reported to the Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing (PROMPT), an online genetic registry.

Methods

Clinical data and genetic testing results were gathered from 1,191 individuals tested for inherited cancer susceptibility and self-enrolled in PROMPT between September 2014 and October 2015. Overall, 518 participants (603 genetic variants) had a result interpreted by more than one laboratory, including at least one submitted to ClinVar, and these were used as the final cohort for the current analysis.

Results

Of the 603 variants, 221 (37%) were classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), 191 (32%) as pathogenic, and 34 (6%) as benign. The interpretation differed among reporting laboratories for 155 (26%). Conflicting interpretations were most frequently reported for CHEK2 and ATM, followed by RAD51C, PALB2, BARD1, NBN, and BRIP1. Among all participants, 56 of 518 (11%) had a variant with conflicting interpretations ranging from pathogenic/likely pathogenic to VUS, a discrepancy that may alter medical management.

Conclusions

Conflicting interpretation of genetic findings from multiplex panel testing used in clinical practice is frequent and may have implications for medical management decisions.
PANCREOX: A Randomized Phase III Study of Fluorouracil/Leucovorin With or Without Oxaliplatin for Second-Line Advanced Pancreatic Cancer in Patients Who Have Received Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Gill Sharlene , Ko Yoo-Joung , Cripps Christine , Beaudoin Annie , Dhesy-Thind Sukhbinder , Zulfiqar Muhammad , Zalewski Pawel , Do Thuan , Cano Pablo , Lam Wendy Yin Han , Dowden Scot , Grassin Helene , Stewart John , Moore Malcolm
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The standard of care for second-line therapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer after gemcitabine-based therapy is not clearly defined. The CONKO-003 phase III study reported a survival benefit with second-line fluorouracil (FU) and oxaliplatin using the oxaliplatin, folinic acid, and FU (OFF) regimen. 1 PANCREOX was a phase III multicenter trial to evaluate the benefit of FU and oxaliplatin administered as modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6; infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) versus infusional FU/leucovorin (LV) in this setting.

Patients and Methods

Patients with confirmed advanced pancreatic cancer who were previously treated with gemcitabine therapy and with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2 were eligible. A total of 108 patients were randomly assigned to receive biweekly mFOLFOX6 or infusional FU/LV until progression. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point.

Results

Baseline patient characteristics were similar in both arms. No difference was observed in PFS (median, 3.1 months v 2.9 months; P = .99). Overall survival (OS) was inferior in patients assigned to mFOLFOX6 (median, 6.1 months v 9.9 months; P = .02). Increased toxicity was observed with the addition of oxaliplatin, with grade 3/4 adverse events occurring in 63% of patients who received mFOLFOX6 and 11% of those who received FU/LV. More patients in the mFOLFOX6 arm withdrew from study due to adverse events than in the FU/LV arm (20% v 2%), whereas the use of postprogression therapy was significantly higher in the FU/LV arm (25% v 7%; P = .015). No significant differences were observed in time to deterioration on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 global health scale.

Conclusion

No benefit was observed with the addition of oxaliplatin, administered as mFOLFOX6, versus infusional FU/LV in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer previously treated with first-line gemcitabine.
Age-dependent Increases in Adrenal Cytochrome b5 and Serum 5-Androstenediol-3-sulfate
Authors: Rege Juilee , Karashima Shigehiro , Lerario Antonio M. , Smith Joshua M. , Auchus Richard J. , Kasa-Vubu Josephine Z. , Sasano Hironobu , Nakamura Yasuhiro , White Perrin C. , Rainey William E.
Published: September 2016

Context:

Adrenal production of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) increases throughout childhood owing to expansion of the zona reticularis (ZR). ZR features cells with a steroidogenic phenotype distinct from that of the adjacent zona fasciculata, with higher expression of cytochrome b5 type A (CYB5A) and steroid sulfotransferase type 2A1 but decreased 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD3B2). In addition to DHEA-S, three adrenal Δ5-steroid sulfates could provide additional tools to define adrenal maturation.

Objective:

This study sought to simultaneously measure serum levels of four adrenal Δ5-steroid sulfates, pregnenolone sulfate (Preg-S), 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate (17OHPreg-S), DHEA-S, and 5-androstenediol-3-sulfate (Adiol-S) as a function of age and relate their production to the age-dependent adrenal localization of CYB5A.

Participants and Methods:

Δ5-steroid sulfates were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in sera from 247 normal children (129 males,118 females) age 1.5–18 y and 42 adults (20 males, 22 females). Immunofluorescence localized HSD3B2 and CYB5A in normal adrenal glands from subjects age 2–35 y. Finally, HAC15 adrenocortical cells were transduced with lentiviral short hairpin RNA to suppress CYB5A expression.

Results:

Of the Δ5-steroid sulfates quantified, DHEA-S was most abundant. Adiol-S increased in parallel with DHEA-S. Steroid ratios (17OHPreg-S/DHEA-S) suggested increases in 17,20-lyase activity during childhood. Immunofluorescence analysis showed age-related increases in ZR CYB5A immunoreactivity. Furthermore, silencing CYB5A in HAC15 adrenocortical cells significantly reduced DHEA-S and Adiol-S production.

Conclusion:

Adiol-S shows a similar age-related increase to that of DHEA-S. This likely results from the childhood expansion of CYB5A-expressing ZR, which enhances 17,20-lyase activity and the production of DHEA-S and Adiol-S.
Evaluating Patient-Centered Outcomes in Clinical Trials of Procedural Sedation, Part 1 Efficacy: Sedation Consortium on Endpoints and Procedures for Treatment, Education, and Research Recommendations
Authors: Williams Mark R. , Ward Denham S. , Carlson Douglas , Cravero Joseph , Dexter Franklin , Lightdale Jenifer R. , Mason Keira P. , Miner James , Vargo John J. , Berkenbosch John W. , Clark Randall M. , Constant Isabelle , Dionne Raymond , Dworkin Robert H. , Gozal David , Grayzel David , Irwin Michael G. , Lerman Jerrold , O’Connor Robert E. , Pandharipande Pratik , Rappaport Bob A. , Riker Richard R. , Tobin Joseph R. , Turk Dennis C. , Twersky Rebecca S. , Sessler Daniel I.
Published: September 2016

The Sedation Consortium on Endpoints and Procedures for Treatment, Education, and Research, established by the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks public–private partnership with the US Food and Drug Administration, convened a meeting of sedation experts from a variety of clinical specialties and research backgrounds with the objective of developing recommendations for procedural sedation research. Four core outcome domains were recommended for consideration in sedation clinical trials: (1) safety, (2) efficacy, (3) patient-centered and/or family-centered outcomes, and (4) efficiency. This meeting identified core outcome measures within the efficacy and patient-centered and/or family-centered domains. Safety will be addressed in a subsequent meeting, and efficiency will not be addressed at this time. These measures encompass depth and levels of sedation, proceduralist and patient satisfaction, patient recall, and degree of pain experienced. Consistent use of the recommended outcome measures will facilitate the comprehensive reporting across sedation trials, along with meaningful comparisons among studies and interventions in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Other Histories of Recent Economics: A Survey
Authors: Fontaine Philippe
Published: September 2016

This article surveys histories of recent economics told mainly from the perspective of outsiders to the discipline. As we see, the work of historians of science, intellectual historians and sociologists who write on the history of recent economics prompts different questions and provides different answers. Now that other histories of recent economics have attained a critical mass, it may be expected that a new light will be shed on the transformations of economics in the post-1939 period and that new understandings of its place in society will emerge.
Rudolf Hilferding on English Mercantilism
Authors: Gaido Daniel
Published: September 2016

In 1911 Rudolf Hilferding, the author of the famous book Finance Capital: A Study of the Latest Phase of Capitalist Development, published an article on the history of English mercantilism in Die neue Zeit, the theoretical organ of the Social Democratic Party of Germany edited by Karl Kautsky. The writing of the article was motivated by the publication, the previous year, of the third volume of Theories of Surplus-Value, containing Marx's analysis of the work of Richard Jones, as well as by the simultaneous appearance of a German edition of Thomas Mun's England's Treasure by Forraign Trade. This article introduces the present author's English translation of Hilferding's article on mercantilism, titled “The Early Days of English Political Economy,” previously available only in German, and contextualizes it in the framework of the history of Marxist scholarship.
The Sussex signal: insights into leaf dorsiventrality
Authors: Kuhlemeier Cris , Timmermans Marja C. P.
Published: September 2016

The differentiation of a leaf – from its inception as a semicircular bulge on the surface of the shoot apical meristem into a flattened structure with specialized upper and lower surfaces – is one of the most intensely studied processes in plant developmental biology. The large body of contemporary data on leaf dorsiventrality has its origin in the pioneering experiments of Ian Sussex, who carried out these studies as a PhD student in the early 1950s. Here, we review his original experiments in their historical context and describe our current understanding of this surprisingly complex process. Finally, we postulate possible candidates for the ‘Sussex signal’ – the elusive meristem-derived factor that first ignited interest in this important developmental problem.
CLAVATA-WUSCHEL signaling in the shoot meristem
Authors: Somssich Marc , Je Byoung Il , Simon Rüdiger , Jackson David
Published: September 2016

Shoot meristems are maintained by pluripotent stem cells that are controlled by CLAVATA-WUSCHEL feedback signaling. This pathway, which coordinates stem cell proliferation with differentiation, was first identified in Arabidopsis, but appears to be conserved in diverse higher plant species. In this Review, we highlight the commonalities and differences between CLAVATA-WUSCHEL pathways in different species, with an emphasis on Arabidopsis, maize, rice and tomato. We focus on stem cell control in shoot meristems, but also briefly discuss the role of these signaling components in root meristems.
Helical growth in plant organs: mechanisms and significance
Authors: Smyth David R.
Published: September 2016

Many plants show some form of helical growth, such as the circular searching movements of growing stems and other organs (circumnutation), tendril coiling, leaf and bud reversal (resupination), petal arrangement (contortion) and leaf blade twisting. Recent genetic findings have revealed that such helical growth may be associated with helical arrays of cortical microtubules and of overlying cellulose microfibrils. An alternative mechanism of coiling that is based on differential contraction within a bilayer has also recently been identified and underlies at least some of these growth patterns. Here, I provide an overview of the genes and cellular processes that underlie helical patterning. I also discuss the diversity of helical growth patterns in plants, highlighting their potential adaptive significance and comparing them with helical growth patterns in animals.
β-catenin activity in late hypertrophic chondrocytes locally orchestrates osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Houben Astrid , Kostanova-Poliakova Daniela , Weissenböck Martina , Graf Julian , Teufel Stefan , von der Mark Klaus , Hartmann Christine
Published: September 2016

Trabecular bone formation is the last step in endochondral ossification. This remodeling process of cartilage into bone involves blood vessel invasion and removal of hypertrophic chondrocytes (HTCs) by chondroclasts and osteoclasts. Periosteal- and chondrocyte-derived osteoprogenitors utilize the leftover mineralized HTC matrix as a scaffold for primary spongiosa formation. Here, we show genetically that β-catenin (encoded by Ctnnb1), a key component of the canonical Wnt pathway, orchestrates this remodeling process at multiple levels. Conditional inactivation or stabilization of β-catenin in HTCs by a Col10a1-Cre line locally modulated osteoclastogenesis by altering the Rankl:Opg ratio in HTCs. Lack of β-catenin resulted in a severe decrease of trabecular bone in the embryonic long bones. Gain of β-catenin activity interfered with removal of late HTCs and bone marrow formation, leading to a continuous mineralized hypertrophic core in the embryo and resulting in an osteopetrotic-like phenotype in adult mice. Furthermore, β-catenin activity in late HTCs is required for chondrocyte-derived osteoblastogenesis at the chondro-osseous junction. The latter contributes to the severe trabecular bone phenotype in mutants lacking β-catenin activity in HTCs.
Muscular Calf Injuries in Runners
Authors: Fields Karl B. , Rigby Michael D.
Published: September 2016

Calf pain is a common complaint among runners of all ages but is most frequent in masters athletes. This article focuses on injuries to the triceps surae or true "calf muscles." The most common calf injury is a tear of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (Tennis Leg) but other structures including the lateral gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus also may be the cause of muscular pain. This article looks at the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of these injuries. We also highlight some examples of musculoskeletal ultrasound which is a valuable tool for rapid diagnosis of the cause and extent of injury.
Development and Prevention of Running-Related Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ni Guo-Xin
Published: September 2016

Studies investigating the effect of running on risk for developing osteoarthritis at weight-bearing joints have reported with conflicting results. Generally, moderate-level running is not likely detrimental to joint health. However, many factors may be associated with the increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in runners. Factors often implicated in the development of osteoarthritis comprise those that increase joint vulnerability and those which increase joint loading. It is therefore suggested that running has different effects on different people. Efforts should be made to identify those with joint vulnerability and joint loading, and measures should be taken to have those factors and/or their running programs modified to run safely. Further investigations are needed to examine the effect of running on joint health under different conditions to confirm the association between exposure to risk factors and development of osteoarthritis, as well as to validate the effectiveness of measures for preventing running-related osteoarthritis.
Prevalence and structure of anxiety-depression in an Australian community sample
Authors: Sharpley Christopher , Bitsika Vicki , Jesolola Emmanuel , Agnew Linda
Published: September 2016

Aim of the study

To describe the prevalence and factor structure of anxiety-depression in a community sample and to derive indicators for treatment planning.

Subject or material and methods

A sample of 398 members of the Electoral Roll for the New England region of Australia were recruited at random and completed the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale and the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety-depression was 28.1%, over twice that for either anxiety or depression alone. The anxiety-depression construct was comprised of four underlying factors: Cognitive Agitation & Depressed Mood, Pessimism, Cardiovascular Reactivity, and Pain & Sleep Disturbance. There were different patterns of these four factors across Anxiety-only, Depression-only and combined anxiety-depression, with evidence for a unique symptomatological profile for participants with clinically significant levels of anxiety-depression.

Discussion

Anxiety-depression comorbidity was relatively common in this community sample of Australians, with over a quarter of participants meeting the cutoff for clinically significant scores on the combined SAS-SDS construct. These results also highlight the need to consider the presence of clinically significant anxiety-depression as representing a larger proportion of this sample than either anxiety or depression alone.

Conclusions

Treatment decisions for anxiety and depression need to go beyond consideration of the two disorders separately to include the underlying factor severity of the combined construct of anxiety-depression.
Borderline functioning and life trauma: a structural approach
Authors: Schiltz Lony , Schiltz Jang
Published: September 2016

Aim of the study

The general aim of a multiannual research project was the exploration of the links between traumatizing biographic events and the current functioning of personality. It comprehended an exploratory study with N=206 persons suffering from exclusion and marginalization, followed by a confirmatory study with N=195 persons. We present the confirmatory results, as well as a meta-analysis of the exploratory and confirmatory study.

Subject or material and methods

Both studies were based on an integrated quantitative and qualitative research methodology, combining a semi-structured biographic interview, psychometric scales (HADS, Index of Well-Being) and a projective test (Rotter’s Incomplete Sentences Blank). We developed original rating scales allowing passing from qualitative analysis to the use of inferential and multidimensional statistics.

Results

With the help of non parametric statistical procedures we could draw out differential types of personality functioning based on prevalent defense mechanisms and coping strategies, either linked to a succession of traumatic events, such as neglect, maltreatment and multiple losses occurring since childhood, or either to recent catastrophes. Our results supported the traumatogenic hypothesis of borderline functioning and pointed towards a partial overlapping of the concepts of splitting and dissociation.

Discussion

The discussion is about the pertinence of the results in the context of the current assimilation of borderline personality functioning with complex post-traumatic states comprising a strong dissociative component and also of the revision of categories of the DSM related to different post-traumatic syndromes.

Conclusions

The conclusion points to tracks for future clinical research.
Capacitated Multiechelon Inventory Systems: Policies and Bounds
Authors: Huh Woonghee Tim , Janakiraman Ganesh , Nagarajan Mahesh
Published: September 2016

We study a periodically reviewed multiechelon serial inventory system with a capacity constraint on the order quantity at each stage. The cost criterion we use to evaluate inventory policies for this system is the sum of the expected long-run average holding and shortage costs. It is well known that for this problem, characterizing the structure of the optimal policy and computing it are very difficult. We consider the use of echelon base-stock policies for our system (even though they are known to be suboptimal) and propose algorithms for finding base-stock levels that are easy to understand and implement. We derive bounds on the ratios between the costs achieved by our algorithms and the optimal costs (over all policies). For light-tailed demand distributions, our algorithms are shown to be asymptotically optimal in the sense that our bounds are close to one in high service-level environments. Our computational investigations reveal that our algorithms perform well even under modest service levels.
Innovation System Reform in Indonesia and Vietnam: A new Role for Universities?
Authors: Baark Erik
Published: September 2016

This paper introduces the importance of the role of universities in emerging economies such as Indonesia and Vietnam, underscoring the need for universities to contribute more extensively to the dynamic development of innovation systems. The theoretical approach is a functional analysis of innovation systems, identifying essential issues that call for recognition among policymakers and in society generally. Innovation systems in Indonesia and Vietnam share some weaknesses, particularly in comparison with innovation systems in more advanced countries. There is limited ability to mobilize the resources required for innovation, as the investment in research and development as percentage of GDP is relatively low and dominated by public funding with little contribution from private sources. Financial regulation for universities seriously hampers the development of university–industry linkages. It is essential that universities gain more autonomy in order to move beyond their current role in training of skilled human resources to providers of innovation.
HVAC design for college auditorium
Authors: Lathia Rutvik , Mistry Jaymin
Published: September 2016

In Todays life, it is being indispensable to live healthier life and for that environment must be free from hazardous effects but it is not easy to achieve comfort condition in every season and every place. For better environmental condition in specific arena we have used HVAC (Heating, Ventilating & Air conditioning) systems. from literature survey and online sources we found that there is no any standard process for designing the HVAC systems so, this poster provides standard process with an example, we consider place as Auditorium in Changa, Gujarat, India and season is summer and according to that situation we developed most efficient HVAC plant with all design aspects. It is designed as that so ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and GWP (Global Warming Potential) will maintain at minimum level and indirect emission will also not take place.
A Participação da Sociedade Civil nos Conselhos Municipais em Juazeiro – Bahia: prática de cidadania
Authors: Batista Iracema Uchoa , Nascimento Deise Cristiane do
Published: September 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é estudar artigos científicos sobre os Conselhos Municipais e Participação Popular no Brasil e estudo junto aos Conselhos municipais de Juazeiro-Bahia. Foi efetuada uma revisão bibliográfica nas bases de dados Scientific Eletronic Library online (SCIELO), LILACS, Google acadêmico, Biblioteca Virtual sobre Corrupção (BVC) da Controladoria Geral da União - CGU, e o banco de dados de teses CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior). Esse estudo buscou responder à seguinte questão: qual a prática de cidadania nos conselhos municipais em Juazeiro-Bahia? Os conselhos municipais de juazeiro-Bahia, são espaços de participação de suma importância  para o debate da democracia e o desenvolvimento das politicas publicas. Os resultados são importantes para que gestores, conselheiros, sociedade civil e pesquisadores analisarem e aprimorar o conhecimento sobre os conselhos municipais de Juazeiro-Bahia.
Discussões sobre a Teoria vygotskyana para o Ensino Médio
Authors: Silva Maria Deuzani Da , Ferreira Eliete Lira Nobre
Published: September 2016

Resumo: A adolescência é uma fase que predomina o desenvolvimento de inúmeras habilidades cognitivas, sociais e afetivas. Pensar no ensino para essa categoria é ir além dos processos didáticos característicos das fases anteriores. Uma teoria psicológica que atende a essas necessidades é a sócio-construtivista de Vygotsky a partir das relações entre linguagem, cultura e níveis ou zonas de desenvolvimento. A necessidade docente de compreender a contribuição dessa teoria para o processo educativo no ensino médio explica esse estudo. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se discutir a docência no ensino médio considerando a teoria vygotskyana. Como objetivos específicos foram ressaltados: relacionar a teoria vygotskyana com a educação no ensino médio e refletir sobre a docência/mediação nessa etapa da Educação Básica. Pesquisa bibliográfica de abordagem qualitativa, cujo método de análise dos dados foi o indutivo. Os resultados demonstraram que cada etapa da Educação Básica possui particularidades, principalmente considerando as faixas etárias dos alunos, que é uma característica que justifica sua existência. Portanto, cabe aos professores compreenderem isso para que suas atuações sejam as mais eficientes possíveis. O docente tem a capacidade, não só de ensinar, mas de fazer com que o potencial de desenvolvimento dos seus alunos seja explorado da melhor maneira possível. Com isso, ele carrega a responsabilidade pela eficiência na aplicação da teoria vygotskyana e da didática. Além da responsabilidade em garantir uma educação de qualidade.
Reflexões sobre os Saberes da Ação para a Formação Docente
Authors: Simões Neto José De Caldas , Bezerra Lireira Maria Albuquerque
Published: September 2016

Os problemas sociais atuais e o descaso do poder público com grande parte da sociedade nos levam a pensar na escola e na educação como um lugar de resistência, onde o conhecimento e saber estão veiculados nas capacidades dos estudantes para contestar toda e qualquer forma de exclusão. O docente precisa saber relacionar a base teórica ao seu dia a dia para ensinar bem e alcançar bons resultados. A partir dessa afirmativa o presente texto tem como foco principal refletir sobre os saberes da ação necessários para uma prática efetiva no ambiente educacional. Essa teórica pedagógica dos saberes da ação pedagógica tem como relação de complementação estabelecida entre os saberes disciplinares, os saberes curriculares, os saberes das ciências da educação, os saberes da tradição pedagógica e os saberes experienciais. Ninguém nasce um cidadão, a ideia de participação social precisa ser permanentemente construída. Esse trabalho educacional deve ser norteado nos saberes e conteúdos atitudinais, com ações no cotidiano, no fazer no processo de aprendizagem. As escolas e universidades têm que inserir atividades pedagógicas que levem a reflexão, ao entendimento crítico dos eventos da sociedade onde estão inseridas, deve estar preocupado com a vida de todos, com o meio ambiente e com as questões sociais.
Verificação multicritério das condições físicas para a segurança operacional aeroportuária
Authors: Mota Ítalo Ponte Der Hovannessian , Oliveira Francisco Heber Lacerda de , Aguiar Marcos Fábio Porto de
Published: September 2016

A garantia da segurança operacional aeroportuária é uma tarefa imprescindível, compulsória aos operadores de aeródromos e de difícil aplicação, por envolver diversos parâmetros técnicos, diferentes metodologias de avaliação e custos. O presente artigo objetiva analisar a razoabilidade dos resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com especialistas em infraestrutura aeroportuária a partir dos aspectos físicos de pistas de pousos e decolagens para a garantia da segurança das operações e a priorização de atividades de manutenção e reabilitação (M&R). Considerando os parâmetros contidos na regulação nacional vigente, foram analisadas as condições de aderência, estruturais e funcionais por meio de uma Metodologia de Análise Hierárquica e o software Expert Choice, objetivando hierarquizar os critérios estudados. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que as condições de aderência têm maior importância sobre as demais. Contudo, não devem ser aceitas como as únicas a serem priorizadas para a tomada de decisão sobre as estratégias de M&R.
Um ambiente multiagent system (MAS) distribuído aplicado à gestão integrada da operação portuária
Authors: Rosa Rodrigo De Alvarenga , Banos Rafael Da Silva , Angius Bruno Mannato , Gomes Thiara Cezana
Published: September 2016

Tendo em vista o aumento do transporte marítimo no mundo e a consequente demanda por operações nos portos, os operadores buscam formas de minimizar o tempo de permanência dos navios no porto. Para atracar um navio, os portos necessitam ter disponíveis diversos recursos. Assim, planejar a designação de recursos eficientemente para não atrasar a atracação dos navios é vital para os portos. Esta designação é dinâmica, pois atrasos e antecipações na chegada dos navios ocorrem por diversos fatores demandando assim que ela seja atualizada constantemente. Este artigo propõe um Multiagent System (MAS) para resolução da designação de recursos de forma distribuída e em tempo real, visando reduzir o tempo de espera para atracação dos navios. Testes foram realizados em 27 cenários e os resultados mostraram que o MAS resolveu instâncias de teste de grande porte e nos cenários mais próximos do real, ele resolveu em um tempo pequeno e com soluções estáveis.
A produção científica em Logística Humanitária no século XXI: uma análise bibliométrica
Authors: Zary Bianca Barreto , Bandeira Renata Albergaria de Mello , Campos Vania Barcellos Gouvêa
Published: September 2016

A logística humanitária obteve reconhecimento público de seu papel nas operações de resposta a desastres após o tsunami no Oceano Índico (2004), e, desde então, tem despontado como um novo campo de pesquisa. Dez anos após esta catástrofe, o presente artigo apresenta um estudo bibliométrico, com o objetivo de analisar o crescimento do conhecimento e identificar as tendências da comunicação escrita no ramo da Logística Humanitária nesta última década. O escopo da pesquisa consistiu em realizar uma análise estatística, integrando métodos bibliométricos e técnicas de análise de redes sociais, para proporcionar uma melhor compreensão do campo. A busca a partir de palavras chaves identificou 312 artigos publicados em revistas internacionais que foram analisados de acordo com diversos critérios com intuito de identificar um perfil do estudo em logística humanitária. Embora os resultados apresentados neste trabalho indiquem uma tendência crescente de estudos na área de logística humanitária a nível internacional, no campo nacional esta é ainda incipiente. A análise bibliométrica possibilitou obter uma melhor compreensão dos principais temas, conceitos e relações ligadas à ajuda humanitária. Como pode ser observado, houve uma forte tendência na direção dos estudos para o campo da pesquisa operacional. Os resultados sugerem que grande parte das pesquisas desenvolvidas até o momento apoia-se em bases teóricas relacionadas à problemas de redes (de localização e roteirização), à teoria da decisão (processo decisório e sistemas de suporte a decisão) e à gestão de riscos.
Role of Rice Husk Ash and Water Extracted From Manioc in the Formation of Passive Film on Steel Reinforcement in Concrete
Authors: Trindade E. C. , Pio E. S. , Silva T. M. V. , Faour E. C. , Spengler R. L. , Grosser F. N. , Schmidt A. M. , Tamborim S. M.
Published: September 2016

Corrosive behavior in reinforced concrete specimens containing two agricultural byproducts, rice husk ash, and water extracted from manioc, called mandioca brava in Brazil, was investigated by accelerated corrosion tests in a modified immersion assay. The rice husk ash and mandioca brava were characterized by infrared analysis and X-ray diffraction technics. The carboxylate and silanol functional groups were detected in these agricultural byproducts and these functional groups were proposed here as a main cause of inhibition of the accelerated corrosion that occurred during a modified immersion assay. The mass loss from steel bars in concrete specimens after accelerated corrosion tests confirm the synergistic effect of rice husk ash and mandioca brava when used together in a concrete mixture against the corrosion. Anodic polarization measurements of CA-50 steel bars in simulated pore solutions indicated that the presence of these agricultural byproducts offered anticorrosive protection.
SAFEM – Software With Graphical User Interface for Fast and Accurate Finite Element Analysis of Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Liu P. , Wang D. , Hu J. , Oeser M.
Published: September 2016

To effectively investigate the mechanical performance of asphalt pavements, software named SAFEM with a user friendly graphical user interface (GUI) was developed. It is based on the semi-analytical finite element (FE) method, which is a three-dimensional FE algorithm that only requires a two-dimensional mesh by incorporating the Fourier series in the third dimension. SAFEM is able to analyze static and dynamic responses of asphalt pavements under stationary or moving loads. Besides linear elasticity, a viscoelastic material model for asphalt layers has also been integrated. Verification was carried out to test and explore the functionality of the software package. We showed that SAFEM is an accurate tool for the fast prediction of asphalt pavement responses, such as the surface deflection and the strain/stress at response points. Furthermore, SAFEM provided a flexible, robust platform for the future development in the numerical simulation of asphalt pavements.
Use of Geogrid Encasement to Increase the Ductility of Cement-Mixed Clay
Authors: Kaewsresai K. , Kongkitkul W. , Jongpradist P. , Horpibulsuk S.
Published: September 2016

Improvement of soft clay by mixing with cement is widely adopted in Thailand to increase the strength and reduce the settlements. The improved soft clay exhibits better strength and permeability properties; however, the improved soil exhibits low tensile strength and brittle behavior. On the other hand, it is known from the literature that geosynthetics have been used for soft soil improvement in conjunction with stone column (SC) and sand compaction pile (SCP) techniques. The lateral deformation of SC and SCP could be significantly decreased by geosynthetic encasement; therefore, the vertical load could be efficiently transferred to deeper soil layers. In this study, a series of unconfined compression tests were performed on cement-mixed clay specimens with a diameter of 75 mm and height of 150 mm. Cement contents used were 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % by dry mass of clay. The water-to-cement ratio used was 0.6 and total clay water contents were 105 % for the normal-water-content case and 160 % for the high-water-content case. A polyester geogrid was used to encase the specimens. Prior to the test, specimens were cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. It is found that the geogrid encasement has enabled the soil samples to sustain the axial stress for large axial deformations, even after the local failure in the cement-mixed clay matrix. On the other hand, the unreinforced specimens exhibited strain-softening behavior with a great reduction in axial stress with increasing strain. Encasements with geogrids were found to substantially increase the ductility of cement-mixed clay.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Graphene and Reduced Graphene Oxide Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites
Authors: Topal E. , Devrim Sam Parmak E. , Uzunsoy D. , Colak Cakir O.
Published: September 2016

Graphene has generated great excitement in the scientific community due its unique mechanical and electronic properties, and also the availability of bulk quantities of graphene as both colloidal dispersion and powder. With the development of relatively high yield and defect-free synthesis methods, this exciting material is ready for practical application in the preparation of polymer nanocomposites. Here, we reported on the mechanical performances of epoxy nanocomposites which have been reinforced with exfoliated graphene nano platelet (GNP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) at a loading of 0 to 0.5 wt. %. A soft molding method was used for the preparation of epoxy nanocomposites. The reinforcing effects of GNP and RGO on epoxy resin were examined by tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The morphology of the epoxy/GO and epoxy/RGO nanocomposites were investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A significant improvement on mechanical properties of epoxy/GO and epoxy/RGO nanocomposites was observed at low GNP and RGO loading. Contrary to the literature, the ultimate tensile strength values have mainly decreased, although the Young’s modulus has improved. Dynamic mechanical analysis has shown that with the addition of both GNP and RGO, storage modulus was significantly enhanced at 40  °C. The loss factor was almost not affected by both RGO and GNP loading. SEM investigation of the fractured surface indicates that GNP and RGO fillers are dispersed uniformly in the epoxy matrix.
Evaluating the Factors Influencing Limestone-Dissolution Characteristics in the Karst Regions of Guizhou, China
Authors: Wang Z. -M. , Yang G. -L. , Yang R. -D. , Rawal K. , Hu L. -B.
Published: September 2016

Guizhou, China, is known for the abundance of subterranean drainage systems with sinkholes. Sinkholes may develop when acidic water starts to dissolve the surface of bedrock or bedding planes. The dissolution characteristics of limestone play a crucial role in the development of sinkholes. The main objective of this study was to develop a quantitative tool for evaluating the dissolution ability for sinkhole formations in the karst regions of Guizhou. The present study investigates a number of properties of limestone that may influence the dissolution in the karst regions of Guizhou. Over 200 rock samples were collected and tested to determine the CaO/MgO ratio, clast content, clastic/matrix ratio, primary porosity, permeability, and fracture density. A quantitative approach was developed to synthesize the influences of these multiple factors to establish the order of the limestone solubility in different regions of Guizhou via numerical modeling using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) theory. It was found that the solubility of the karstic limestone from different geological formations was in the following descending order: Carboniferous Huanglong-Maping Formation, Permian Qixia-Maokou Formation, Cambrian Qingxudong Formation, and Triassic Yongningzhen Formation. As the water-bearing capacity of the geological formations in these regions is closely associated with underground cavern and sinkhole formations, the approach explored in the present study may have strong implications for the exploration and utilization of karst groundwater resources.
A Modified Weibull Stress Approach to Determine the Reference Temperature in a Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Ruggieri Claudio , Dodds Robert H.
Published: September 2016

This work describes a micromechanics methodology based upon a local failure criterion incorporating the effects of plastic strain on cleavage fracture coupled with the statistics of microcracks to correct effects of constraint loss on fracture toughness and to determine the reference temperature, T0, based on the master curve procedure. The methodology approaches the modeling of cleavage fracture from the point of view of a coupling between the local plastic strain and the number of eligible Griffith-like microcracks nucleated from brittle particles dispersed into the ferrite matrix. A modified Weibull stress, ˜σw, incorporating the effects of plastic strain on cleavage fracture emerges as a probabilistic fracture parameter to define conditions leading to (local) material failure. Fracture toughness testing conducted on an A515 Grade 65 pressure vessel steel provides the cleavage fracture resistance data in terms of Jc—values needed to estimate T0. Very detailed non-linear finite-element analyses for 3D models of the fracture specimens provide the relationship between ˜σw and J from which the variation of fracture toughness across different crack configurations is predicted. For the tested material, the modified Weibull stress methodology yields estimates for the reference temperature, T0, from small fracture specimens, which are in very good agreement with the corresponding estimates derived from testing of much larger crack configurations.
Duplex Titanium Oxide Layers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jasinski J. J. , Kurpaska L. , Lubas M. , Jasinski J. , Sitarz M.
Published: September 2016

This article presented the results of Ti Grade 2 oxidation with the duplex/hybrid method, which combined fluidized bed atmospheric diffusive treatment (FADT) and treatment with plasma methods (PVD). The process was realized to form a titanium diffusive layer saturated with oxygen in the diffusion process and to produce a tight homogeneous oxide coating on Ti substrate, deposited with the magnetron spraying technique. The techniques applied made it possible to combine the synergetic effects of the layers generated and to reduce the stresses in the area of the PVD coating/oxidized Ti substrate interface. In addition, the processes influenced the decrease in the surface roughness parameter and the increase in substrate bio-compatibility, which resulted in easier hydroxyapatite clusters deposition. The diffusion process was realized in Al2O3 fluidized bed reactor, at 913 K for 8 h with air atmosphere, while the deposition of the oxide coatings was realized with magnetron sputtering, with the use of TiO2 target at a pressure of 3 × 10−2mbars. In order to assess the effects of Ti hybrid oxidation, microscopic (AFM, SEM, TEM-EFTEM), spectroscopic (GDOS), and X-ray tests (XRD, sin2Ψ) were performed. The coatings formed had structure, with a Tiα(O) diffusion zone and a TiO2 rutile and anatase oxide zone deposited on the substrate. It was concluded that hybrid method of duplex coatings formation (FADT + PVD) leads to reducing oxide layer defects after fluidized bed heat treatment and to generating a tight homogeneous layer with a favorable state of stress, which results in improving the bio-compatibility of the generated substrate, important from the biomedical applications point of view.
Microstructural Characterization of Ferrous Materials Forged by the Damascus Technique
Authors: Strobl S. , Haubner R.
Published: September 2016

Damascus steels are related to composites which combine the properties of diverse steel qualities. By forging steel plates with different compositions, in particular differences in the carbon content, a multilayered workpiece is manufactured. Forging of cast iron has not been common because of its low melting point and brittleness at lower temperatures. Wolfgang Scheiblechner, a blacksmith from Palfau in Austria, combined ductile cast iron and soft iron to a unique composite material, which was investigated by means of metallographic methods. The intersections of cast iron and iron are of high interest, where carbon diffusion from ductile cast iron (graphite 100 % C) to soft iron (0 % C) takes place. In this case, all the microstructures characteristic for cast irons, steels, and soft iron were present. The microstructures were additionally influenced by forging and quenching. The cast iron region was dominated by nodular graphite and bainite; ledeburite was observed occasionally. The soft iron regions showed coarse equiaxed ferrite and grain boundary cementite. In the transition areas, ferrite showed a wide variety of shapes, and the microstructure changed from hypereutectoid to hypoeutectoid steel. The various microstructures were characterized by light optical microscopy and confirmed by Vicker's microhardness measurements.
The Temporal Dynamics of Scene Processing: A Multifaceted EEG Investigation
Authors: Harel Assaf , Groen Iris I. A. , Kravitz Dwight J. , Deouell Leon Y. , Baker Chris I.
Published: September 2016

Our remarkable ability to process complex visual scenes is supported by a network of scene-selective cortical regions. Despite growing knowledge about the scene representation in these regions, much less is known about the temporal dynamics with which these representations emerge. We conducted two experiments aimed at identifying and characterizing the earliest markers of scene-specific processing. In the first experiment, human participants viewed images of scenes, faces, and everyday objects while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. We found that the first ERP component to evince a significantly stronger response to scenes than the other categories was the P2, peaking ∼220 ms after stimulus onset. To establish that the P2 component reflects scene-specific processing, in the second experiment, we recorded ERPs while the participants viewed diverse real-world scenes spanning the following three global scene properties: spatial expanse (open/closed), relative distance (near/far), and naturalness (man-made/natural). We found that P2 amplitude was sensitive to these scene properties at both the categorical level, distinguishing between open and closed natural scenes, as well as at the single-image level, reflecting both computationally derived scene statistics and behavioral ratings of naturalness and spatial expanse. Together, these results establish the P2 as an ERP marker for scene processing, and demonstrate that scene-specific global information is available in the neural response as early as 220 ms.
Chewing the Fat: “Unpacking” Distasteful Encounters
Authors: Hocknell Suzanne
Published: September 2016

Fat is not only found on plates or in bellies. Fat is on the news, on reality TV, in policy, and in flesh. The stuff of fat is a matter of concern: it is too cheap, or possibly too expensive; consumers are eating too much of it to be healthy, or possibly not enough of the right sort. Fat production is reported to be too animal based, too plantation based, or too resource hungry to be sustainable; too entwined with opaque globalized networks to be fair. Yet fat, particularly the yellow fats of butter and margarine, are, for eaters of North European heritage, typically a routine part of daily life. “Unpacking” the mundane encounters between eating and eaten bodies can work to make present the ways in which the world is understood, represented, framed, and enacted. In this article I draw on this premise to explore distaste as a means by which British participants in six “planned discussion groups” negotiate encounters with yellow fats amidst multiple conflicting knowledges. I demonstrate that for my research participants the distastefulness of a yellow fat did not rest in any straightforward way on a visceral disliking of the flavor of that same product. I conclude by arguing that thinking with distaste is an “unpacking” which extends discussions of the visceral to better theorize the complex interactions between embodied encounters, sense of self, and styles of valuing the stuff of fats.