bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Building Manufacturing of Homes with Digital Fabrication
Authors: Sass Lawrence
Published: January 2012

Architecture, engineering, and construction industries maintain a long standing desire to enhance design communication through various forms of 3D CAD modeling. In spite the introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM), designers and builders expect varying amounts of communication loss once construction has started due to indirect construction techniques or hand based methods to manufacture buildings. This is especially true for houses and small structures, buildings that makeup the core of villages and suburbs. Unfortunately, paper documentation and reading 3D CAD models on screen continue the trend of indirect production defined in most manufacturing industries as error. The emerging application of CAD/CAM within design and construction industries provides hope for elevated communication between design and building. With CAD/CAM, it is possible to manufacture buildings of all types and sizes directly from CAD files similar to mass produced artifacts, thus reducing complexity in communication between parties. This chapter is presentation of one process of direct manufacturing from CAD and the emerging possibilities for small building production using digital fabrication. The chapter will focus on houses to illustrate the potential of direct manufacturing of buildings from CAD data.
Redefining the Role and Purpose of Learning
Authors: Quinton Stephen R
Published: January 2012

This chapter presents a philosophical treatise on how the author envisions the design of electronic learning environments in the future. The uniqueness of the theory of learning to emerge from this exploration lies in its capacity to dynamically adapt and evolve in response to the changing expectations of the teacher and the changing learning needs of the student. It promotes the concept of a continuum of possibilities and opens the way to move beyond the application of a static approach to learning design that is limited in its capacity to satisfy the needs of all, to the adoption of a dynamic, highly adaptable approach that begins to address the specific learning goals of every individual. Thus, educationalists are encouraged to explore what might be possible and not be constrained by current assumptions on how electronic learning environments are currently designed.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha target protein up-regulation in Hypoxic cochlear neurons is associate with aged-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Donadieu Emilie , Riva Catherine M.
Published: January 2012

Molecular mechanisms underlining hypoxia- induced aged-hearing loss were studied. 3- months C57BL/6 mice were subjected to four weeks of hypoxia (10% 02), whereas, controls were kept under normoxic condition for up to six months. Auditory function was explored by CAP and Preyer’s reflex measurements and correlated with histological analysis of the cochlea. The presence of oxidative damage, HIF-1 responsive target genes regulation involved in cell death, inflammation and neovascularization were assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. Hypoxia was associated to severe hearing loss at 4-8 and 16 KHz and degeneration of the cochlea, with significant cell loss (30%) in the spiral ganglion, the lateral wall, and the hair cells with a basal-apical alteration gradient. This was correlated with ROS formation and HIF-1a overexpression. Cochlear degeneration was due to apoptosis via activated caspase-3, P53, Bax and Bcl-2 protein differential expression in spiral ganglion, modiolus and spiral ligament. On the other hand, Hsp70, NF-kB transcription factor pathway and inflammatory mediators (caspase-1 and TNF-a) were induced in the stria vascularis. Furthermore, a phenomenon of neovascularization was observed with significant thickening of stria vascularis and increased expression of VEGF. In total, we demonstrated that the tandem-HIF-ROS is responsible for the caspase-3 and Bax–mediated apoptosis via P53 protein accumulation in the cochlear neurons, while inflammatory response mediated by Hsp70 stress protein and NF-kB transcription factor generating a neovascularization phenomenon occurred in stria vascularis.
Novel SCN5A Mutation Associated with Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation Due to Subclinical Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Jiménez-Jáimez Juan , Álvarez-López Miguel , Tercedor-Sánchez Luis , Santiago Pablo , Algarra Maria , Peñas Rocio , Valverde Francisca , Melgares-Moreno Rafael
Published: January 2012

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation can be caused by subclinical channelopathies such as Brugada syndrome. Our objective is to study the clinical behaviour of a new SCN5A mutation found in a woman with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. A 53-year-old woman presented with multiple episodes of ventricular fibrillation, a structurally normal heart and normal baseline electrocardiogram. Genetic testing included KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1, KCNE2 and KCNJ2 and identified a mutation in SCN5A (D1816fs/g98747-98748insT). We studied 15 immediate family members by means of electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, flecainide challenge test and genetic study. Eight subjects had the mutation. The flecainide challenge test was positive for Brugada syndrome in two subjects in the case group and none in the control group. The PR and QRS intervals on the baseline electrocardiogram were longer in the case group. The left atrial volume indexed to body surface was higher in the case group, likely due to the fact that two patients with the mutation had atrial fibrillation and none had it in the control group. The D1816fs/g98747-98748insT mutation in SCN5A may be associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and Brugada syndrome with a broad phenotypic spectrum and incomplete penetrance. Genetic testing may be useful to identify the etiology of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in patients with a negative thorough clinical evaluation.
An under Recognized Cause of Chest Pain
Authors: Ponnamma Kunjan Pillai Unnikrishnan , John Santosh G. , Narayana Kurup Aparna , Devasahayam Joe , Lacasse Alexandre
Published: January 2012

Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is related to but is pathologically distinct from aortic dissection. In this potentially lethal entity, there is hemorrhage into the aortic media in the absence of an intimal tear. With recent advances in imaging techniques, IMH is now increasingly recognized. The limited data available suggest that the clinical course of IMH mimics that of acute aortic dissection, and mortality rates are similar. Physicians need to be cognizant regarding this entity when they are evaluating chest pain. Here we report a case of IMH, in a 63-year-old female, which was managed conservatively.
Awareness about HIV Infection among the Paramedical Staff in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi, India
Authors: Gupta Nikhil , Goswami Binita , Singh Bhawna , Ghosh Sandeep
Published: January 2012

In India, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a growing epidemic involving all sections of the society. Health care personnel are at increased risk of acquiring blood borne diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, etc. We aimed to assess the level of awareness of HIV infection among the paramedical staff working in a tertiary care hospital. A total number of 207 paramedical staff were asked to complete a questionnaire covering the various aspects of HIV and AIDS which was then critically reviewed. We observed that 57.54% of the staff was aware of the different aspects of HIV infection. Our results highlighted that awareness regarding the different facets of HIV varied among the nurses, lab technicians and support staff. Transmission of blood borne infections through needle stick injury is a harsh reality involving health care personnel. There is an urgent need to teach basic knowledge about HIV infection among high-risk populations.
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Treated with Elective Nephrectomy in a 75-Year-Old Diabetic Patient
Authors: He Yayi , Shi Bingyin , Wu Xiaoyan , Hou Peng , Wang Yi
Published: January 2012

We present a case of 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN). The patient presented with abdominal pain, fever of undetermined origin and progressive decrease in urine output. Computerized tomography scan revealed gas formation in the left renal parenchyma and capsule. A left nephrectomy was performed. He made a quick recovery. EPN should be taken into consideration in diabetic patients with symptoms of pyelonephritis who show a poor response to conventional treatment. Elective nephrectomy may be life saving in some patients.
No Clinical or Biological Difference between Chikungunya and Dengue Fever during the 2010 Gabonese Outbreak
Authors: Nkoghe Dieudonne , Kassa Kassa Roland Fabrice , Bisvigou Ulrich , Caron Mélanie , Grard Gilda , Leroy Eric Maurice
Published: January 2012

Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Dengue (DENV) viruses, both arboviruses, have caused multiple outbreaks worldwide. Their clinical features are poorly described in Africa and there is no comparative study, although Chikungunya is considered as a dengue-like disease. We conducted a comparative study of clinical and biological data from CHIKV and DENV positive patients during the 2010 Gabonese outbreak. Patients consulting with general symptoms and having laboratory confirmation for CHIKV or DENV were included. Clinical and biological data were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using Epi Info. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. In all, 270 CHIKV+, 53 DENV+ and 20 co-infected patients were included in the study. Headaches, hemorrhage, leukopenia and lymphopenia were significantly (P respectively 0.01, 0.001, 0.02 and 0.001) more frequent in DENV+ patients than in CHIKV+. There was no additive effect of the two viruses. These clinical and hematological disorders are non specific and cannot assist for the differential diagnosis. These diseases are clinically indistinguishable, and need for laboratory confirmation.
Mothers’ experiences of sharing breastfeeding or breastmilk, part 2: the early 21st century
Authors: Thorley Virginia
Published: January 2012

While women who informally shared breastfeeding or breastmilk (also called cross-nursing or co-feeding) in the latter part of the twentieth century were often reluctant to disclose this practice, media attention in the last few years has resulted in this practice being discussed more. Nurses may, therefore, encounter mothers who have shared or are sharing breastfeeding or their breastmilk at least once. This paper is the second of two to explore the experiences of mothers co-feeding in a variety of situations. Twenty-two mothers who had co-fed, and the coordinator of an online milk-sharing network, were recruited from online breastfeeding discussion networks, personal contacts and word of mouth. Sampling stopped when eight countries were included. Respondents came from a range of cultures and gave different reasons for this practice. They could choose whether to respond to a set of open-ended questions by email or telephone. A number of different situations were identified in which the women had cross-fed on one or more occasions. Cultural issues, including milk siblingship in Islamic and other cultures, were explored. Consent was important, but fully informed consent was not necessarily obtained. Although no formal screening was conducted, it was clear that the women informally screened those with whom they shared their milk. In this study, sharing of breastfeeding or breastmilk mostly occurred in kinship or close female relationships, or at least between women with similar lifestyles and values, and seldom through casual contacts. In most cases, there was informal screening and the women would not have cross-fed indiscriminately.
Current Role of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus among Children with Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Teran Carlos G. , Sura Sunitha , Mohamed Tarek , Lin Thant , Medows Marsha , Cynthia Donkor , Wong Sze H.
Published: January 2012

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has become a wellestablished pathogen with alarming rates during the last decade. The current situation of this bacteria in pediatric infections is very limited and motivated us to conduct this study. This is a retrospective and analytical study including patients less than 18 years of age with the diagnosis of skin or soft tissue infections in 2008 and 2009 meeting the criteria of Community-acquired infection. A prevalence of 41.9% among skin and soft tissue infections was found. Inducible resistance to clindamycin was detected in 1.3% of the strains and the infection shows a seasonal predilection for summer (P=0.003); 57.8% of the cases required hospitalization with a mean stay of 3.3±2.5 days. The susceptibility to clindamycin and co-trimoxazole is 88 and 97% respectively. The resistance to erythromycin has reached 92%. The main diagnoses at presentation was gluteal abscess plus cellulitis (34.2%). The prevalence of CA-MRSA is trending up and seems to become a large burden for the health system in our community. Clindamycin is still an excellent option in the community setting since inducible clindamycin resistance is extremely low in this community. Co-trimoxazole should be kept as a reserved drug to avoid the rapid resurgence resistance in the community.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Agha Adnan , Alrawi Abdul Qader , Bella Abdelhaleem , AlAyed Mohammed  S.
Published: January 2012

Background Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged and spread globally in the spring of 2009.  We describe the clinical features of the patients who were hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 influenza July 2009 to June 2010 in a tertiary care hospital in Khamis Mushyt, Saudi Arabia.  We analyzed the clinical and laboratory variables in order to determine predictors of poor outcome Methods We performed a prospective study in all patients who were hospitalized for at least 48 hours  and with a positive test for 2009 H1N1 virus through RT-PCR(real time polymerase chain reaction).  Their epidemiological, clinical, biochemical characteristics were collected and the hospital course of the patients with eventual outcome (discharge or death) was observed. We applied a logistic regression analysis to determine the best predictor of death.
Successful treatment with eltrombopag in avoiding splenectomy for patients with chronic refractory immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Khalafallah Alhossain A. , Rahman Zafreen , Ogden Kath , Hannan Terry
Published: January 2012

Background: Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a condition associated with significant morbidity; however the management options are often unsatisfactory with a portion of patients exhibiting a refractory-relapsing disease path despite various lines of treatment including splenectomy.  As a Thrombopoietin receptor agonist, eltrombopag (GlaxoSmithKline, Australia) provides a novel treatment option for patients with refractory disease.  We describe the outcomes of four patients with chronic ITP, who were treated with eltrombopag as a single agent.   Methods: Four Caucasian patients with chronic refractory ITP (2 males; 2 females) were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 48 years (range, 39–59). All patients were non-splenectomised and were refractory to several lines of treatment including steroids, intravenous immunogobulin, vincristine, and azathioprine, one patient has also received rituximab (a monoclonal antibody that binds the CD20 antigen expressed by B-lymphocytes). All patients were treated with oral eltrombopag (50-75 mg) for a median period of 12 months (range, 9-16).   Results: After a median follow up of 20 months (range, 11-34), platelet counts recovered to normal levels in two patients. One recovered a normal platelet count after 13 months, the other 34 months of completion of treatment with eltrombopag. No additional immune suppressive therapy was required. The other two patients also discontinued Eltromboapag at 27 and 11 months after achievement of satisfactory platelet counts above 30/nL without any bleeding complications. Other forms of immune therapy were also ceased in these two cases. None of the four patients required splenectomy.   Conclusion: The clinical outcomes in this small cohort of patients suggests that Eltrombapag may have a role to play in the long term control of chronic ITP with avoiding splenectomy and long term immunosuppressive therapy. The beneficial outcomes in our patients led to a sustained elevation in platelets with no adverse effects noted when used for relatively longer periods than previously reported.  It is worth noting that spontaneous remission does occur with ITP and is the most likely cause for the favourable outcome with eltrombopag therapy.  However, if Eltrombapag is able to reduce the need for splenectomy in patients with chronic ITP then a distinct quality of care outcome can be achieved by avoiding the recognised short- and long-term complications of splenectomy. Randomised controlled trials with long-term follow up are warranted.
Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma in a Patient with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young type 3
Authors: Bozzoli Valentina , Tisi Maria Chiara , Pianese Luigi , Tumini Stefano , Rufini Vittoria , Calcagni Maria Lucia , Pitocco Dario , Larghi Alberto , Larocca Luigi Maria , Massini Giuseppina , Teofili Luciana , D'Alò Francesco , Hohaus Stefan
Published: January 2012

Primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) is an extremely rare disease which occurs in pancreas, accounts for less than 1% of extra-nodal malignant lymphomas and 0,5% of cases of pancreatic masses. We report the case of PPL in a 15 year-old boy suffering from Maturity onset Diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3) diagnosed at the age of 1 year
Mechanisms leading to oligomers and SOA through aqueous photooxidation: insights from OH radical oxidation of acetic acid and methylglyoxal
Authors: Tan Y. , Lim Y. B. , Altieri K. E. , Seitzinger S. P. , Turpin B. J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the aqueous OH radical oxidation of methylglyoxal produces low volatility products including pyruvate, oxalate and oligomers. These products are found predominantly in the particle phase in the atmosphere, suggesting that methylglyoxal is a precursor of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Acetic acid plays a central role in the aqueous oxidation of methylglyoxal and it is a ubiquitous product of gas phase photochemistry, making it a potential "aqueous" SOA precursor in its own right. However, the fate of acetic acid upon aqueous-phase oxidation is not well understood. In this research, acetic acid (20 μM–10 mM) was oxidized by OH radicals, and pyruvic acid and methylglyoxal experimental samples were analyzed using new analytical methods, in order to better understand the formation of SOA from acetic acid and methylglyoxal. Glyoxylic, glycolic, and oxalic acids formed from acetic acid and OH radicals. In contrast to the aqueous OH radical oxidation of methylglyoxal, the aqueous OH radical oxidation of acetic acid did not produce succinic acid and oligomers. This suggests that the methylgloxal-derived oligomers do not form through the acid catalyzed esterification pathway proposed previously. Using results from these experiments, radical mechanisms responsible for oligomer formation from methylglyoxal oxidation in clouds and wet aerosols are proposed. The importance of acetic acid/acetate as an SOA precursor is also discussed. We hypothesize that this and similar chemistry is central to the daytime formation of oligomers in wet aerosols.
Analysis of high mass resolution PTR-TOF mass spectra from 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) environmental chamber experiments
Authors: Müller M. , Graus M. , Wisthaler A. , Hansel A. , Metzger A. , Dommen J. , Baltensperger U.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A series of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) photo-oxidation experiments was performed in the 27-m3 Paul Scherrer Institute environmental chamber under various NOx conditions. A University of Innsbruck prototype high resolution Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-TOF) was used for measurements of gas and particulate phase organics. The gas phase mass spectrum displayed ~200 ion signals during the TMB photo-oxidation experiments. Molecular formulas CmHnNoOp were determined and ion signals were separated and grouped according to their C, O and N numbers. This allowed to determine the time evolution of the O:C ratio and of the average carbon oxidation state OSC of the reaction mixture. Both quantities were compared with master chemical mechanism (MCMv3.1) simulations. The O:C ratio in the particle phase was about twice the O:C ratio in the gas phase. Average carbon oxidation states of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) samples OSCSOA were in the range of −0.34 to −0.31, in agreement with expected average carbon oxidation states of fresh SOA (OSC = −0.5–0).
Summertime weekly cycles of observed and modeled NOx and O3 concentrations as a function of land use type and ozone production sensitivity over the Continental United States
Authors: Choi Y. , Kim H. , Tong D. , Lee P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Simulation results from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model version 4.7.1 over the Conterminous United States (CONUS) for August 2009 are analyzed to evaluate how satellite-derived O3 sensitivity regimes capture weekly cycles of the U.S. EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) observed ground-level concentrations of ozone (O3). AQS stations are classified according to a geographically-based land use designation or an O3-NOx-VOC chemical sensitivity regime. Land use designations are derived from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) global land cover characteristic data representing three features: urban regions, forest regions, and other regions. The O3 chemical regimes (NOx-saturated, mixed, and NOx-sensitive) are inferred from low to high values of photochemical indicators based on the ratio of the HCHO to NO2 column density from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2 (GOME-2) and CMAQ. Both AQS-observed weekly cycles of NOx at measurement sites over AVHRR geographical regions and GOME-2 sensitivity regimes show high NOx on weekdays and low NOx on weekends. However, the AQS-observed O3 weekly cycle at sites over the GOME-2 NOx-saturated regime is noticeably different from that over the AVHRR urban region. Whereas the high weekend O3 anomaly is clearly shown at sites over the GOME-2 NOx-saturated regime in both AQS and CMAQ, the weekend effect is not captured at other sites over the AVHRR urban region. In addition, the weekend effect from AQS is more clearly discernible at sites above the GOME-2 NOx-saturated regime than at other sites above the CMAQ NOx-saturated regime. This study suggests that chemical classifications of GOME-2 chemical regime stations produces better results for weekly O3 cycles than either the CMAQ chemical or AVHRR geographical classifications.
Temperature characteristics of bacterial sulfate reduction in continental shelf and slope sediments
Authors: Sawicka J. E. , Jørgensen B. B. , Brüchert V.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The temperature responses of sulfate-reducing microbial communities were used as fingerprints for their in situ temperature adaptation, their origin, and dispersal in the deep-sea. Sediments were collected from a suite of coastal, continental shelf, and slope sediments from the southwest and southeast Atlantic and permanently cold Arctic fjords from water depths ranging from the intertidal zone to 4327 m. In situ temperatures ranged from 8 °C on the shelf to 1 °C on the lower slope and in the Arctic. Temperature characteristics of the active sulfate-reducing community were determined in short-term incubations with 35S-sulfate in a temperature gradient block spanning a temperature range from 0 to 40 °C. An optimum temperature (Topt) between 27 °C and 30 °C for the South Atlantic shelf sediments and for the intertidal flat sediment from Svalbard was indicative of a psychrotolerant/mesophilic sulfate-reducing community, whereas Topt ≤ 20 °C in South Atlantic slope and Arctic shelf sediments suggested a predominantly psychrophilic community. High sulfate reduction rates (20–50%) at in-situ temperatures compared to those at Topt further support this interpretation, and point to the importance of the ambient temperature regime for regulating the short-term temperature response of sulfate-reducing communities. A number of cold (<4 °C) continental slope sediments showed broad temperature optima reaching as high as 30 °C suggesting the additional presence of apparently mesophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria. Since the temperature characteristics of these mesophiles do not fit with the permanently cold deep-sea environment, we suggest that these mesophilic microorganisms are of allochthonous origin and transported to this site. It is likely that they were deposited along with the mass-flow movement of warmer shelf-derived sediment. These data therefore suggest that temperature response profiles of bacterial carbon mineralization processes can be used as fingerprints to infer mixing of bacterial communities of different geographic origins.
Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project Experiment 1: implementation strategy and mid-Pliocene global climatology using GENESIS v3.0 GCM
Authors: Koenig S. J. , DeConto R. M. , Pollard D.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The mid-Pliocene Warm Period (3.29 to 2.97 Ma BP) has been identified as an analogue for the future, with the potential to help understand climate processes in a warmer than modern world. Sets of climate proxies, combined to provide boundary conditions for Global Climate Model (GCM) simulations of the mid-Pliocene, form the basis for the international, data-driven Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP). Here, we outline the strategy for implementing pre-industrial (modern) and mid-Pliocene forcings and boundary conditions into the GENESIS version 3 GCM, as part of PlioMIP. We describe the prescription of greenhouse gas concentrations and orbital parameters and the implementation of geographic boundary conditions such as land-ice-sea distribution, topography, sea surface temperatures, sea ice extent, vegetation, soils, and ice sheets. We further describe model-specific details including spin-up and integration times. In addition, the global climatology of the mid-Pliocene as simulated by the GENESIS v3 GCM is analyzed and compared to the pre-industrial control simulation. The simulated climate of the mid-Pliocene warm interval is found to differ considerably from pre-industrial. We identify model sensitivity to imposed forcings, and internal feedbacks that collectively affect both local and far-field responses. Our analysis points out the need to assess both the direct impacts of external forcings and the combined effects of indirect, internal feedbacks. This paper provides the basis for assessing model biases within the PlioMIP framework, and will be useful for comparisons with other studies of mid-Pliocene climates.
Application of time domain induced polarization to the mapping of lithotypes in a landfill site
Authors: Gazoty A. , Fiandaca G. , Pedersen J. , Auken E. , Christiansen A. V. , Pedersen J. K.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A DC resistivity (DC) and Time Domain Induced Polarization (TDIP) survey was undertaken at a decommissioned landfill site situated in Hørløkke, Denmark, for the purpose of mapping the waste deposits and to discriminate important geological units that control the hydrology of the surrounding area. It is known that both waste deposits and clay have clear signatures in TDIP data, making possible to enhance the resolution of geological structures, when compared to DC surveys alone. Four DC/TDIP profiles were carried out crossing the landfill and another seven profiles in the surroundings, giving a dense coverage over the entire area. The whole dataset was inverted using a 1-D Laterally Constrained Inversion scheme, recently implemented for IP data, in order to use the entire decay curves for reconstructing the electrical parameters of the soil in terms of the Cole-Cole polarization model. Results show that it is possible to both resolve the geometry of the buried waste body and key geological structures. In particular, it was possible to find a silt/clay lens at depth, which correlates with the flow direction of the pollution plume spreading out from the landfill, and to map a shallow sandy layer rich in clay that likely has a strong influence on the hydrology of the site. This interpretation of the geophysical findings was constrained by boreholes data, in terms of geology and gamma ray logging. The results of this study are important for the impact that the resolved geological units have in the hydrology of the area, making it possible to construct more realistic scenarios of the variation of the pollution plume as a function of the climate change.
On the Atlantic cold tongue mode and the role of the Pacific ENSO
Authors: De Almeida R. A. F. , Nobre P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The dominant mode of coupled ocean-atmosphere variability in the Tropical Atlantic is analysed in this work from a melange of datasets, focusing on the seasonal development and evolution of the Bjerknes feedback responsible for the generation of the Atlantic cold tongue mode. The strength, seasonality and interannual variability of this mode is investigated through a joint EOF analysis of the anomalies of zonal wind velocity in the western basin together with sea surface temperature from the easternmost Tropical Atlantic, and analysed in conjunction with the depth of the 20 °C isotherm, representing the three mechanisms responsible for the generation of the Bjerknes feedback. Results from the EOF analyses confirm the robustness and seasonality of the Atlantic cold tongue mode, with a positive feedback phase peaking during boreal summer when the Bjerknes feedback is stronger. Analysis of an event in 2005 shows that the positive feedback is followed by a negative feedback phase triggered by the wind field and driven by oceanic heat advection. More importantly, we investigated the linearized impact of Niño events in the Pacific Ocean over the Atlantic by projecting the NINO 3.4 index over the Atlantic data. The Atlantic cold tongue mode has its variance reduced from 62% to 47% in the projected dataset, revealing that the Pacific ENSO has an inhibiting effect over its Atlantic counterpart.
On the chemical dynamics of extracellular polysaccharides in the high Arctic surface microlayer
Authors: Gao Q. , Leck C. , Rauschenberg C. , Matrai P. A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The surface microlayer (SML) represents a unique system of which the physicochemical characteristics may differ from those of the underlying subsurface seawater (SSW). Within the Arctic pack ice area, the SML has been characterized as enriched in small colloids of biological origin, resulting from extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS). During the Arctic Summer Cloud-Ocean Study (ASCOS) in August 2008, particulate and dissolved organic matter (POM, DOM) samples were collected and chemically characterized from the SML and the corresponding SSW at an open lead centered at 87.5° N and 5° E. Total organic carbon was persistently enriched in the SML with a mean enrichment factor (EF) of 1.45 ± 0.41, whereas sporadic depletions of dissolved carbohydrates and amino acids were observed. Monosaccharide compositional analysis reveals that EPS in the Arctic lead was formed mainly of distinctive heteropolysaccharides, enriched in xylose, fucose and glucose. The mean concentrations of total hydrolysable neutral sugars in SSW were 94.9 ± 37.5 nM in high molecular weight (HMW) DOM and 64.4 ± 14.5 nM in POM. The enrichment of polysaccharides in the SML appeared to be a common feature, with EFs ranging from 1.7 to 7.0 for particulate polysaccharides and 3.5 to 12.1 for polysaccharides in the HMW DOM fraction. A calculated monosaccharide yield suggests that polymers in the HMW DOM fraction were scavenged, without substantial degradation, into the SML. Bubble scavenging experiments showed that newly aggregated particles could be formed abiotically by coagulation of low molecular weight nanometer-sized gels. Experimentally-generated aerosol particles were enriched in polysaccharides by factors of 22–70, relative to the source seawater. We propose that bubble scavenging of surface-active polysaccharides was one of the possible mechanisms for the enrichment of polysaccharides in the SML.
Limites e possibilidades ao desenvolvimento de grupos criativos
Authors: Bonow Clarice Alves , Cezar-Vaz Marta Regina , SantAnna Cynthia Fontella , Cardoso Leticia Silveira , Santos da Silva Mara Regina
Published: January 2012

Objetivou-se identificar as limitações e possibilidades para o desenvolvimento de grupos criativos comunitários, na concepção dos trabalhadores da Saúde da Família. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em três equipes da Saúde da Família que desenvolvem grupos criativos em um município do extremo sul do Brasil. Foram entrevistados onze trabalhadores. Utilizou-se análise de conteúdo – modalidade temática para examinar o conteúdo das entrevistas. Os resultados mostraram persistir limitações estruturais para o desenvolvimento de atividades que envolvam a participação da comunidade em grupos criativos. Constatou-se também, que a utilização de espaços comunitários, a cultura e as características comunitárias, constituem possibilidades de implantação e desenvolvimento desses grupos. Tais possibilidades podem desencadear nos trabalhadores sentimentos de impotência e dependência, devido às dificuldades encontradas no interior das comunidades, que se contrapõem às possibilidades avistadas. Conclui-se que um melhor aproveitamento do trabalho articulado com a comunidade fortaleceria o eixo promotor das potencialidades comunitárias. Descritores: Atenção Primária à Saúde; Estrutura de Grupo; Criatividade; Enfermagem em Saúde Comunitária.
Quedas em idosos de dois serviços de pronto atendimento do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Ramos Clariana Vitória , Santos Silvana Sidney Costa , Barlem Edison Luiz Devos , Pelzer Marlene Teda
Published: January 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os principais fatores causadores de quedas em idosos de dois serviços de pronto atendimento, no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa quantitativa, do tipo survey, descritiva, com 39 idosos, aos quais se aplicou entrevista para verificar perfil, questões relacionadas à saúde, condições da moradia relacionada a queda vivenciada, no período de dezembro de 2009 a abril de 2010. Utilizou-se o software estatístico SPSS para realização de análises descritivas. Verificou-se que 22 (56,4%) eram mulheres, 19 (48,7%) tinham de 70-79 anos, 27 (69,2) caíram nos últimos 12 meses, 15 (38,5%) caíram mais de 2 vezes no último ano. Quanto as residências dos idosos em: 37 (94,9%) os móveis são pontiagudos, 35 (89,7%) tinham degraus, 27 (69,2%) apresentavam tapetes soltos, 20 (51,3%) tinham piso escorregadio, 12 (30,8%) possuíam escadas sem corrimões. Espera-se sensibilizar os profissionais da área da saúde/população para a ameaça das quedas em idosos. Descritores: Idoso; Acidentes por quedas; Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência; Enfermagem.
Prevalência de bastonetes Gram-negativos isolados da saliva de trabalhadores da saúde
Authors: Prado-Palos Marinésia Aparecida , Gir Elucir , Lima Ana Beatriz Mori , Leão Lara Stefânia Netto de Oliveira , Pimenta Fabiana Cristina
Published: January 2012

O estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência de bastonetes Gram-negativos (BGN) isolados da saliva de trabalhadores de saúde de um hospital universitário em Goiânia-Goiás e caracterizar o perfil dos colonizados. De agosto?2005 a julho?2006, participaram do estudo 278 trabalhadores de saúde responsáveis pelos cuidados assistenciais aos clientes atendidos na instituição. A taxa de portadores foi de 69,4%, destes 44% foram considerados portadores persistentes e 49,2% multicolonizados. Foram isolados 319 BGN, sendo 208 (65,2%) enterobactérias e 111 (34,8%) não-fermentadores. As principais espécies identificadas foram: Enterobacter aerogenes (17,9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16,3%), Enterobacter agglomerans (8,8%). No grupo dos BGN não-fermentadores, foram isoladas 25 (7,8%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Elevada prevalência de trabalhadores colonizados por BGN foi observada. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo são de grande relevância, pois BGN assumem fundamental importância na etiologia e patogênese de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde de pacientes críticos, submetidos a procedimentos invasivos e com permanência prolongada no ambiente nosocomial. Descritores: Bactérias; Pessoal de Saúde; Saliva.
Exposições acidentais com material biológico potencialmente contaminado envolvendo graduandos de enfermagem do último ano
Authors: Lopes Letícia Pimenta , Toffano Silmara Elaine Malaguti , Hayashida Miyeko , Canini Silvia Rita Marin da Silva , Cruz Elaine Drehmer de Almeida , Reinato Lílian Andreia Fleck , Gir Elucir
Published: January 2012

Profissionais de saúde e os estudantes estão expostos a diversos riscos nos serviços de saúde, sendo o biológico um dos mais frequentes e preocupantes. Este estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa foi desenvolvido em uma universidade pública no interior do Estado de São Paulo e objetivou verificar a ocorrência e descrever as características dos acidentes ocupacionais com material biológico potencialmente contaminado entre os graduandos de enfermagem. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista individual e os aspectos éticos foram contemplados. Dos 74 estudantes entrevistados, no período de fevereiro a julho de 2007, 30 relataram exposição acidental com material biológico potencialmente contaminado. Destes, 24 (80,0%) mencionaram exposição cutânea, cinco (16,7%) percutânea e um (3,3%) referiu exposição mucosa. Conclui-se que o tipo de exposição acidental envolvendo material biológico potencialmente contaminado mais frequente neste estudo foi a cutânea e que muitas dessas exposições poderiam ser evitadas pelo uso de equipamentos de proteção individual. Descritores: Estudantes de Enfermagem; Exposição Ocupacional; Enfermagem.
Properties of High-Strength Flowable Mortar Reinforced with Palm Fibers
Authors: Dawood Eethar Thanon , Ramli Mahyuddin
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to determine some physical and mechanical properties of high-strength flowable mortar reinforced with different percentages of palm fiber (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6% as volumetric fractions). The density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness index were tested to determine the mechanical properties of this mortar. Test results illustrate that the inclusion of this fiber reduces the density of mortar. The use of 0.6% of palm fiber increases the compressive strength and flexural strength by about 15.1%, and 16%, respectively; besides, the toughness index (I5) of the high-strength flowable mortar has been significantly enhanced by the use of 1% and more of palm fiber.
Generalized Fuzzy C-Means Clustering with Improved Fuzzy Partitions and Shadowed Sets
Authors: Zabihi Seyed Mohsen , Akbarzadeh-T Mohammad-R
Published: January 2012

Clustering involves grouping data points together according to some measure of similarity. Clustering is one of the most significant unsupervised learning problems and do not need any labeled data. There are many clustering algorithms, among which fuzzy c-means (FCM) is one of the most popular approaches. FCM has an objective function based on Euclidean distance. Some improved versions of FCM with rather different objective functions are proposed in recent years. Generalized Improved fuzzy partitions FCM (GIFP-FCM) is one of them, which uses norm distance measure and competitive learning and outperforms the previous algorithms in this field. In this paper, we present a novel FCM clustering method with improved fuzzy partitions that utilizes shadowed sets and try to improve GIFP-FCM in noisy data sets. It enhances the efficiency of GIFP-FCM and improves the clustering results by correctly eliminating most outliers during steps of clustering. We name the novel fuzzy clustering method shadowed set-based GIFP-FCM (SGIFP-FCM). Several experiments on vessel segmentation in retinal images of DRIVE database illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
The ironic economics and equity of water budget rates
Authors: Beecher Janice A.
Published: January 2012

Water budget rates are gaining attention in the water sector. Although clearly well‐intended, the water budget approach raises several serious theoretical and practical issues familiar to applied regulatory economics. In essence, water budget rates exemplify “social rate‐making,” i.e., a system of pricing that departs from traditional economic standards in the interest of serving social goals—in this case, water conservation. The inherent problem with this particular rate structure, however, is not its good intentions but its disconcerting implications. The troubling irony of water budget rates, however, appears to be lost in the dicussion. A simple illustration reveals the mathematical reality of the rate structure based on one water district's rendition and online bill‐calculation tool. In addition, several implementation issues are raised. As long as their choices do not burden others, communities are free to implement water rate structures they deem appropriate to their values and goals. As posited here, however, the water sector would benefit from applying less ironic and more iconic rate‐making principles.
Effect of alkaline pH on the stability of halogenated DBPs
Authors: Hua Guanghlll , Reckhow David A.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of alkaline pH on the stability of halogenated disinfection by‐products in the absence of chlorine residuals. The results showed that the concentrations of trihalomethanes (THMs) and dihaloacetic acids (DHAAs) increased substantially under alkaline pH conditions without chlorine residuals. The hydrolysis of unstable THM and DHAA intermediates could be important pathways leading to the increases of THMs and DHAAs. The hydrolyzable THM and DHAA intermediates accounted for approximately 20% of the unknown total organic halogen (UTOX) formed by chlorine. The formation of trihaloacetic acids (THAAs) stopped in the absence of chlorine residuals. The UTOX‐to‐TOX ratio decreased with increasing pH value and time in the absence of chlorine residuals. Total organic chlorine (TOCl), total organic bromine (TOBr), and total organic iodine (TOI) were dehalogenated through base‐catalyzed reactions. The stability of TOCl, TOBr, and TOI was in the order of TOCl > TOBr > TOI.
Embedding sustainability into a utility's business culture
Authors: Marlow David R. , Moglia Magnus , Beale David J. , Stenstromer Anna
Published: January 2012

Engagement with sustainability can be conceptualized as a journey in which initiatives involving management, employees, stakeholders, and the community gradually facilitate changes in direction and attitude that are in line with sustainability principles. This view holds that an organization's culture is a key point of leverage in any attempt to move to a business model more closely aligned with sustainability concepts. Building on this view, an approach was developed in which business decisions were analyzed in order to assess the sustainability culture of a water utility. This article presents an overview of this research, including background on how an organization's culture can influence decisions. A method for analyzing decision‐making from the perspective of sustainability policy is demonstrated using a case study undertaken with an Australian public water utility.
Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations and Respiratory Support After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Winthrop Zachary A. , Perez Jennifer M. , Staffa Steven J. , McManus Michael L. , Duvall Melody G.
Published: June 2024

Importance

After the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge of pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, but national data on hospitalization and intensive care unit use and advanced respiratory support modalities have not been reported.

Objective

To analyze demographics, respiratory support modes, and clinical outcomes of children with RSV infections at tertiary pediatric hospitals from 2017 to 2023.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study evaluated children from 48 freestanding US children’s hospitals registered in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. Patients 5 years or younger with RSV from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2023, were included. Each season was defined from July 1 to June 30. Prepandemic RSV seasons included 2017 to 2018, 2018 to 2019, and 2019 to 2020. The postpandemic season was delineated as 2022 to 2023.

Exposure

Hospital presentation with RSV infection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Data on emergency department presentations, hospital or intensive care unit admission and length of stay, demographics, respiratory support use, mortality, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were analyzed. Postpandemic season data were compared with prepandemic seasonal averages.

Results

A total of 288 816 children aged 5 years or younger (median [IQR] age, 8.9 [3.3-21.5] months; 159 348 [55.2%] male) presented to 48 US children’s hospitals with RSV from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2023. Respiratory syncytial virus hospital presentations increased from 39 698 before the COVID-19 pandemic to 94 347 after the pandemic (P < .001), with 86.7% more hospitalizations than before the pandemic (50 619 vs 27 114; P < .001). In 2022 to 2023, children were older (median [IQR] age, 11.3 [4.1-26.6] months vs 6.8 [2.6-16.8] months; P < .001) and had fewer comorbidities (17.6% vs 21.8% of hospitalized patients; P < .001) than during prepandemic seasons. Advanced respiratory support use increased 70.1% in 2022 to 2023 (9094 vs 5340; P < .001), and children requiring high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) were older than during prepandemic seasons (median [IQR] age for HFNC, 6.9 [2.7-16.0] months vs 4.6 [2.0-11.7] months; for NIV, 6.0 [2.1-16.5] months vs 4.3 [1.9-11.9] months). Comorbid conditions were less frequent after the pandemic across all respiratory support modalities (HFNC, 14.9% vs 19.1%, NIV, 22.0% vs 28.5%, invasive mechanical ventilation, 30.5% vs 38.0%; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study identified a postpandemic pediatric RSV surge that resulted in markedly increased hospital volumes and advanced respiratory support needs in older children with fewer comorbidities than prepandemic seasons. These clinical trends may inform novel vaccine allocation to reduce the overall burden during future RSV seasons.