bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicação de uma teoria termodinâmica no estudo de um Vórtice Ciclônico de Altos Níveis sobre o nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Costa Rafaela Lisboa , Souza Enio Pereira de , Silva Fabricio Daniel dos Santos
Published: March 2014

Este estudo teve como objetivo principal aplicar a teoria da máquina térmica em um evento de Vórtice Ciclônico de Altos Níveis (VCAN), ocorrido sobre o Nordeste do Brasil com o intuito de analisar um dos mecanismos de manutenção desse tipo de sistema. A teoria da máquina térmica, baseada na segunda lei da termodinâmica, foi utilizada para calcular a diferença de pressão existente entre dois pontos localizados no centro e na periferia do VCAN. O modelo Brazilian developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (BRAMS) conseguiu representar bem o evento ocorrido no período de 10 a 21 de janeiro de 2011, mostrando uma maior intensidade deste evento no período de 16 a 19 de janeiro de 2011. A teoria da máquina térmica apresentou-se como uma ferramenta capaz de ser utilizada no estudo dos VCANs, mostrando boa concordância com as simulações realizadas com o modelo.
Padrões de circulação em superfície e em 500 hPa na América do Sul e eventos de anomalias positivas de precipitação no estado de Minas Gerais durante o mês de dezembro de 2011
Authors: Escobar Gustavo Carlos Juan
Published: March 2014

O presente trabalho apresenta uma classificação dos campos de circulação atmosférica em superfície e 500 hPa sobre a América do Sul durante o mês de dezembro, com o intuito de identificar os principais padrões sinóticos que influenciam o tempo na Região Sudeste do Brasil, principalmente no Estado de Minas Gerais (MG). A metodologia utilizada foi a técnica de Análise de Componentes Principais rotacionadas aplicada à série de reanálises do NCEP para o período 1986-2011. O intuito final desta classificação foi determinar os padrões de circulação predominantes durante o mês de dezembro de 2011, que estiveram relacionados com a ocorrência de precipitações anômalas no Estado de MG. Os resultados obtidos para o período 1986-2011 destacam seis padrões de sequências principais (PSP) de circulação em superfície e quatro padrões de altitude que representam 72,8% e 94% dos casos analisados, respectivamente. Em superfície houve três padrões de circulação principais associados com maior probabilidade de ocorrência de chuva sobre o Estado MG; um deles associado com uma frente fria no sul da Região Sudeste (PSP2-Sup), e outros dois (PSP3-Sup e PSP5-Sup) relacionados com uma configuração de bloqueio de tipo "dipolo" no oceano Atlântico determinado por um anticiclone localizado em torno de 50ºW, 45ºS e por uma baixa posicionado ao norte do anticiclone em torno de 25ºS. Em 500 hPa houve dois padrões de circulação associados com a ocorrência de chuva significativa sobre o Estado mineiro que se refletiram nos campos obtidos em superfície; um deles associado ao avanço de um sistema frontal frio (PSP2-500) e o outro relacionado com uma situação de bloqueio de tipo "dipolo" no oceano Atlântico (PSP4-500). As chuvas anômalas registradas durante dezembro de 2011 estiveram associadas diretamente com a atuação dos padrões de circulação PSP3-Sup e PSP4-500, sendo que ambos os modelos estiveram relacionados com a atuação de episódios de Zona de Convergência do Atlântico Sul (ZCAS).
Avaliação dos recursos eólicos simulado no estado do Ceará: um estudo de caso para o El Niño 97/98 e para La Niña 98/99
Authors: Araújo Júnior Luiz Martins de , Silva Emerson Mariano da , Costa Alexandre Araújo , Sales Domingo Cassain , Vasconcelos Junior Francisco da Chagas , Guimarães Sullyandro Oliveira
Published: March 2014

Este estudo foi desenvolvido no intuito de avaliar o potencial eólico do estado do Ceará nos períodos chuvoso e seco em eventos de El Niño e La Niña. Para isso é utilizado o modelo de área limitada, Regional Modelling System (RAMS 6.0), forçado pela reanálise ERA-Interim, para simular a densidade do ar e a velocidade do vento em diferentes níveis atmosféricos. Para avaliação do desempenho do modelo, os dados simulados de velocidade do vento são comparados com dados observados, a 10 m da superfície, de estações climatológicas do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), por meio de gráficos e um conjunto de índices estatísticos. Adicionalmente, mapas mensais de velocidade média a 50 m da superfície foram feitos, classificando o potencial eólico de acordo com o National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Os resultados apresentados para avaliação do desempenho do modelo mostraram que apesar do modelo superestimar os dados observados, o índice de concordância ou Wilmott e o coeficiente de correlação apresentam valores que variam de moderado (0,40 < r < 0,69) a forte (0,70 < r < 0,89). Através do conjunto de índices estatísticos ainda foi possível extrair que nos semestres mais chuvosos e/ou em período de ocorrência do fenômeno La Niña o desempenho do modelo é melhor. Com relação à avaliação do potencial eólico, notou-se que em ocorrência de ENOS positivo há uma condição mais favorável de geração de energia do que em evento de ENOS na fase fria, principalmente na região litorânea do estado do Ceará. Com isso, conclui-se que o desempenho do modelo foi satisfatório, mostrando ser uma possível ferramenta para futuras rotinas operacionais de previsão dos recursos eólicos do Estado.
Variables associated with family breakdown in healthy and obese/ overweigh adolescents
Authors: Almeida Carla Cristina J. N. de , Mora Paula de Oliveira , Oliveira Valmir Aparecido de , Joao Camila Aparecida , Joao Carolina Regina , Riccio Ana Carolina , Almeida Carlos Alberto N. de
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the presence of family breakdown factors among eutrophic and overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 242 students aged between 14 and 19 years old, from a public school. Each student was weighed, measured and answered a questionnaire with closed questions addressing the presence of family breakdown factors. The adolescents were divided in two groups: euthophic and overweight/obese. The answers of both groups were compared by Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the studied factors between the two groups. Comparing the number of positive answers (presence of family breakdown factors) and negative ones (absence of family breakdown factors), no difference was observed between the groups. Conclusions: The inclusion of a control group showed that factors of family breakdown, usually identified as associated with obesity in adolescents, may also be present in eutrophic adolescents.
Lar "Doce" Lar: uma análise do consumo de açúcar e de produtos relacionados no Brasil
Authors: Souza Mauricio Jorge Pinto de , Oliveira Pedro Rodrigues de , Burnquist Heloisa Lee
Published: March 2014

O principal objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar as características do consumo de açúcar e de produtos que usam açúcar em sua composição, utilizando dados das Pesquisas de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) de 2002/2003 e 2008/2009. Para tanto, foi utilizada a metodologia proposta por Hoffmann (1983, 2010) para a estimativa da elasticidade-renda. Os resultados mostram a significativa redução do consumo e dispêndio per capita associado ao açúcar cristal e refinado no período, bem como o aumento do consumo de açúcar na forma de produtos industrializados. Adicionalmente, a elasticidade-renda estimada para os produtos industrializados é bastante superior à do açúcar, indicando a preferência pelos consumos industrializados, associado ao processo de aumento na renda observada no período.
Regras de prioridade eficientes que exploram características do Job Shop Flexível para a minimização do atraso total
Authors: Melo Everton Luiz de , Ronconi Débora Pretti
Published: March 2014

Este trabalho aborda o ambiente de produção Job Shop Flexível (JSF), extensão do problema NP-Difícil Job Shop. O JSF envolve um conjunto de jobs compostos por operações e cada operação deve ser processada em uma das máquinas habilitadas. O critério considerado é a minimização do atraso total. Inicialmente são identificadas características relacionadas à flexibilidade do sistema de produção, mais especificamente às máquinas habilitadas por operação e aos seus tempos de processamento. A seguir são propostas novas regras que exploram tais características e que são capazes de antever estados futuros do sistema. São realizados experimentos computacionais com 600 instâncias. Comparações com regras da literatura mostram que a melhor heurística proposta supera a melhor regra conhecida em 81% das instâncias.
Características endócrinas, metabólicas e indicadoras da qualidade da carne em bovinos Nelore castrados e não castrados
Authors: Silva Bárbara , Poleti Mirele Daiana , Moncau Cristina Tschorny , Rosa Alessandra Fernandes , Silva Saulo da Luz e , Balieiro Júlio César de Carvalho
Published: March 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar características endócrinas (ACTH e cortisol plasmático), metabólicas (glicogênio e lactato muscular) e indicadoras de qualidade da carne em bovinos Nelore castrados e não castrados. Foram abatidos 130 animais (78 castrados e 52 não castrados), entre os anos de 2009 e 2011. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas, in vivo e post mortem (IV e PM), para mensurações endócrinas. Para os metabólitos, foram coletadas amostras do músculo Longissimus dorsi (LD). Para as análises físico-químicas, três bifes do músculo LD (entre a 10ª e 12ª costelas) foram maturados por um, sete e 14 dias. O pH e a temperatura dos animais foram mensurados a uma e 24 horas PM. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas por meio do procedimento de modelos mistos, com auxílio do programa Statistical Analysis System. Observou-se que as concentrações de cortisol (IV e PM) e lactato muscular foram superiores (P<0,05) nos animais castrados em relação aos não castrados. Animais castrados apresentam menores valores de pH 24 horas e carnes mais macias (P<0,05) em todos os tempos de maturação, quando comparados aos não castrados.
Breve história do ensino superior brasileiro e da formação de professores para a escola secundária
Authors: Cacete Núria Hanglei
Published: March 2014

O artigo trata da evolução do ensino superior brasileiro e sua relação com os modelos de formação de professores para escola secundária, ou seja, as séries finais do ensino fundamental e ensino médio. As análises concentram-se nos textos e documentos que abordam a genealogia da regulamentação do ensino superior, e, de modo particular, os cursos de formação de professores, tomando como base territorial de análise o Estado de São Paulo. Na medida em que se considera a educação como um fenômeno histórico, destacou-se o contexto político econômico a contar de 1930, quando a formação de professores foi elevada a nível superior e o ensino expandiu-se fortemente em função do aumento sensível da demanda social por educação. A faculdade de filosofia, inspirada na investigação científica e, inicialmente, concebida como núcleo integrador da nascente universidade, transmutou-se, constituindo--se em primeiro lócus institucional de ensino superior responsável pela formação de professores. Demonstraram-se a desarticulação da faculdade de filosofia no âmbito da universidade, que foi sendo substituída por outras formas de organização, e sua expansão como instituições isoladas de caráter privado, aqui denominada de novas faculdades de filosofia. Com o advento das licenciaturas curtas, essas instituições apresentaram um crescimento significativo, contribuindo com o processo de evolução do ensino superior para a consecução do binômio expansão/privatização.
Da classificação de obras lexicográficas e seus problemas: proposta de uma taxonomia
Authors: Miranda Félix Bugueño
Published: March 2014

Dentre os desafios pendentes da teoria metalexicográfica, um dos mais importantes é a geração de modelos de classificação de obras lexicográficas. Os modelos desenvolvidos até o presente momento obedecem a critérios impressionistas, funcionais ou linguísticos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um modelo de classificação de dicionários que integre dois critérios. Considerando que os dicionários são instrumentos linguísticos concebidos para um público-alvo determinado, uma proposta de classificação deveria levar em conta os critérios funcional e linguístico. No âmbito do critério funcional, estabelece-se uma distinção entre falantes nativos e falantes não nativos. No âmbito do critério linguístico, empregam-se parâmetros tais como o número de línguas, a oposição semasiologia/onomasiologia e uma concepção diassistêmica da linguagem. A proposta classificatória apresentada é do tipo taxonômico. Acredita-se que uma classificação taxonômica ofereça melhores resultados que uma proposta tipológica. É necessário salientar, no entanto, que ainda não é possível gerar uma classificação exaustiva de obras lexicográficas de validez universal.
Life-history strategies associated to reproduction of three Hyphessobrycon species (Characidae) in lentic environments of upper Paraná River basin
Authors: Gonçalves Cristina da Silva , Souza Ursulla Pereira , Ferreira Fabio Cop , Peressin Alexandre , Braga Francisco Manoel de Souza
Published: March 2014

AIM: Life-history strategies in fish include essential parameters related to offspring survivorship, fecundity and time of reproduction, which represent adaptive traits that enable a species to deal with spatial and temporal variability of abiotic conditions. This study aimed to compare reproductive traits associated to life-history theory for three Hyphessobrycon species from two lentic environments (four natural oxbow lakes and a man-made reservoir) of Mogi Guaçu River, upper Paraná River basin. METHODS: Specimens were collected with four minnow traps between August 2005 and July 2006 to cover dry and wet seasons (three samples in each season, and three samples in each environment). RESULTS: Reproductive strategy of H. bifasciatus and H. eques, which predominated in the oxbow lakes, differed from H. anisitsi in the reservoir. Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus and H. eques were single spawners with lower fecundity and size at sexual maturity, but invested more in number of eggs per body gram, while H. anisitsi was a multiple spawner species with higher fecundity, larger size at sexual maturity and body size. CONCLUSIONS: In seasonal environments, single spawners are synchronized with the floods to maximize juvenile survivorship, while reservoirs harbors multiple spawners’ fish due to the reduced fluctuation between high and low floods resulting from dam operation. Therefore, the seasonal condition in the oxbow lakes due to the flood pulse favored single spawners’ tactic, as showed by H. bifasciatus and H. eques. In contrast, the multiple spawning of H. anisitsi seems to be related to the more stable environmental condition throughout the year provided by the dam. Life-histories reported herein to Hyphessobrycon species must be common to other characid fishes inhabiting similar environments.
Structure of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages on a gradient of environmental integrity in Neotropical streams
Authors: Suriano Marcia Thais , Fonseca-Gessner Alaide Aparecida
Published: March 2014

AIM: This study investigated the taxonomic composition of the benthic macroinvertebrates in streams to evaluate how this fauna reflects the various uses of the soil and to identify which groups of macroinvertebrates might be taken as characterizing each situation under study. METHODS: To achieve these objectives, 29 streams were collected and inserted in regions with different conservation using Surber sampler. Analyzes were performed of environmental variables (Principal Components Analysis - PCA) and taxonomic structure of the community (taxon richness, numerical abundance and Multidimensional scaling - MDS). RESULTS: EPT group (orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) and the Coleoptera exhibited greater numerical abundance and taxon richness in streams located in reference areas. In contrast, dipteran larvae, especially the chironomids, along with immature odonates, were more abundant in streams in areas suffering from a lack of riparian forest. Multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) revealed an environmental gradient, on which the streams within the Atlantic forest formed a tightly clustered group, as did those in semideciduous forests. However, the latter group occupied an intermediate position between the Atlantic forest streams and those in areas disturbed by human activity. Among these areas there were no specific clusters by monoculture. CONCLUSIONS: Among the groups of streams defined by the types of land use in the adjacent areas, the state of integrity was found to decline from Atlantic rainforest, through semi-deciduous forest and then pasture, to the monocultures of eucalypts and sugarcane.
Randomized Phase II Trial Comparing Carboplatin Plus Weekly Paclitaxel and Docetaxel Alone in Elderly Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: North Japan Lung Cancer Group Trial 0801
Authors: Maemondo Makoto , Inoue Akira , Sugawara Shunichi , Harada Toshiyuki , Minegishi Yuji , Usui Kazuhiro , Miwa Koji , Morikawa Naoto , Kambe Mariko , Ube Kenji , Watanabe Kana , Ishimoto Osamu , Sakakibara Tomohiro , Gemma Akihiko , Nukiwa Toshihiro
Published: March 2014

Author Summary

Background.

Standard first-line chemotherapy for elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has been monotherapy with vinorelbine or gemcitabine. Docetaxel has also been considered as an alternative option for the elderly population in Japan. We have previously demonstrated the high efficacy of carboplatin plus weekly paclitaxel for elderly NSCLC patients. Consequently, we conducted a randomized phase II study to select the proper regimen for a future phase III trial.

Methods.

Eligible patients were aged 70 years or older with newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC. Patients were randomly assigned either to a combination of carboplatin (area under the curve: 6 mg/mL per minute) with weekly paclitaxel (70 mg/m2) (CP regimen) or to single-agent docetaxel (60 mg/m2). The primary endpoint of this study was objective response rate. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival, and toxicity profile.

Results.

Among 83 eligible patients (41 to CP, 42 to docetaxel), the objective response rates were 54% (95% confidence interval: 39%–69%) and 24% (95% confidence interval: 11%–37%) and median progression-free survival was 6.6 months and 3.5 months in the CP arm and the docetaxel arm, respectively. Severe neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and nausea were significantly frequent in the docetaxel arm, whereas toxicities in the CP arm were generally moderate. One treatment-related death was observed in the docetaxel arm.

Conclusion.

The CP regimen achieved higher activity with less toxicity than single-agent docetaxel. Considering the results of this phase II trial and the IFCT-0501 trial, we have selected the CP regimen for a future phase III trial in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC.
Investigating 500-year-old coastal towers in Sardinia and Corsica: a research protocol
Authors: Murru Stefania
Published: March 2014

The numerous similarities in geographical, historical and environmental contexts in which the coastal defence systems of Corsica and Sardinia were designed, suggest an interesting comparison. This juxtaposition, also corroborated by the fascinating possibility of an exchange of construction knowledge between the two islands, is the basis of this study. Given the many similarities highlighted in these buildings, it was decided to apply the same multidisciplinary research protocol to both. The multidisciplinary viewpoint, which takes advantage of the synergic contribution of specialised analyses, constitutes a valuable basis on which to understand the buildings' complexity. This methodology, based on the architectural and historical value of the monument, can contribute to generating a different approach to the restoration project. Moreover, it could be applied to the study of similar groups of monuments, in the same location or in other geographical contexts.
Deduction of three-dimensional electro-osmotic theory
Authors: Chang Chih-Cheng , Sheen Mau-Song
Published: March 2014

When a solar energy supply system was used in the electro-osmotic ground improvement procedure, soil nearby the anode and cathode was found to have metal ion dissipation and consolidation according to the energy dispersive spectrometer before and after the electro-osmosis. This phenomenon is different from those that use accumulators as a power supply system. Soil only nearby the anode had ion consolidation because accumulators could not supply stable power. This study found that owing to the metal ion consolidated clay under solar energy electro-osmosis, the soil strength at the anode and cathode increases. Moreover, the ion consolidation diffusion was similar to three-dimensional consolidation behaviour. Therefore, this study used excess pore water pressure of the three-dimensional consolidation behaviour to deduce the three-dimensional electro-osmotic equation under solar energy electro-osmosis. The results can serve as a reference for subsequent studies on solar energy electro-osmosis.
Density‐dependent state‐space model for population‐abundance data with unequal time intervals
Authors: Dennis Brian , Ponciano José Miguel
Published: March 2014

The Gompertz state‐space (GSS) model is a stochastic model for analyzing time‐series observations of population abundances. The GSS model combines density dependence, environmental process noise, and observation error toward estimating quantities of interest in biological monitoring and population viability analysis. However, existing methods for estimating the model parameters apply only to population data with equal time intervals between observations. In the present paper, we extend the GSS model to data with unequal time intervals, by embedding it within a state‐space version of the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck process, a continuous‐time model of an equilibrating stochastic system. Maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood calculations for the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck state‐space model involve only numerical maximization of an explicit multivariate normal likelihood, and so the extension allows for easy bootstrapping, yielding confidence intervals for model parameters, statistical hypothesis testing of density dependence, and selection among sub‐models using information criteria. Ecologists and managers previously drawn to models lacking density dependence or observation error because such models accommodated unequal time intervals (for example, due to missing data) now have an alternative analysis framework incorporating density dependence, process noise, and observation error.
Conspecific negative density‐dependent mortality and the structure of temperate forests
Authors: Johnson Daniel J. , Bourg Norman A. , Howe Robert , McShea William J. , Wolf Amy , Clay Keith
Published: March 2014

Factors that control tree seedling dynamics are critical determinants of forest diversity. We examined the role of density‐dependent mortality and abiotic factors in the differential establishment and survival of tree seedlings at three, large, mapped forest plots in Indiana, Virginia, and Wisconsin, USA. We tested whether seedling densities and seedling survival are related to local biotic and abiotic factors with generalized linear mixed models. Spatial point pattern analyses were utilized to determine if the distribution patterns of seedlings and saplings are consistent with a pattern generated by negative density‐dependent mortality with respect to conspecific trees.

Initial sampled seedling density for nearly a third of species showed a positive correlation with increasing conspecific basal area, indicating dispersal limitation, but few had any association with abiotic variables. By contrast, survival of seedlings over one year significantly declined with increasing conspecific basal area. Point pattern analyses indicated that nearly one‐third of tree species had significantly over‐dispersed point patterns of conspecific seedlings and saplings relative to adult densities; the majority of other species exhibited random spatial arrangements. Our results demonstrate that negative conspecific density‐dependent mortality of seedlings could generate the spatial patterns observed at later life stages. By differentially favoring seedlings of other species, this process may contribute to the maintenance of tree diversity in temperate forests, just as others have demonstrated for tropical forests.
Tensile Strain‐Rate Dependency of Pore Water Pressure and Failure Strength of Soil
Authors: Hallett Paul D. , Baumgartl Thomas , Seville Jonathan P.K. , Horn Rainer , Dexter Anthony R.
Published: March 2014

Microtensiometer probes with a tip radius <1 mm were used for direct measurement of the change in pore water pressure caused by tensile loading at different strain rates in soils. These probes responded rapidly to changes in pore water pressure during testing and demonstrated that the applied tensile stress was transmitted almost entirely through the pore water, as would be expected. Above a strain rate of 1% min−1, viscous effects became significant, leading to a significant increase in the fracture stress. The results are described using an extended version of the Kelvin–Voigt model of rheological behavior. At low strain rates, capillary forces dominate the fracture stress. Above the critical strain rate, the viscosity of the soil also contributes to the fracture stress.
A Modified Effective Stress Principle for Unsaturated Swelling Clays Derived from Microstructure
Authors: Mainka Julia , Murad Marcio A. , Moyne Christian , Lima Sidarta A.
Published: March 2014

A three‐scale model is proposed to describe electro‐chemo‐mechanical couplings in unsaturated swelling clays characterized by two porosity levels and three separate length scales. The nanoscale portrait consists of charged clay particles separated by a nanoporous network saturated by a binary monovalent aqueous electrolyte solution. Local ion distribution and electric potential are governed by the Poisson–Boltzmann problem. At the microscale, the system is represented by swollen clay clusters separated from each other by a network of micropores filled with a mixture of bulk water and air. Under mechanical equilibrium characterized by the competition between disjoining forces of electrochemical nature and capillary attraction effects, we derived a novel form of the effective stress principle in the asymptotic limit of scale separation. Such form includes a new macroscopic equivalent pore pressure weighted by a two‐scale effective Bishop coefficient that incorporates the effects of the adsorbed water at the secondary nanopore level in addition to the contributions of the water–air interfaces at the micropore level. Within the thermodynamic context for constructing macroscopic constitutive laws based on stress–strain variables, the three‐scale model leads to a set of three work‐conjugated state variables. In addition to the contact stress between particles and the new effective Bishop‐type component, the novel form includes salinity as an additional stress‐conjugated variable and a three‐scale version of the electrochemical swelling stress. The potential of the multiscale approach in capturing the complex features of unsaturated expansive clays is illustrated by numerical reconstruction of the effective coefficients in a simplified isotropic microstructure.
Stress Measures Affecting Deformation of Granular Materials
Authors: Molenkamp Frans , de Jager Richard R. , Mathijssen François A. J. M.
Published: March 2014

For the saturated case with only one pore fluid, either water or air, the roles of both the intergranular stress tensor and the pore fluid stress can be distinguished easily. In the unsaturated case, the capillary water is recognized to induce capillary suction in the pores and capillary‐suction‐induced interparticle forces. At the macroscale, volume averaging of these forces would lead to the capillary‐suction‐induced intergranular stress tensor. In its approximate formulation, the concept of the fabric stress tensor is applied, enabling the effect of the spatial distribution of the intergranular fabric on the capillary water bridges as occurring in the drier pendular saturation phase to be accounted for. Subsequently, the combined intergranular stress tensor and the combined pore fluid stress tensor can be derived directly. The constitutive relation of a granular skeleton, composed of elastic particles with mainly frictional interaction, like quartz sands and silts, is considered to remain independent of the degree of saturation. Under such restrictive conditions, only the additional physical parameters of the capillary‐suction‐induced intergranular stress tensor need to be determined, which can be achieved by means of inverse modeling, taking advantage of all macroscale experimental data and physical modeling for the whole unsaturated range. For clays and peats, with potential physicochemical and biochemical actions and double porosity and/or fibrous microstructures, the constitutive models can be expected to be physically more complicated, thus involving more physically relevant parameters. Hence, clays and peats must be considered to fall outside the scope of the proposed model framework.
Determination of Soil Hydraulic Parameters with CyclicIrrigation Tests
Authors: Communar Gregory , Friedman Shmulik P.
Published: March 2014

A method for determining soil hydraulic parameters based on periodic point source solutions of the linearized Richards equation is proposed. Closed‐form solutions were derived for buried and surface point sources with a sinusoidally varying flux. These solutions describe the dependence of the matric flux potential (MFP) amplitude and phase shift on the distance from the point sources, frequency of source flux alternations, and soil hydraulic parameters. The Fourier series representation of square waves was used to extend the point source solutions for sinusoidally varying flux to square‐wave cyclic inputs of water with a 50% duty cycle—a preferable operating mode for field experiments. Close to the sources, the amplitudes and shape of MFP waves from a step input were more pronounced than those from a sinusoidal input, but the difference diminished as distance increased. The proposed method involves recording the pressure head variations with a continuously reading tensiometer installed below a pressure‐compensating emitter controlled by an irrigation computer. Among 16 cyclic step‐input irrigation tests, one series involved pressure‐head measurements at a single depth and varied water‐pulse durations; the second involved pressure‐head measurements at various depths with a fixed water‐pulse duration. The soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, the coefficient α of Gardner's conductivity model, and the coefficient k of the linearized unsteady‐flow equation were estimated by matching the periodic solution for cyclic step inputs to the measured pressure‐head data with a two‐step inversion procedure: an amplitude‐shift (AS) estimation procedure followed by the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) optimization algorithm. The AS procedure was effective, and the LM optimization yielded only minor improvements. Our main findings are: (i) the periodic solution for step inputs yields reasonably good predictions of pressure‐head variations measured at various depths below an emitter for different periods of water application; and (ii) the proposed point‐source method seems to yield consistent and reliable estimates of the three soil hydraulic parameters.
The Life Skills Assessment Scale: Measuring Life Skills of Disadvantaged Children in the Developing World
Authors: Kennedy Fiona , Pearson David , Brett-Taylor Lucy , Talreja Vishal
Published: March 2014

Adversity, including malnutrition, has had irrefutable effects on child development and mental health. India, for example, has approximately 160 million children in poverty: The growth of up to 59% of rural and 48% of all children is stunted. Hundreds of thousands of nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) work with these disadvantaged children to increase their life skills and ameliorate effects of adversity. Yet a simple effective measure of program impact has remained elusive. We used observational data from 1,136 disadvantaged children aged 8 to 16 years to construct
a simple 5-item impact assessment scale. Although the scale was developed in India, we envisage that it could be used with disadvantaged children worldwide.
Body Mass Index, Obesity, and Self-Control: A Comparison of Chronotypes
Authors: Wang Lili
Published: March 2014

The correlation between evening type, body mass index (BMI), and obesity has attracted the attention of researchers. In this study, I surveyed a sample of adults drawn from the general population in the US to examine whether or not evening types have a higher BMI than do other chronotypes
and whether or not they are more likely than other chronotypes to become obese. I also proposed a personality-based explanation of the relationship between BMI, evening type, and obesity, with self-control as the mediator. As hypothesized, I found that evening types had a higher BMI and were
more likely to be obese than were either morning types or intermediate types. The finding that the positive relationship between eveningness and BMI can be completely mediated by self-control is most significant.
Skin of Patients with Large/Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Shows Increased Mast Cells
Authors: Salgado Cláudia M. , Silver Randi B. , Bauer Bruce S. , Basu Dipanjan , Schmitt Lori , Khakoo Yasmin , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: March 2014

Nevocytes (NC) and mastocytes (MC) have different progenitors but share stem cell factor as regulator/activator of NC and for differentiation/proliferation of MC. Both cell types express stem cell factor receptor CD117. We hypothesize that large/giant congenital melanocytic nevi (L/GCMN) may associate with MC hyperplasia. Forty-nine L/GCMN were examined, 12 samples from uninvolved skin of L/GCMN patients and 6 control skin samples studied with Giemsa and immunohistochemistry for CD117 and MC-tryptase. Picrosirius red (PR) was used to assess fibrosis. Digital images were used to count MC/mm2 using ImageJ software. Western blot (WB) for MC-tryptase in 12 GCMN and 12 non-nevus samples was performed. Analysis of variance (Tukey) and Pearson statistical tests were applied. Increased MCs were observed in nevus tissue (75.1 ± 35.3 MCs/mm2) and in uninvolved skin (53.74 ± 27.7 MC/ mm2). P = 0.109 from patients with L/GCMN, compared with controls from individuals without L/GCMN (28.74 ± 8.4 MC/mm2); P = 0.001 supported by results of WB analysis for tryptase. A positive trend toward correlation of MC numbers with fibrosis, assessed by PR staining fell short of statistical significance ( r = 0.245; P = 0.086); no difference in fibrosis was found between nevus and non-nevus skin from patients with L/GCMN ( P = 0.136). We found a higher density of MC, both in normal-appearing skin and nevus areas of L/GCMN patients, compared with control skin samples from individuals without nevi. Given the abnormal wound healing and allergic reactions described in L/GCMN patients, these findings suggest a potential role for MC in the biology of L/GCMN, making them a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Pitavastatin-attenuated cardiac dysfunction in mice with dilated cardiomyopathy via regulation of myocardial calcium handling proteins
Authors: Hu Wei , Jiang Wen-Bing
Published: March 2014

C57BL/6 mice with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were randomly divided to receive placebo or pitavastatin at a dose of 1 or 3 mg kg-1d-1. After 8 weeks treatment, mice with dilated cardiomyopathy developed serious cardiac dysfunction characterized by significantly enhanced left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as left ventricular short axis fractional shortening (LVFS), accompanied with enlarged cardiomyocytes, and increased plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and plasma angiotensin II (AngII) concentration. Moreover, myocardium sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump (SERCA-2) activity was decreased. The ratio of phosphorylated phospholamban (PLB) to total PLB decreased significantly with the down-regulation of SERCA- -2a and ryanodine receptor (RyR2) expression. Pitavastatin was found to ameliorate the cardiac dysfunction in mice with dilated cardiomyopathy by reversing the changes in the ratios of phosphorylated PLB to total PLB, SERCA-2a and RyR2 via reducing the plasma AngII concentration and the expressions of myocardium angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and protein kinase C (PKC)b2. The possible underlying mechanism might be the regulation of myocardial AT1R-PKCb2-Ca2+ handling proteins.
On Differential Subordination, Superordination and Sandwich Theorems of Symmetric Analytic Functions
Authors: Muhammad Ali
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we study the interesting properties of differential subor-dination and superordination for the classes of symmetric functions analytic in the unit disc. We derive sandwich results on the basis of this theory.
The impact of the january effect on the IPO underpricing in Poland
Authors: Wołoszyn Adrian , Zarzecki Dariusz
Published: March 2014

We examine the initial public offering (IPO) underpricing phenomenon in Poland using data from the Warsaw Stock Exchange (the main market). In the article we survey historical average IPO underpricing in Europe and outside Europe. We discuss the determinants of the IPO underpricing which is based on asymmetry of information, ownership and control, institutional explanations and behavioural explanations. We discuss the calendar effect and we examine the influence of the January effect on the IPO underpricing. On the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2005-2011, the IPO underpricing was bigger for companies that debuted in January than for companies that debuted in other months. The empirical results are not statistically significant.
Micro-grid for on-site wind-and-hydrogen powered generation
Authors: Suskis P. , Andreiciks A. , Steiks I. , Krievs O. , Kleperis J.
Published: March 2014

The authors propose a micro-grid for autonomous wind-and-hydrogen power generation thus replacing such traditional fossil-fuelled equipment as domestic diesel generators, gas micro-turbines, etc. In the proposed microgrid the excess of electrical energy from a wind turbine is spent on electrolytic production of hydrogen which is then stored under low-pressure in absorbing composite material. The electrolyser has a non-traditional feeding unit and electrode coatings. The proposed DC/DC conversion topologies for different micro-grid nodes are shown to be well-designed. The prototypes elaborated for the converters and hydrogen storage media were tested and have demonstrated a good performance.
The influence of the chain length and the functional group steric accessibility of thiols on the phase transfer efficiency of gold nanoparticles from water to toluene
Authors: Soliwoda Katarzyna , Tomaszewska Emilia , Tkacz-Szczesna Beata , Rosowski Marcin , Celichowski Grzegorz , Grobelny Jaroslaw
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the influence of the chain length and the functional group steric accessibility of thiols modifiers on the phase transfer process efficiency of water synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to toluene. The following thiols were tested: 1-decanethiol, 1,1-dimethyldecanethiol, 1-dodecanethiol, 1-tetradecanethiol and 1-oktadecanethiol. Nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized in water were precisely characterized before the phase transfer process using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The optical properties of AuNPs before and after the phase transfer were studied by the UV-Vis spectroscopy. Additionally, the particle size and size distribution before and after the phase transfer of nanoparticles were investigated using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). It turned out that the modification of NPs surface was not effective in the case of 1,1-dimethyldecanethiol, probably because of the difficult steric accessibility of the thiol functional group to NPs surface. Consequently, the effective phase transfer of AuNPs from water to toluene did not occur. In toluene the most stable were nanoparticles modified with 1-decanethiol, 1-dodecanethiol and 1-tetradecanethiol.
Natural gas hydrate promotion capabilities of toluene sulfonic acid isomers
Authors: Jarrahian Azad , Heidaryan Ehsan
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the natural gas hydrate promotion capabilities of the hydrotrope Toluene Sulfonic Acid (TSA) isomers as an additive. The capabilities of TSA isomers were measured with different concentrations. The optimum additive concentration for hydrate formation was determined for the given pressure, temperature, mixing condition, and cooling time. The natural gas hydrate promotability of para-TSA was found to be 20% and 35% more than meta-TSA and ortho-TSA respectively at the optimum concentration. Beyond the optimum TSA concentration, the hydrate formation declined as the ice formation reduced the overall gas-to-water volume ratio in the hydrates
Degradation of polylactide using basic ionic liquid imidazolium acetates
Authors: Li Xiao-Yang , Zhou Qian , Yang Ke-Ke , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: March 2014

Imidazolium acetate ionic liquids show high efficiency in the degradation of polylactides (PLA): degradation degree of PLA can reach almost 100 % in imidazolium acetate ionic liquids at 170°C and 1 h under atmospheric pressure, while the degradation degree of PLA remains close to 0 % using neutral 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF4) and acidic ionic liquids at the same reaction conditions. With the increase of both the amount of acetate ionic liquid and the reaction temperature, the degradation degree of PLA increases. The structure of ionic liquids affects the degradation behavior of PLA: for cations, the proton from the C-2 position on the imidazolium ring is involved in the degradation of PLA; the degradation of PLA increases with the increase of the alkyl side-chain length of imidazolium cations; for anions, moderate basicity of the acetate ion contributes to the high activity of the imidazolium acetate ionic liquids in the degradation of PLA.
Structured catalysts for methanol-to-olefins conversion: a review
Authors: Lefevere Jasper , Mullens Steven , Meynen Vera , Noyen Jasper
Published: March 2014

Conversion of methanol to light olefins is a promising alternative for the conversion of new feed-stocks such as gas, coal or biomass to ethylene and propylene via the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) process. During the last decade, the use of structured catalysts in this reaction has received increasing attention. The effect of such structured catalysts on the stability and selectivity is discussed in this review. The reaction and coking mechanism show the importance of good mass transfer properties of the catalyst in the MTO reaction. Important aspects such as thickness of the coating, crystal size of the zeolite and architecture of the support on the mass transfer properties of the final catalyst are highlighted. An overview of the results of structured catalysts used in the MTO reaction is presented.
Designing LED array for uniform illumination based on local search algorithm
Authors: Lei P. , Wang Q. , Zou H.
Published: March 2014

We propose a numerical optimization method based on local search algorithm to design an LED array for a highly uniform illumination distribution. In the first place, an initial LED array is randomly generated and the corresponding value of the objective function is calculated. In the second place, the value of the objective function is iteratively improved by applying local changes of the LED array until the objective function value can not be improved. This method can automatically design an array of LEDs with different luminous intensity value and distribution. Computer simulations show that the near-optimal LED array with highly uniform illumination distribution on target plane is obtained by this method.
High resolution 2-D fluorescence imaging of the mass boundary layer thickness at free water surfaces
Authors: Kräuter C. , Trofimova D. , Kiefhaber D. , Krah N. , Jähne B.
Published: March 2014

A novel 2-D fluorescence imaging technique has been developed to visualize the thickness of the aqueous mass boundary layer at a free water surface. Fluorescence is stimulated by high-power LEDs and is observed from above with a low noise, high resolution and high-speed camera. The invasion of ammonia into water leads to an increase in pH (from a starting value of 4), which is visualized with the fluorescent dye pyranine. The flux of ammonia can be controlled by controlling its air side concentration. A higher flux leads to basic pH values (pH > 7) in a thicker layer at the water surface from which fluorescent light is emitted. This allows the investigation of processes affecting the transport of gases in different depths in the aqueous mass boundary layer. In this paper, the chemical system and optical components of the measurement method are presented and its applicability to a wind-wave tank experiment is demonstrated.
District Heating Mode Analysis Based on an Air-cooled Combined Heat and Power Station
Authors: Li Pei , Ge Zhihua , Yang Zhiping , Chen Yuyong , Yang Yongping
Published: March 2014

As an important research subject, district heating with combined heat and power (CHP) has significant potential for energy conservation. This paper utilised a 200 MW air-cooled unit as an actual case and presented a design scheme and energy consumption analysis of three typical CHP modes, including the low vacuum mode (LVM), the extraction condensing mode (ECM), and the absorbing heat pump mode (AHPM). The advantages and disadvantages of each mode (including their practical problems) were analysed, and suggestions for the best mode were proposed. The energy consumption of the three heating modes changed with the heating load. When the heating load was increased, the net power of the entire system decreased to different degrees. In this paper, the energy conservation effect of the LVM was the most ideal, followed by the ECM and the AHPM. Besides, the LVM and AHPM were able to supply larger heat loads than the ECM, which was limited by the minimum cooling flow of the low pressure cylinder. Furthermore, in order to get a more general conclusion, a similar case with an air-cooled 300 MW unit is studied, showing that the fuel consumption levels of ECM and AHPM have changed.
Abstinence, ennui et dépendance
Authors: Blanc Valérie , Gaudriault Pierre
Published: March 2014

Les auteurs évoquent la question de l’abstinence chez des patients alcoolo-dépendants en insistant sur l’apparition d’un sentiment d’ennui qui peut affecter autant les thérapeutes que les patients eux-mêmes. D’où vient cet ennui ? De la privation d’alcool ou d’une expérience plus ancienne en rapport avec des souffrances primitives ? Deux vignettes cliniques illustrent ce questionnement.
Le tabagisme : entre autoérotisme et respir
Authors: Exertier Laurence
Published: March 2014

Au-delà de la dépendance au toxique nicotinique que le sevrage tabagique permet de pallier, l’auteure observe une autre forme de dépendance à la cigarette, un reste conduisant les patients à rester attachés, liés à l’objet cigarette malgré tous les traitements et autres substituts qui leur sont proposés. La question se pose alors des modalités qui lient le fumeur à son objet d’une façon telle qu’il en devient dépendant, et des formes que revêt cet au-delà de la dépendance à la nicotine. La lecture de l’ouvrage de J.-L. Tristani, Le stade respir , qui reprend les symptômes d’un illustre tabaco-dépendant, S. Freud, apporte des éléments précieux sur la jouissance du corps à laquelle la cigarette convoque le fumeur. Au travers d’une vignette clinique, l’auteure tentera ensuite de définir quels sont les enjeux de cette dépendance et quelle place peut occuper le produit dans l’économie psychique du patient, place bien sûr liée à la singularité du patient, à sa position subjective mais dont les coordonnées peuvent trouver un écho chez nos autres patients fumeurs permettant de réinterroger la question du tabagisme.