bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Signal Variability Is More than Just Noise
Authors: Garrett Douglas D. , Kovacevic Natasa , McIntosh Anthony R. , Grady Cheryl L.
Published: April 2010

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research often attributes blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal variance to measurement-related confounds. However, what is typically considered “noise” variance in data may be a vital feature of brain function. We examined fMRI signal variability during fixation baseline periods, and then compared SD- and mean-based spatial patterns and their relations with chronological age (20–85 years). We found that not only was the SD-based pattern robust, it differed greatly, both spatially and statistically, from the mean-based pattern. Notably, the unique age-predictive power of the SD-based pattern was more than five times that of the mean-based pattern. This reliable SD-based pattern of activity highlights an important “signal” within what is often considered measurement-related “noise.” We suggest that examination of BOLD signal variability may reveal a host of novel brain-related effects not previously considered in neuroimaging research.
The Disintegrin/Metalloproteinase ADAM10 Is Essential for the Establishment of the Brain Cortex
Authors: Jorissen Ellen , Prox Johannes , Bernreuther Christian , Weber Silvio , Schwanbeck Ralf , Serneels Lutgarde , Snellinx An , Craessaerts Katleen , Thathiah Amantha , Tesseur Ina , Bartsch Udo , Weskamp Gisela , Blobel Carl P. , Glatzel Markus , De Strooper Bart , Saftig Paul
Published: April 2010

The metalloproteinase and major amyloid precursor protein (APP) α-secretase candidate ADAM10 is responsible for the shedding of proteins important for brain development, such as cadherins, ephrins, and Notch receptors.Adam10−/−mice die at embryonic day 9.5, due to major defects in development of somites and vasculogenesis. To investigate the function of ADAM10 in brain, we generatedAdam10conditional knock-out (cKO) mice using a Nestin-Cre promotor, limiting ADAM10 inactivation to neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and NPC-derived neurons and glial cells. The cKO mice die perinatally with a disrupted neocortex and a severely reduced ganglionic eminence, due to precocious neuronal differentiation resulting in an early depletion of progenitor cells. Premature neuronal differentiation is associated with aberrant neuronal migration and a disorganized laminar architecture in the neocortex. Neurospheres derived fromAdam10cKO mice have a disrupted sphere organization and segregated more neurons at the expense of astrocytes. We found that Notch-1 processing was affected, leading to downregulation of several Notch-regulated genes inAdam10cKO brains, in accordance with the central role of ADAM10 in this signaling pathway and explaining the neurogenic phenotype. Finally, we found that α-secretase-mediated processing of APP was largely reduced in these neurons, demonstrating that ADAM10 represents the most important APP α-secretase in brain. Our study reveals that ADAM10 plays a central role in the developing brain by controlling mainly Notch-dependent pathways but likely also by reducing surface shedding of other neuronal membrane proteins including APP.
Neural Encoding of Psychomotor Activation in the Nucleus Accumbens Core, But Not the Shell, Requires Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling
Authors: Morra Joshua T. , Glick Stanley D. , Cheer Joseph F.
Published: April 2010

The current study aimed to further elucidate the role of endocannabinoid signaling in methamphetamine-induced psychomotor activation. Rats were treated with bilateral, intracranial microinjections of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists rimonabant (1 μg; 1 μl) or AM251 (1 μg; 1 μl), or vehicle (1 μl), followed by intravenous methamphetamine (3 mg/kg). Antagonist pretreatment in the nucleus accumbens core, but not shell, attenuated methamphetamine-induced stereotypy, while treatment in either brain region had no effect on drug-induced locomotion. In a parallel experiment, we recorded multiple single units in the nucleus accumbens of behaving rats treated with intravenous rimonabant (0.3 mg/kg) or vehicle, followed by methamphetamine (0.01, 0.1, 1, 3 mg/kg; cumulative dosing). We observed robust, phasic changes in neuronal firing time locked to the onset of methamphetamine-induced locomotion and stereotypy. Stereotypy encoding was observed in the core and was attenuated by CB1 receptor antagonism, while locomotor correlates were observed uniformly across the accumbens and were not affected by rimonabant. Psychomotor activation encoding was expressed predominantly by putative fast-spiking interneurons. We therefore propose that endocannabinoid modulation of psychomotor activation is preferentially driven by CB1 receptor-dependent interneuron activity in the nucleus accumbens core.
Distinct Functions ofacj6Splice Forms in Odor Receptor Gene Choice
Authors: Bai Lei , Carlson John R.
Published: April 2010

Individual olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) selectively express one or a small number of odor receptors from among a large receptor repertoire. The expression of an odor receptor dictates the odor response spectrum of the ORN. The process of receptor gene choice relies in part on a combinatorial code of transcription factors. InDrosophila, the POU domain transcription factor Acj6 is one element of the transcription factor code. Inacj6null mutants, many ORNs do not express an appropriate odor receptor gene and thus are not correctly specified. We find thatacj6is alternatively spliced to yield many structurally distinct transcripts in the olfactory organs. We generate flies that express single splice forms ofacj6in anacj6−background. We find that different splice forms are functionally distinct; they differ in their abilities to specify ORN identities. Some individual splice forms can fully rescue the specification of some ORNs. Individual splice forms can function both positively and negatively in receptor gene regulation. ORNs differ in their requirements for splice forms; some are not fully rescued by any single splice form tested, suggesting that some ORNs may require the combinatorial action of multiple splice forms. Late expression of someacj6splice forms is sufficient to rescue some ORN classes, consistent with a direct role for Acj6 isoforms in receptor gene expression. The results indicate that alternative splicing may add another level of richness to the regulatory code that underlies the process of odor receptor gene choice.
Spectrum of metabolic dysfunction in relationship with hyperandrogenemia in obese adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Alemzadeh Ramin , Kichler Jessica , Calhoun Mariaelena
Published: April 2010

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adult women is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and atherosclerosis. We evaluated the spectrum of metabolic dysfunction in relationship with hyperandrogenemia (HA) in adolescent girls with PCOS.

Materials and methods

Ovulatory function, acne, hirsutism (HS), body mass index (BMI), body composition, fasting lipids, glucose, insulin, free testosterone (FT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and HbA1c were evaluated in 103 girls. The homeostatic assessment model equations (HOMA-IR and HOMA-%B) were used for determination of insulin resistance and β-cell function respectively.

Results

The oligo-ovulation (Oligo)+HA+HS (n=44), Oligo+HA (n=28), and Oligo+HS (n=31) phenotypes had similar BMI. However, hyperandrogenemic phenotypes had higher prevalence of acanthosis nigricans (AN) and acne (P<0.01) and higher insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-%B, HbA1c, and hs-CRP levels than Oligo+HS group (P<0.01). Serum FT was correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.38,P<0.01), HOMA-%B (r=0.49,P<0.01), hs-CRP (r=0.42,P<0.01), AN (r=0.39,P<0.01), and HbA1c (r=0.27,P<0.01). Furthermore, 34% of girls met diagnostic criteria for MS displaying higher BMI, FT, HOMA-%B, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, and HbA1c than subjects without MS (P<0.01). Using combined HOMA-IR≥4.0 and hs-CRP>3.0 cut-off values, 71.4% of MS versus 23.5% non-MS group were considered at risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis (P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Hyperandrogenemic PCOS phenotypes have greatest degree of insulin resistance and inflammation. The use of insulin resistance and inflammatory markers may help identify adolescent girls with PCOS at risk of cardiometabolic syndrome.
Fatores de risco para mortalidade fetal em uma maternidade do Sistema Único de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: estudo caso-controle
Authors: Fonseca Sandra Costa , Coutinho Evandro Silva Freire
Published: April 2010

A mortalidade fetal, apesar de elevada no Brasil, é pouco estudada quanto à sua determinação. Um estudo caso-controle aninhado foi feito para investigar os determinantes da mortalidade fetal em uma população usuária dos serviços públicos de uma região do Rio de Janeiro, de 2002 a 2004. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista com as puérperas e complementados em prontuários e cartões de pré-natal. Os casos foram óbitos fetais com peso igual ou superior a 500g e os controles foram nascidos vivos no mesmo período. Para análise estatística, usou-se um modelo hierárquico de fatores sócio-econômicos e psicossociais (nível distal), reprodutivos, comportamentais e assistenciais (intermediário) e características biológicas do feto (proximal). Destacaram-se vínculo empregatício, situação marital estável, acompanhante na admissão e pré-natal adequado como protetores de mortalidade fetal, enquanto violência doméstica, morbidade na gravidez e crescimento fetal restrito aumentaram o risco. O pré-natal se mostrou importante estratégia de redução do risco nesta população.
As estatísticas de nascimento e os fatores maternos e da criança nas microrregiões do Nordeste brasileiro: uma investigação usando análise fatorial
Authors: Paes Neir Antunes , Santos Carlos Sérgio Araújo dos
Published: April 2010

Historicamente, o registro de nascimentos do Nordeste brasileiro tem apresentado importantes problemas de qualidade, cujas variações regionais são muito grandes e pouco se conhece sobre elas. Este trabalho se propõe a avaliar a qualidade dos registros sobre os nascidos vivos e identificar padrões de relacionamento entre variáveis que reflitam os fatores maternos e da criança constantes nas declarações de nascimento, que permitam resumir os dados sobre nascidos vivos das 188 microrregiões do Nordeste em 2000, com base no uso da análise fatorial. Os dados sobre nascidos vivos foram coletados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC). De forma genérica, a distribuição regional da cobertura dos nascimentos sugere um aumento à medida que os estados se posicionam em direção ao sul do Nordeste. A qualidade no preenchimento das variáveis das microrregiões do Nordeste foi considerada satisfatória. Na análise fatorial, os dados das variáveis foram reduzidos em dois fatores: favoráveis e desfavoráveis ao parto.
Hospitalizações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária nos municípios em gestão plena do sistema no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Dias-da-Costa Juvenal Soares , Büttenbender Dóris Clarita , Hoefel Ana Lucia , Souza Leonardo Lemos de
Published: April 2010

Avaliou-se a qualidade dos cuidados oferecidos nos municípios em gestão plena no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, por meio da taxa de internações hospitalares por condições sensíveis à atenção primária, no período de 1995 a 2005. Foram consideradas as internações hospitalares por: diabetes mellitus, insuficiência cardíaca, hipertensão arterial, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e doenças imunopreveníveis em indivíduos na faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos. Verificou-se diminuição das taxas em quase todos os municípios do estado. A regressão de Poisson não mostrou tendências de diminuição das taxas após a adesão à gestão plena. Nos municípios menores, as taxas foram mais elevadas. As internações por condições sensíveis à atenção ambulatorial mostraram-se indicadores de fácil operação e de baixo custo que podem produzir conhecimentos sobre os sistemas de saúde, possibilitando a melhoria de sua qualidade.
Morbidade referida e seus condicionantes em crianças de 5 a 9 anos em Sobral, CE, Brasil
Authors: Barreto Ivana Cristina de Holanda Cunha , Grisi Sandra J.F.E.
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Descrever a morbidade referida em crianças de 5 a 9 anos e analisar seus possíveis condicionantes. METODOLOGIA: Corte de base populacional com amostra aleatória e representativa em crianças de 5 a 9 anos da zona urbana de Sobral - CE, Brasil. Entrevistas domiciliares com 3.276 crianças e exame clínico em 2.594. A morbidade referida foi classificada segundo a CID-10. O desfecho analisado foi morbidade referida nos últimos 15 dias, utilizando Stata 7.0. RESULTADOS: 43,9% das crianças apresentaram morbidade referida: Doenças do Aparelho Respiratório (DAR), 28,7%; doenças da pele, 3,4%; doenças infecciosas, 2,2%. Daquelas que adoeceram, 41,5% procuraram atendimento. Dessas, 77,4% em Unidades de Saúde Familiar. Apresentaram maiores chances de DAR as crianças com as seguintes características: residir no núcleo urbano principal do município, ter antecedente de desnutrição e frequentar escola, com um valor de ODDS Ratio, respectivamente de 1,48 (IC95%1,10-1,99), 1,30 (IC95%1,05-1,60) e 1,54 (IC95%1,02-2,32). DISCUSSÃO: Chamou a atenção a elevada prevalência de DAR em crianças do núcleo urbano principal, cerca de duas vezes maior que a observada em outros estudos de metodologia similar, levantando hipóteses de sobrerelato ou poluição ambiental. A maioria das crianças apresentou problemas de saúde de menor gravidade e teve acesso facilitado aos serviços de saúde, principalmente ao PSF. CONCLUSÕES: Serão necessários novos estudos para identificar possíveis causas da elevada prevalência de DAR em crianças do núcleo urbano principal do município. As ocasiões em que as crianças demandam os serviços de saúde da família por doenças de baixa gravidade podem ser aproveitadas para medidas de prevenção e promoção da saúde.
Prevalência de asma em escolares de Alta Floresta - município ao sudeste da Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Farias Márcia Regina de Col de , Rosa Antonia Maria , Hacon Sandra de Souza , Castro Hermano Albuquerque de , Ignotti Eliane
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência e os sintomas relacionados à asma em escolares e adolescentes residentes em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de base populacional da prevalência de asma em escolares de 6 e 7 anos de idade e adolescentes de 13 e 14 anos do município de Alta Floresta, MT, no ano de 2007. Foi utilizado o método padronizado do Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood - ISAAC, fase I, considerando como asmáticos aqueles estudantes que responderam afirmativamente à questão 2 - "presença de sibilos nos últimos 12 meses". RESULTADOS: Participaram da pesquisa 2.071 estudantes, dos quais 1.072 eram escolares (51,7%) e 999 adolescentes (48,3%). A prevalência de asma entre os escolares foi de 21,4%, enquanto entre os adolescentes foi 12,4% (χ2 = 29,29; ρ = 0,00). Os escolares apresentaram maior prevalência dos seguintes sintomas: sibilos alguma vez na vida (49,9%), sibilos nos últimos 12 meses (21,4%), de 1 a 3 crises de sibilos (16,4%) e tosse seca noturna (38,2%). Para diagnóstico médico de asma não houve diferença entre os dois grupos, situando-se em torno de 6,0%. Os escolares do gênero masculino apresentaram maior prevalência de asma, asma diagnosticada por médico e freqüência de sibilos maior ou igual a 4 vezes nos últimos 12 meses (ρ < 0,05). Os adolescentes do gênero masculino apresentaram maior prevalência de sibilo forte dificultando a fala (ρ < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Alta Floresta está entre os municípios brasileiros com uma das maiores prevalências de asma da América Latina entre escolares na faixa etária de 6 e 7 anos de idade.
Concordância de medidas antropométricas em estudo epidemiológico de base populacional: Ribeirão Preto, SP, 2006. Projeto OBEDIARP
Authors: Castro Vanilde de , Moraes Suzana Alves de , Freitas Isabel Cristina Martins de
Published: April 2010

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o acordo de medidas antropométricas aferidas e referidas de peso e altura em 632 adultos. O acordo foi calculado por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, obtido por análise de variância com 01 critério de classificação, e pelas diferenças médias e limites de acordo, segundo Bland e Altman. O acordo intracategorias do estado nutricional foi avaliado pela estatística kappa. No sexo masculino, os CCIs foram 0,926 (IC95%: 0,894-0,959) e 0,873 (IC95%: 0,799-0,946), para medidas de peso e altura, respectivamente, sendo a diferença média e os limites de acordo para o IMC de 0,143kg/m² (-2,844-3,129). No sexo feminino, os respectivos CCIs foram 0,981 (IC95%: 0,973-0,988) e 0,794 (IC95%: 0,687-0,900), sendo a diferença e os limites de acordo para o IMC de 0,462kg/m² (-2,457-3,382). Os coeficientes kappa para o estado nutricional, no sexo masculino e feminino, foram, respectivamente, 0,777 (IC95%: 0,683-0,872) e 0,793(IC95%: 0,725-0,862). As medidas referidas são alternativas apropriadas para a classificação do estado nutricional em estudos epidemiológicos.
Atividade física e comportamento sedentário em adolescentes estudantes do ensino médio
Authors: Tenório Maria Cecília Marinho , Barros Mauro Virgilio Gomes de , Tassitano Rafael Miranda , Bezerra Jorge , Tenório Juliana Marinho , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: April 2010

OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência e fatores associados a nível insuficiente de prática de atividades físicas e exposição a comportamento sedentário em adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal cuja amostra foi constituída por 4210 estudantes do ensino médio (14-19 anos), selecionados através de amostragem por conglomerados em dois estágios. Para coleta de dados foi utilizado o questionário "Global School-based Student Health Survey". Sujeitos que relataram participar de, pelo menos, 60 minutos diários de atividades físicas moderadas a vigorosas, durante cinco ou mais dias por semana, foram classificados como ativos, enquanto os demais foram denominados insuficientemente ativos. Foram considerados expostos a comportamento sedentário aqueles que referiram assistir televisão por três horas ou mais por dia. As análises foram realizadas através do teste de Qui-quadrado e de regressão logística binária. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de insuficientemente ativos foi 65,1% (IC95% 63,7-66,6). Identificou-se que sexo, local de residência (rural/urbano), turno de aulas, status ocupacional e participação nas aulas de educação física foram fatores associados a nível insuficiente de atividade física. Verificou-se prevalência de exposição a comportamento sedentário de 40,9% (IC95% 39,4-42,4) em dias de semana e de 49,9% (IC95% 48,4-51,4) em dias de final de semana. Local de residência, turno de aulas, status ocupacional e participação nas aulas de educação física foram fatores associados à exposição a comportamento sedentário em dias de semana; enquanto sexo, faixa etária e turno de aulas discriminaram a exposição nos dias de final de semana. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo evidenciou elevada prevalência de níveis insuficientes de atividade física e de exposição a comportamento sedentário.
Tratamento endovascular da síndrome da aorta média causada por arterite de Takayasu: relato de caso
Authors: Nasser Felipe , Motta-Leal-Filho Joaquim Maurício da , Carnevale Francisco Cesar , Focassio Caio Cesar Martins , Szejnfeld Dênis , Oliveira Rodrigo , Praxedes José Nery , Cerri Giovanni Guido
Published: April 2010

Síndrome da aorta média (SAM) é uma condição clínica caracterizada por estenose segmentar ou difusa da aorta, hipertensão arterial e claudicação de membros inferiores. A principal causa da SAM é a arterite de Takayasu. A estenose segmentar pode estar localizada na aorta suprarrenal, renal ou infrarrenal e com alta propensão de lesões estenóticas concomitantes das artérias renais e viscerais. A gravidade da hipertensão arterial é a principal indicação para o tratmento. A técnica endovascular para o tratamento da síndrome da aorta média tem bons resultados e é a menos invasiva. No presente artigo, é descrito o tratamento com sucesso de uma estenose da aorta toracoabdominal com recanalização da artéria mesentérica superior através de angioplastia em uma mulher de 34 anos portadora de arterite de Takayasu e hipertensão arterial grave.
The scale of it all: postcanine tooth size, the taxon-level effect, and the universality of Gould's scaling law
Authors: Copes Lynn E. , Schwartz Gary T.
Published: April 2010

In a seminal paper in 1975, Gould proposed that postcanine occlusal area (PCOA) should scale metabolically (0.75) with body mass across mammals. By regressing PCOA against skull length in a small sample of large-bodied herbivorous mammals, Gould provided some marginal support for this hypothesis, which he then extrapolated as a universal scaling law for Mammalia. Since then, many studies have sought to confirm this scaling relationship within a single order and have found equivocal support for Gould's assertion. In part, this may be related to the use of proxies for both PCOA and body mass, small sample sizes, or the influence of a “taxon-level effect,” rendering Gould's scaling “universal” problematic.

Our goal was to test the universality of Gould's prediction and the impact of the taxon-level effect on regressions of tooth size on body mass in a large extant mammalian sample (683 species spanning 14 orders). We tested for the presence of two types of taxon-level effect that may influence the acceptance or rejection of hypothesized scaling coefficients. The hypotheses of both metabolic and isometric scaling can be rejected in Mammalia, but not in all sub-groups therein. The level of data aggregation also influences the interpretation of the scaling relationship. Because the scaling relationship of tooth size to body mass is highly dependent on both the taxonomic level of analysis and the mathematical methods used to organize the data, paleontologists attempting to retrodict body mass from fossilized dental remains must be aware of the effect that sample composition may have on their results.
Activin A induction of FSHβ subunit transcription requires SMAD4 in immortalized gonadotropes
Authors: Wang Ying , Libasci Vanessa , Bernard Daniel J
Published: April 2010

Activins regulate FSH synthesis by stimulating the phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of SMAD2 and SMAD3, which bind to a consensus SMAD-binding element in the proximal murine FSHβ (Fshb) subunit gene to drive transcription. Previous over-expression and in vitro DNA binding analyses suggested that SMAD4 participates in complexes with SMAD2 and SMAD3 to regulate Fshb expression. Here, we have characterized the role of endogenous SMAD4 in activin A induction of Fshb transcription in immortalized murine gonadotropes (LβT2). We identified five murine Smad4 mRNA isoforms, of which, four are newly described; however, the canonical full-length form predominated at both the mRNA and protein levels. Depletion of endogenous SMAD4 by RNA interference (RNAi) abolished activin A-induced Fshb promoter-reporter activity and greatly attenuated constitutively active activin type IB receptor-stimulated Fshb mRNA levels. The activin A response was rescued with an RNAi-resistant form of wild-type SMAD4, but not with a DNA-binding-deficient (Lys88Arg) SMAD4, suggesting that DNA binding by SMAD4 is necessary for activin induction of the Fshb gene. Though SMAD2 and SMAD3 are generally thought to partner with SMAD4 prior to accumulation in the nucleus, treatment with leptomycin B, an inhibitor of SMAD4 nuclear export, reduced but did not prevent activin A induction of Fshb mRNA levels or promoter activity. In addition, a constitutively nuclear form of SMAD4 rescued the effect of endogenous SMAD4 depletion. Collectively, these data demonstrate a necessary role for SMAD4 in activin A induction of the murine Fshb gene in immortalized gonadotropes.
New concepts in prolactin biology
Authors: Bernichtein Sophie , Touraine Philippe , Goffin Vincent
Published: April 2010

Human prolactin (PRL) is currently viewed as a hormone of pituitary origin, whose production (i.e. serum levels) is controlled by dopamine, whose biological actions relate exclusively to lactation and reproductive functions, for which any genetic disorder is yet to be identified, and whose unique associated pathology is hyperprolactinemia. Both experimental studies and human sample/cohort-based investigations performed during the past decade have considerably widened our perception of PRL biology: i) there are now strong epidemiological arguments supporting the fact that circulating PRL is a risk factor for breast cancer, ii) in addition to the endocrine hormone, locally produced PRL has been documented in several human tissues; there is increasing evidence supporting the tumor growth potency of local PRL, acting via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms, in both rodent models, and human breast and prostate tumors, iii) the first functional germinal polymorphisms of the PRL receptor were recently identified in patients presenting with breast tumors, which involve single amino acid substitution variants exhibiting constitutive activity, iv) human PRL analogs have been engineered, which were shown in experimental models to down-regulate the effects triggered by local PRL (competitive antagonism) or by the constitutively active receptor variants (inverse agonism). The aim of this review is to discuss these novel concepts in PRL biology, including their potential pathophysiological outcomes.
Analysis of geosynthetic reinforcement in pile-supported embankments. Part II: 3D cable-net model
Authors: Halvordson K.A. , Plaut R.H. , Filz G.M.
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT: In this second part of a three-part study, the geogrid reinforcement is modelled as a three-dimensional cable net. Square pile caps are considered. Again, symmetry is utilised, and numerical results are obtained by minimising the total energy. The cables are connected at nodes, which are represented as spherical joints with variable rotational stiffness. Nodal displacements are computed, and strains and stress resultants can then be calculated from them. The net stress reduction ratio is also found. The effects of variations in the following quantities are determined: the size of the pile caps; the stress on the geosynthetic over the soft soil between the piles; the stiffness of the soft soil; the spacing between geogrid nodes; the orthotropy of the geogrid; and the bending stiffness (modelled by rotational springs) at the nodes. In addition, the effect of rotation of the geogrid by 45° is analysed, in which each rib is parallel to one of the diagonals of the unit cell. Also, the case of two geogrid layers is treated. As for the plate model, large spikes in strain and stress occur near the corners of the pile caps, and three-dimensional effects are important.
Influence of geofibers on the flexural behavior of compacted soil beams
Authors: Viswanadham B.V.S. , Jha B.K. , Pawar S.N.
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT: Earth structures constructed of fine-grained soils have a tendency to crack. One possible solution to this problem is the inclusion of discrete and randomly distributed geofibers. The purpose of the research presented herein was to assess the feasibility of using commercially available geofibers to improve the tensile strength–strain characteristics of soils. An experimental investigation consisting primarily of flexural tensile tests was conducted to examine the influence of geofibers on the flexural behavior of three different types of soil molded at three different water contents. Polypropylene tape fibers were used in this study as reinforcing elements. The test results showed that the geofibers were effective in improving the tensile strength–strain characteristics of the moist-compacted fine-grained soils used in the present study. The inclusion of geofibers increased tensile strain at crack initiation of a soil moist-compacted at different molding water contents. With an increase in plasticity index of the soil, fiber content and molding water content, a trend of increasing tensile strain at crack initiation was observed. Among several fiber contents and aspect ratios, it appears that 0.5% polypropylene tape fibers and an aspect ratio (length to breadth) in the range 30–45 provided the best combination to increase tensile strain at crack initiation and effectiveness to restrain the cracking of soils. Further, the flexural rigidity at crack initiation was found to increase with an increase in the fiber content for soils having a low plasticity index and moist-compacted at low molding water contents.
The Bone Formation Capabilities of the Anorganic Bone Matrix–Synthetic Cell‐Binding Peptide 15 Grafts in an Animal Periodontal Model: A Histologic and Histomorphometric Study in Dogs
Authors: Suaid Flávia A. , Macedo Guilherme O. , Novaes Arthur B. , Borges Germana J. , Souza Sérgio L.S. , Taba Mário , Palioto Daniela B. , Grisi Márcio F.M.
Published: April 2010

Background: The aim of this study is to verify the regenerative potential of particulate anorganic bone matrix–synthetic peptide‐15 (ABM–P‐15) in class III furcation defects associated or not with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes.

Methods: Class III furcation defects were produced in the mandibular premolars (P2, P3, and P4) of six dogs and filled with impression material. The membranes and the bone grafts were inserted into P3 and P4, which were randomized to form the test and control groups, respectively; P2 was the negative control group. The animals were sacrificed 3 months post‐treatment.

Results: Histologically, the complete closure of class III furcation defects was not observed in any of the groups. Partial periodontal regeneration with similar morphologic characteristics among the groups was observed, however, through the formation of new cementum, periodontal ligament, and bone above the notch. Histologic analysis showed granules from the bone graft surrounded by immature bone matrix and encircled by newly formed tissue in the test group. The new bone formation area found in the negative control group was 2.28 ± 2.49 mm2 and in the test group it was 6.52 ± 5.69 mm2, which showed statistically significant differences for these groups considering this parameter (Friedman test P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among the negative control, control, and test groups for the other parameters.

Conclusions: The regenerative potential of ABM–P‐15 was demonstrated through new bone formation circumscribing and above the graft particles. The new bone also was accompanied by the formation of new cementum and periodontal ligament fibers.
Ethnic Disparities in the Prevalence of Periodontitis Among High School Students in Sudan
Authors: Elamin Amal M. , Skaug Nils , Ali Raouf W. , Bakken Vidar , Albandar Jasim M.
Published: April 2010

Background: There are limited data on the epidemiology and risk factors of periodontitis in young populations in developing nations. This study assesses the prevalence of periodontal attachment loss and aggressive periodontitis and the association with ethnicity among high school students in Sudan.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 1,200 students, 13 to 19 years old, selected from 38 public and private high schools using a multistage, stratified sampling design. The subjects were interviewed and examined clinically. Periodontal parameters were assessed at six sites per tooth. Subjects with aggressive periodontitis were identified.

Results: A total of 3.4% of the subjects had aggressive periodontitis, and 16.3% and 8.2% of the subjects had at least one tooth with ≥4 and ≥5 mm attachment loss, respectively. A significantly higher percentage of subjects of African tribal ethnicity had attachment loss ≥4 and ≥5 mm compared to Afro‐Arab tribes (19.8% versus 14.7%, P = 0.02; and 12% versus 6.4%, P = 0.004, respectively), and had a higher prevalence of aggressive periodontitis (6% versus 2.3%; P = 0.01) and higher risk of being diagnosed with this disease (odds ratio = 2.7; P <0.0001). African ethnicity was also associated with a significantly higher number of teeth with attachment loss than in Afro‐Arabs (P <0.01). Comparison by gender showed a significantly higher percentage of males with aggressive periodontitis (4.9% versus 2%; P <0.01) and a higher risk for this disease (odds ratio = 2.5; P = 0.01) than in females. However, the prevalence of subjects with attachment loss ≥4 and ≥5 mm was comparable in the two gender groups.

Conclusions: Our results show that aggressive periodontitis is highly prevalent in this population. African ethnicity (versus Afro‐Arab) and male gender were risk factors for aggressive periodontitis.
Road-runoff metal concentrations in Toledo, Ohio, and their relation to average daily traffic and age of pavement overlay
Authors: Apul D. S. , Miller E. , Jain V.
Published: April 2010

Road runoff can contain metal concentrations and sampling of it can be expensive if auto-samplers are used. In this study, an inexpensive storm water sampling apparatus was developed and used for collecting the road runoff at eleven different sites in Toledo area. Sites were selected with the purpose of evaluating the effects of average daily traffic (ADT) and the age of pavement overlay on road runoff metal concentrations. Ag, As, Cd, and Mo concentrations were primarily below detection limit. Ba, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn were observed in higher concentrations but lower than <800 μg/L. Mg, Al, Fe, K, Na, and Ca were observed in mg/L levels, much higher concentrations. ADT was positively correlated with runoff concentrations of K, Mn, Pb and Zn. The source of Ca, Mg, and Mn appeared to be the asphalt pavement surface; with time, as the pavement aged, these sources appeared to be depleted as observed by lower runoff concentrations in older pavements.
Rainwater harvesting in schools in Taiwan: system characteristics and water quality
Authors: Sung M. , Kan C. C. , Wan M. W. , Yang C. R. , Wang J. C. , Yu K. C. , Lee S. Z.
Published: April 2010

In order to understand the current status of rainwater harvesting (RWH) practices in Taiwan's schools, a study was carried out to examine the RWH system performance, water usage, and water quality in these sites. A total of 29 schools in various regions were selected for this investigation, including 7 in the northern, 7 in the central, 8 in the southern, and 7 in the eastern regions of Taiwan. Water quality indicators tested were: pH, temperature, conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, suspended solid, total organic carbon, fecal coliform, and total coliform. From this study, it was found that RWH systems in these sites generally had two different designs: one that collected rainwater only, and one that collected both rainwater and grey water. From statistical analysis, it was found that water quality indicators such as suspended solids, total organic carbon, and fecal coliform were significantly affected by the water source and site location. Fecal coliforms in most of the sites we studied were high and not qualified for toilet flushing. The average water retention time of 2.4 months was long and considered to be the main reason to cause high fecal coliform counts. Finally, the benefit analysis was conducted to evaluate economic feasibility of rainwater harvesting for these schools. It turned out that 20% of them were able to gain economic benefits from using rainwater.
The impact of organic carbon on the performance of a high rate nitrifying trickling filter designed to pre-treat potable water
Authors: van den Akker Ben , Holmes Mike , Cromar Nancy , Fallowfield Howard
Published: April 2010

The application of nitrifying trickling filters (NTFs) to potable water treatment is less well understood than their application to wastewater treatment, particularly regarding the effect of low ammonia substrate concentrations and organic carbon loading on filter performance. A large pilot-scale NTF was operated under conditions that simulated the raw water quality of poorly protected catchments typically found in SE Asia, with the objective of reducing the ammonia driven chlorine demand during disinfection. The efficacy of a high rate NTF to remove low concentrations of ammonia (0.5–5.0 mg NH4-N L−1) in the presence of high organic carbon (1–12 mg soluble biochemical oxygen demand (sBOD5) L−1) was investigated. Results demonstrated that 90 to 100% of nitrification was maintained only when the carbon load was less than 0.7 g sBOD5 m−2 d−1 (<4 mg sBOD5 L−1). Once the organic load was increased beyond 0.75 to 2.1 g sBOD5 m−2 d−1 (4.5–12.1 mg sBOD5 L−1), a linear decline in nitrification from 70 to 15% was observed within a timeframe of 8 to 10 d. The impact of high organic loads on the distribution of nitrification down the NTF was also investigated. Results confirmed that carbon loads greater than 0.95 g sBOD5 m−2 d−1 (>5.5 mg sBOD5 L−1), severely suppressed nitrification throughout the entire filter bed.
A Semi-Analytical Model for the Simulation of the Isolation of the Vibration Due to a Harmonic Load Using Pile Rows Embedded in a
Saturated Half-Space
Authors: Xu Bin , Lu Jian-Fei , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: April 2010

The isolation of the vibration due to a harmonic vertical load using pile rows embedded in a saturated poroelastic
half-space is investigated in this study. Using the fundamental solution for a circular patch load and Muki’s method,
the second kind of Fredholm integral equations describing the dynamical interaction between the pile rows and the saturated
poroelastic half-space are obtained. Numerical solution of the integral equations yields the dynamic response of the
pile-half-space system. The vibration isolation effect of the pile rows is investigated via the proposed semi-analytical
model. Numerical results indicate that stiffer piles have better isolation vibration effect than flexible piles. Moreover, the
pile length and the spacing between neighboring piles in one pile row have significant influence on the isolation vibration
effect of pile rows, while the influence of the spacing between neighboring pile rows is relatively smaller.
Theoretical Investigations on Potential Impacts of High-Latitude Volcanic Emissions of Heat, Aerosols and Water Vapor and their Interactions with Clouds and Precipitation
Authors: Yarker Morgan B. , PaiMazumder Debasish , Cahill Catherine F. , Dehn Jonathan , Prakash Anupma , Mölders Nicole
Published: April 2010

Augustine Volcano (located in the Cook Inlet of South Central Alaska at 59.4oand 153.4oW) erupted in January 2006 and released, among other things, water vapor, radiation heat, and aerosols into the atmosphere. To determine the potential impact of volcanic emissions and ashfall on local weather, 16 simulations assuming artificial emission and ashfall scenarios were performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting model for 24 consecutive days starting the day before the first eruption. These simulations include (1) the control simulation without consideration of any volcanic perturbation, (2) four simulations with simplified scenarios for each individual volcanic factor [radiative heat from the caldera, water vapor, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and/or ice nuclei (IN) aerosols, and albedo change due to ashfall], and (3) 11 simulations containing all possible combinations of these factors. These 11 simulations serve to examine interactions among impacts of the different perturbations under the assumed scenarios. The impact of volcanic factors on local weather depends on the synoptic situation, emission strength, (combination of) volcanic factors, and interaction among impacts of factors if they occur concurrently. ANalysis Of VAriance shows that the greatest (statistically significant at the 95% or higher confidence level) volcanic impact occurs on relatively humid days and immediately downwind of the volcano (<50 km). Depending on relative humidity and temperature conditions, volcanic heat release can increase condensation and/or cloud top levels or reduce cloudiness. Due to non-linear cloud microphysical processes, meteorological responses to volcanic factors can diminish or enhance the impacts of the individual factors when factors occur concurrently. As an example, depending on the ambient conditions, concurrently occurring volcanic factors can lead to a decrease in precipitation at one time and an increase at another time. These
findings indicate that in the immediate vicinity of erupting volcanoes, predicted cloud conditions and precipitation may be inaccurate due to the unknown volcanic forcing.
Integrated Pest Management Policies in America's Schools: Is Federal Legislation Needed?
Authors: Taylor Andrea Kidd , Esdaille Kyle
Published: April 2010

America's school children are at risk of developing asthma and other respiratory illnesses as a result of exposure to hazardous pesticides. Integrated pest management (IPM) policies are being implemented in states and school districts across the country; however, the content and regulation of these policies vary. The need for standardization of such policies and a federal IPM law is the only way to ensure that children in America's schools are adequately protected from exposure to hazardous pesticides used to control pests.
New Jersey's Union-Centered Healthy Schools Work
Authors: Senn Eileen
Published: April 2010

Healthy schools work is taking place on the state level throughout the United States. Perhaps more than in other states, New Jersey healthy schools work has been union-centered. The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) collaborated with the New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC) to produce educational materials and training sessions, provide technical assistance to local education associations, and pursue policy objectives. Pressure from members, personal connections among individuals with experience in health and safety coalitions, progressive union leadership, financial commitment, and a change in focus from regulatory compliance to member organizing contributed to the genesis and success of the work. Others doing healthy schools work may discover new possibilities from the New Jersey experience.
Health status and bio-security plans on pig farms
Authors: Stankovic B. , Hristov S. , Bojkovski T.J. , Maksimovic N.
Published: April 2010

Preservation of necessary level of swine herd health status is the most important aspect of bio-security, farm production and successful welfare protection. It involves a list of bio-security measures which must be essential part of production technology, including good rearing conditions and other prophylactic measures appliance. According to previously performed investigations, a list of elements required to establish standards for bio-security for particular pig farm was created. The list includes elements related to assure spatial., microclimate and hygienic conditions for pigs rearing, care, nutrition and watering, surveillance, regrouping and transport of swine, disease outbreak control, barns equipment and production process organization which are performed by veterinarians and zootechnicians. Bio-security standards must concern necessary level of swine herd health status and organization, size and type of operation and anticipate all compulsory measures for health control and disease spreading prevention, particularly those whose outbreak must be reported. In bio-security plan structure present epidemiological situation, potential herd health and production threats, as well as possible solutions must be concerned.
Occurrence and practical solvent possibility of gilts preinsemination anestrus
Authors: Stancic I. , Gagrcin M. , Jovicin M. , Jovanovic S.
Published: April 2010

Gilts reproductive efficiency is one of the primary factors of successful piglets' production. This performance, among other things, is expresses by the number of pregnant gilts, with desirable genetic traits, body weight and age, sexual maturity status, and general good health, provided for the replacement of sows in primary herd. This goal is very difficult to achieve in practical conditions. The main reason is occurrence of prolonged preinsemination anoestrus (oestrus was not detected even after 8 months of age). This paper review the occurrence of prolonged preinsemination anoestrus, based on the results of our and study of other authors. All studies consistently show that, in most of these gilts, pubertal cyclic ovarian activity were established, that silent oestrus occurred in only 4% of the cyclic gilts, and that this problem can be solved by applying appropriate technologies for oestrus detection, and by treatment with adequate hormonal preparations.
Competitiveness of table eggs from non-cage housing systems
Authors: Rodic V. , Peric L. , Pavlovski Z. , Milosevic N.
Published: April 2010

Experiences of developed countries show that production costs in non-cage housing systems for layer hens are from 8 to 59%, and in organic production over 200% higher compared to production costs in the conventional cage system. Consequently, eggs deriving from non-cage systems can be competitive only provided that the consumers are willing to pay adequately higher price for eggs produced in said way. In this paper, 720 consumers were interviewed with aim to determine to what extent they are prepared to pay higher price for eggs deriving from non-cage systems. Obtained results show that over ? of consumers were willing to pay higher price for such eggs. This, however, was limited in majority of consumers (53%) to increase of price by up to 20%. This is enough to cover increased costs of production in the floor system, but not in case of free range system and organic production. Taking into consideration the fact that in EU, from year 2012, serious egg deficit can be expected due to the ban of housing of layers in battery cages, and that this deficit will probably be covered by supply from surrounding countries, it can be concluded that for certain number of producers transition to non-cage housing systems can be good business decision. For most of them, however, transition to so called enriched cages poses less risk, and in this production system they can expect premium price for egg with increase of production costs not exceeding 15%.
Global trends in milk production and trade: The impact on the European milk market
Authors: Kashtanova E.
Published: April 2010

The extremely instable milk price development in the last decade has changed the production, investment volume and the trade positions in milk sector in many countries. The price growth on 30% in 2007 and fall in 2008, increased the risk especially for the producers with low technology, making small business in this sector unprofitable. This instability hardly affects European milk producers during the reduction of the EU protection of milk market. The goals of this paper are to eliminate the major reasons for the price instability on the global milk market, and to show how the changes in the global prices, production and trade impact the milk market in the European Union.
On the customs union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia
Authors: Simon György
Published: April 2010

The article gives a general overview of the process of forming a customs union among three Soviet successor states - Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. Following some theoretical considerations, the author outlines the evolution of the idea of customs union within the CIS. Thereafter, he analyses the economic situation in its member states, with particular emphasis on their structural problems, economic efficiency and trade characteristics. He comes to the conclusion that the foregoing results have not helped diversify the economic structure of its participants and lessen their import dependence. Moreover, the declining level of intra-trade does not bode well for the future of this organization, while the situation is further complicated by the negative impact of the present global crisis and increasing geopolitical rivalry in the region.