bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term maintenance of in vitro cultures affects growth and secondary metabolism of St. John's Wort
Authors: Figueiró Adriana de Andrade , Correa Cynthia Manira , Astarita Leandro Vieira , Santarém Eliane Romanato
Published: November 2010

Hypericum perforatum is a traditional medicinal plant with wound healing and antidepressant properties. Efficiency of micropropagation is often related to the long term maintenance of tissues in culture, which may alter the secondary metabolism of plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and secondary metabolism of in vitro shoots of H. perforatum on short and long term maintenance of cultures (30 and 100 days). The effect of BA and NAA supplementation was evaluated during 30 days of culture. Adventitious shoots were cultivated on MS medium supplemented with 4.4mM BA alone or in combination with 0.05mM NAA for 30 days. A hormone-free medium was used as control. Shoots cultivated for 100 days were maintained in presence of 4.4mM BA. Biomass, multiplication of shoots, contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and hypericin were evaluated. No difference between BA and BA+NAA was observed on growth, multiplication of shoots and levels of flavonoids at the end of 30 days of culture. Production of phenolic compounds was promoted by addition of BA+NAA to the medium, whereas hypericin was increased by the presence of BA. The time of culture (30 and 100 days) affected all the parameters analyzed, except the levels of flavonoids in the short term experiment.
Fontes de minerais orgânicos e inorgânicos para leitões desmamados
Authors: Muniz Mendelson Henrique Baldassa , Berto Dirlei Antonio , Augusto Regina Maria Nascimento , Trindade Neto Messias Alves , Wechsler Francisco Stefano , Tierzo Vivian Lo , Hauptli Lucélia
Published: November 2010

A presente pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de comparar os efeitos de fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de microminerais sobre o desempenho, os parâmetros sanguíneos e a deposição de minerais em tecidos e órgãos de leitões desmamados. Foram utilizados 54 leitões de genética comercial, desmamados com idade média de 24 dias e peso médio de 7,35±0,88kg, num delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos, nove repetições e três animais por parcela. Os tratamentos foram representados pelo uso de rações suplementadas com minerais de fontes orgânicas ou inorgânicas (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn e Se) no período dos 24 aos 57 dias de idade. Foram avaliados o consumo diário de ração, o ganho diário de peso, a conversão alimentar, os parâmetros hematológicos e a deposição de minerais em tecidos e órgãos. As fontes orgânicas de minerais nas rações fornecidas dos 24 aos 57 dias de idade melhoraram o ganho diário de peso (P=0,06) e a conversão alimentar (P=0,05) e aumentaram o número de hemáceas (P=0,10), contudo não influenciaram a deposição de minerais no músculo masseter, fígado, coração, baço e rim. Portanto, o suplemento de minerais de fontes orgânicas foi mais eficiente para o desempenho dos leitões na fase de creche.
Estudo do reprocessamento de polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD) reciclado do processamento de extrusão de filmes tubulares
Authors: Pistor Vinicius , Chiesa Amauri , Zattera Ademir J.
Published: November 2010

O mercado de reciclagem para os polímeros termoplásticos encontra-se atualmente em acentuada ascensão. Os materiais reciclados são vistos como materiais de propriedades inferiores em relação ao material virgem. O presente trabalho avaliou as características viscoelásticas e térmicas do polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD) reciclado. As amostras foram reprocessadas até dez vezes em condições extremas de processamento (300 °C/80 rpm) em uma extrusora monorosca, a fim de avaliar modificações estruturais nas suas propriedades. Foram realizadas análises de reometria oscilatória de placas paralelas e calorimetria exploratória de varredura (DSC). A partir das análises de reometria oscilatória foram calculados espectros de relaxação e retardação pelo programa de regularização não-linear (NLREG) e através das análises de DSC no primeiro aquecimento foram calculados os parâmetros cinéticos pelos métodos de Avrami e Freeman-Carroll. Os resultados do estudo reológico demonstraram que as amostras reprocessadas acima de quatro vezes apresentaram aumento da viscosidade complexa e dos módulos de armazenamento e perda, além de fenômenos de relaxação e retardação mais largos. Entretanto, os termogramas de DSC e os parâmetros cinéticos de fusão demonstraram que o PEBD estudado manteve sua estabilidade térmica, independentemente da modificação de suas características viscoelásticas.
Avaliação dos comportamentos mecânico e térmico de laminados de PPS/fibra de carbono processados em autoclave sob diferentes ciclos de consolidação
Authors: Marques Luciana S , Narita Nilson E , Costa Gustavo G. da , Rezende Mirabel C
Published: November 2010

Usualmente, um dos processos mais utilizados para fabricação de componentes em termoplásticos estruturais é a moldagem por compressão a quente, porém restringindo-se na obtenção de peças de pequeno e médio porte. Tal restrição deve-se à limitação do tamanho das prensas utilizadas, principalmente pelo custo envolvido. Procurando ampliar a aplicação de compósitos termoplásticos, possibilitando a fabricação de peças maiores e com maior potencial de integração, pelo uso de infra-estrutura já disponível em processadores de compósitos, este trabalho aborda o processamento de laminados de poli(sulfeto de fenileno) (PPS) reforçado com fibra de carbono em autoclave, pelo uso de quatro diferentes ciclos de consolidação. Os laminados obtidos foram caracterizados por inspeção por ultrassom, análises de DSC para a determinação da cristalinidade e avaliação das propriedades mecânicas em flexão, compressão e cisalhamento interlaminar. Os resultados mostram que laminados obtidos com taxas de resfriamento mais lentas apresentam menor resistência e módulo em compressão, uma vez que o maior grau de cristalinidade (~30%) promove maior fragilização da matriz polimérica.
Imigração brasileira no Japão: o mito da volta e a preservação da identidade
Authors: Lask Tomke
Published: November 2010

A emigração brasileira para o Japão é um fenômeno recente que ainda não lida com os problemas decorrentes da socialização de filhos na emigração. Por isso os emigrantes, certos de que voltem ao Brasil, não consideram uma eventual perda de identidade de seus filhos como um problema. Mas já existem dois grupos no Japão que começam a alarmar-se com o avanço da socialização japonesa dos seus filhos: mulheres nipo-brasileiras casadas com japoneses e famílias brasileiras com filhos em idade escolar. Trata-se então de apresentar neste trabalho duas estratégias conscientes para a preservação da identidade brasileira, focalisadas na manutenção do domínio da língua portuguesa. Refiro-me às atividades da associação "Grupo Brasil" em Tóquio, fundada por brasileiras casadas com japoneses, e as atividades da associação nipo-brasileira de Oizume.
Composição microbiana e ocratoxina a no café (Coffea arabica L.) submetido a diferentes tempos de espera antes da secagem
Authors: Pimenta Carlos José , Vilela Evódio Ribeiro
Published: November 2010

Cafés (Coffea arabica. L) da cultivar Catuaí vermelho foram colhidos em 1º/7/1998 na região de Carmo do Rio Claro no Estado de Minas Gerais, onde se utilizaram frutos de um mesmo talhão contendo, em média, 53,89% de cereja, 23,14% seco/passa e 22,96% de frutos verdes. Após colhidos, os frutos foram separados em lotes com 180 litros de frutos para cada tempo de espera e divididos em três repetições com 60 litros de frutos cada uma; esses frutos foram ensacados em sacos de polietileno trançado e dispostos no terreiro por diferentes tempos, variando em 0,1,2,3,4,5,6 e 7 dias, após os quais se procedeu à secagem no próprio terreiro até os grãos atingirem de 11 a 13% de umidade. Em seguida, retirou-se uma quantidade suficiente de amostra para análises químicas e microbiológicas. A composição microbiana, com a elevação no tempo de espera para secagem, caracterizou-se por um aumento na infecção por Fusarium sp, Aspergillus niger e Aspergillus ochraceus nos frutos antes da secagem, diminuição da infecção por Cladosporium sp nos frutos e grãos, Penicillium sp e Fusarium sp nos grãos, com Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger e Aspergillus ochraceus não mostrando variação definida nos grãos, porém, com valores elevados em ambos. Considerando-se os níveis de ochratoxina A, não foi detectada presença em nenhum dos tempos de espera para secagem analisados.
Eficiência das enzimas amilase, protease e xilanase sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte
Authors: Torres Delma Maria , Teixeira Antonio Soares , Rodrigues Paulo Borges , Bertechin Antonio Gilberto , Freitas Rilke Tadeu Fonseca de , Santos Éder Clementino dos
Published: November 2010

Conduziu-se este experimento com o objetivo de verificar o efeito de um complexo multienzimático que possui atividades de amilase, protease e xilanase, adicionado a dietas à base de milho e soja, sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 819 pintos de corte, distribuídos em 13 tratamentos, com três repetições e 21 aves por parcela com delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em fatorial 3 x 2 x 2 + 1. Os tratamentos estudados foram: dietas à base de milho + farelo de soja com níveis normais de nutrientes sem enzimas e mais 12 tratamentos com níveis normais e reduzidos (3% na fase de crescimento e 5% na fase final) de energia e/ou proteína, com adição de 0,5, 1,0 e 1,5 g/kg de dieta do complexo multienzimático. A significância estatística foi avaliada pelo teste de Tukey. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: ganho de peso (GP), consumo de ração (CR), conversão alimentar (CA), índice europeu de eficiência produtiva (IEEP), rendimentos de carcaças (RC) em relação ao peso vivo e teores de gordura abdominal (GA). Pelos resultados, verificou-se melhoria no desempenho zootécnico das aves devido à aplicação de enzimas, constatado pelo aumento do GP e melhoria na CA aos 28 dias de idade, quando foi adicionado 1,0 g/kg de enzima na dieta, influenciando o IEEP. Aos 42 dias de idade, a adição de enzimas não influenciou o IEEP, os RC e nem os teores de GA dos frangos.
Asociaciones entre rendimiento en comprensión de textos y estrategias pedagógicas utilizadas por docentes
Authors: Juric Lorena Canet , Andrés María Laura , Introzzi Isabel , Richard's María
Published: November 2010

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido explorar las asociaciones entre el rendimiento en comprensión lectora y distintas estrategias docentes utilizadas con alumnos de segundo y tercer grado de Educación Primaria Básica (EPB) de la Ciudad de Mar del Plata (Argentina). El supuesto de este estudio afirma que existe una asociación entre el rendimiento en comprensión lectora y las estrategias pedagógicas docentes. Se aplicó una adaptación del PROLEC para evaluar el rendimiento en lectura y un cuestionario construido para explorar las estrategias docentes. Los instrumentos fueron administrados a una muestra aleatoria de alumnos de 2º y 3º año de 10 escuelas municipales (n=258) y a sus respectivos docentes (n=64). Los resultados permitieron aportar evidencia empírica sobre la ausencia de asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre ambas variables, lo que permite suponer que la lectoescritura es un fenómeno complejo que depende de numerosos factores como las diferencias cognitivas individuales, el contexto alfabetizador, etc.
Injustiças no cotidiano escolar: percepções de membros de uma escola pública
Authors: Beluci Thaise , Shimizu Alessandra de Morais
Published: November 2010

Embasada nas teorias piagetiana e kohlberguiana sobre o desenvolvimento de julgamento moral, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar as principais ocorrências de injustiça no cotidiano de uma escola pública de ensino fundamental e médio do oeste paulista e comparar as percepções dos diferentes membros da escola em pauta. A coleta de dados consistiu na aplicação de um questionário em 156 alunos, 39 pais de alunos, 15 professores e 11 funcionários, perfazendo um total de 221 participantes. Os dados foram analisados e comparados conforme o papel exercido por categoria do participante na escola investigada. Os resultados demonstraram que a escola é concebida como um ambiente injusto por seus membros, no entanto, os agentes que possibilitam ações consideradas injustas (professores, direção/coordenação, alunos, pais, polícia e sociedade) são percebidos de maneira diferente de acordo com o papel desempenhado pelo membro da comunidade escolar.
Educação infantil, cooperação e competição: análise microgenética sob uma perspectiva sociocultural
Authors: Palmieri Marilícia Witzler Antunes , Branco Angela Uchoa
Published: November 2010

O estudo analisa as práticas de socialização promovidas no contexto da educação infantil a partir de uma perspectiva sociocultural construtivista do desenvolvimento humano. Seu objetivo foi investigar a promoção e/ou inibição de diferentes modalidades de interdependência humana (cooperação, competição e individualismo) articuladas às interações específicas e às orientações para crenças e valores sociais a elas associadas. Para tanto, realizou-se a análise dos padrões de interação social apresentados por duas professoras e seus alunos de 4 a 6 anos. Os resultados mostram a promoção de padrões de interação individualista e competitivo sendo observado reduzido incentivo à experiência coletiva da cooperação, seja na estrutura e dinâmica das atividades diárias, seja durante a sessão estruturada pela professora e analisada em nível microgenético.
Gender differences in online collaborative learning groups promoting affective education and social capital
Authors: Ella Mebane Minou , Roberta Sorace , Andrea Solimeno , Manuela Tomai
Published: November 2010

This paper reports the results of a study aimed to establish whether the amount and types of conflicts vary in all male, all female and mixed gender groups working in asynchronous collaborative learning online settings. Sixty psychology majors were divided into three groups conducted online by the same teacher. The study show that the levels of participation in the three groups varied in relation to gender composition. Further the results evidenced all female group did have more conflicts then male and mixed groups, but primarily they did not have interpersonal. The female groups´ conflicts seem to be related to goal-oriented process of work.
A framework for designing and improving learning environments fostering creativity
Authors: Ishii Norio , Suzuki Yuri , Fujiyoshi Hironobu , Fujii Takashi , Kozawa Masanori
Published: November 2010

This paper proposes a framework for designing and improving learning environment for creativity in engineering. The framework consists of the following three components: instructional design based on knowledge from psychology, development of systems for supporting creative activities, and objective evaluation of learning results related to creativity. Based on that framework, we design and practice course based in the programation of a robot at a Japan University in the 2004 academic year. As a result, we confirm the following two advantages of our framework: learners' idea generation skills were improved and their meta-cognitive activities were also activated. In the 2005 academic year, we improve the course based on 2004 results. As a result, we confirm that the number of uploads of activity data from students have increased in the 2005 course, students' reflection sheets have become more detailed, and their volume of information have also increased.
The effects of two computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) scripts on university students' critical thinking
Authors: Schellens Tammy , Keer Hilde Van , De Wever Bram , Valcke Martin
Published: November 2010

The present study focuses on the use of two different types of scripts as possible ways to structure university students' discourse in asynchronous discussion groups and consequently promote their learning. More specifically, the aim of the study is to determine how requiring students to label their contributions by means of De Bono's Thinking Hats (script 1) and Weinberger's script for the construction of argumentation sequences (script 2) affects the ongoing critical thinking processes reflected in the discussion. The results suggest that both scripts successfully facilitated critical thinking. The results showed that the labeling condition (script 1) surpasses the argumentation script (script 2) with regard to the overall depth of critical thinking in the discussion, and the critical thinking processes during the stages of problem identification and problem integration in particular. Further, it can be argued that students in the labeling condition are engaged in more focused, more critical, and more practically-oriented discussions.
Antibiosis and dark-pigments secretion by the phytopathogenic and environmental fungal species after interaction in vitro with a Bacillus subtilis isolate
Authors: Machado Alexandre Paulo , Vivi Viviane Karolina , Tavares José Roberto , Gueiros Filho Frederico José , Fischman Olga
Published: November 2010

In this work, different reactions in vitro between an environmental bacterial isolate and fungal species were related. The Gram-positive bacteria had terminal and subterminal endospores, presented metabolic characteristics of mesophilic and acidophilic growth, halotolerance, positive to nitrate reduction and enzyme production, as caseinase and catalase. The analysis of partial sequences containing 400 to 700 bases of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene showed identity with the genus Bacillus. However, its identity as B. subtilis was confirmed after analyses of the rpoB, gyrA, and 16S rRNA near-full-length sequences. Strong inhibitory activity of environmental microorganisms, such as Penicillium sp, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, and phytopathogens, such as Colletotrichum sp, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum f.sp vasinfectum, was shown on co-cultures with B. subtilis strain, particularly on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and DNase media. Red and red-ochre color pigments, probably phaeomelanins, were secreted by A. alternata and A. niger respectively after seven days of co-culture.
A escrita nas formas do trabalho docente
Authors: Gomes-Santos Sandoval Nonato
Published: November 2010

A produção escolar da escrita é objeto de investigação de grande prestígio em vários dos domínios do campo da linguagem e da educação. Considerada sob perspectivas teóricas e tradições disciplinares diversas, grande parte da reflexão acadêmica sobre a escrita, no Brasil, ocupou-se dos processos de aprendizagem da escrita por alunos de faixas etárias, graus de letramento e níveis de escolarização diversos, em contextos socioculturais e institucionais particulares. Em direção distinta, embora complementar a essa reflexão, este estudo tem seu foco voltado para os modos com que a escrita se constitui no trabalho docente, por meio do qual se transforma em objeto ensinado (Dolz; Ronveaux; Schneuwly, 2007). Para tanto, toma como corpus episódios de ensino da escrita, gravados em áudio e vídeo, gerados em contextos institucionais e socioculturais diferentes, avaliando o modo com que se configura a relação entre os objetos de ensino, os gestos profissionais e os instrumentos didáticos no ensino da escrita (Aeby Daghé; Dolz, 2007; Gomes-Santos; Almeida, 2009; Schneuwly, 2000; 2001). Do ponto de vista teórico e metodológico, as questões do estudo são iluminadas pela contribuição tanto de pesquisas que se voltam para a descrição dos modos de organização e funcionamento da linguagem nas interações escolares como daquelas que tomam a dimensão especificamente didática dessas interações como foco de interesse. A investigação da escrita nas formas do trabalho docente tem permitido incrementar a reflexão sobre os dispositivos didáticos necessários à construção de modos protagonistas de acesso a bens simbólicos no seio das práticas de ensino/aprendizagem.
O ensino e a aprendizagem da leitura nos primeiros anos da escolaridade em Timor-Leste
Authors: Bassarewan Aicha Binte Umar , Silvestre Simone Michelle
Published: November 2010

Timor-Leste é um novo país do terceiro milênio. Enquanto nação com uma sociedade de tradição oral, e, em sua maioria, ágrafa, enfrenta muitos desafios nesta era de globalização. Tendo em consideração a importância da leitura para a vida do ser humano, o ensino e a aprendizagem da leitura das crianças timorenses devem ser trabalhados desde os primeiros anos de escolaridade, levando em conta a realidade linguística e sociocultural do país. Com um estudo de caso na Escola Pública n° 1 Nularan, em Díli, Timor-Leste, sobre o ensino e a aprendizagem da leitura, nos primeiros três anos de escolaridade, pôde-se verificar que tanto as orientações do programa curricular como os livros de referência aplicados pela escola no trabalho com os alunos não promovem o desenvolvimento da leitura reflexiva nem estimulam situações em que a criança possa expor suas ideias ou comunicar-se tendo o texto para uma discussão coletiva. Dessa forma, sugere-se o acompanhamento e a avaliação constantes do processo de ensino e aprendizagem da leitura nas escolas primárias e do investimento tanto na formação dos recursos humanos quanto na melhoria de materiais didáticos e na infraestrutura das escolas. É de notar que não basta constar na Constituição e nas leis; o importante é a ação das entidades competentes na concretização do ensino de qualidade ao timorense como sujeito ativo nas invenções e nos saberes para que tenha acesso a uma vida melhor para si e para a comunidade da qual faz parte.
Made in Scotland (from girders?) BDS conference site visit to Loch Sloy dam and hydroelectric power station
Authors: Goff Craig
Published: November 2010

This article provides a description of the site visit to Sloy dam at Loch Sloy, and the Sloy hydroelectric power (HEP) station at Loch Lomond carried out as part of the 16th biennial conference of the British Dams Society in Glasgow 2010. The visit took place on 28 June 2010 and included tours of the turbine hall, the control room, the high-pressure pipelines and the concrete buttress dam. The visit included a presentation on Scottish and Southern Energy's dams and reservoir assets as well as the construction of the dam and power station and future site improvement plans.
BDS conference visit to Katrine waterworks
Authors: Claydon Jim
Published: November 2010

On 25 June 2010 a technical visit by about 60 delegates took place to the Katrine waterworks scheme as part of the BDS 2010 conference. They saw the Mugdock and Craigmaddie reservoirs, which had been substantially unchanged since they were built in 1859 and 1892, until the drawoff arrangements were changed for construction of the Milngavie water treatment works in 2008. Both dams are earthfill with puddle clay cores and cutoff trenches. Craigmaddie dam has a cutoff trench over 200 ft deep in places. The reservoir was completely emptied in order to layer submerged pipes across the floor. The 240 Ml/day water treatment works had been neatly landscaped into a peninsula between the reservoirs. Delegates were shown features of both reservoirs and the water treatment works.
Riding Wood reservoir spillway improvements
Authors: Down Peter D.
Published: November 2010

Spillway improvement works have been constructed at Riding Wood reservoir, near Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. A visit to the construction works for BDS members was arranged for Thursday 4 March 2010. The author was involved in the associated preparations, presentation and supervision for the visit.
A dam engineer's view of the world water problem
Authors: Hinks Jonathan
Published: November 2010

It is now nearly 10 years since the World Commission on Dams submitted its report on ‘Dams and development’ and it is time to look again at some of the issues which the authors raised such as resettlement, fish passage, evaporation and sedimentation. Meanwhile there are an increasing number of books available that argue the case against dams. This paper is written against this background and provides a personal perspective on the issues surrounding the world water shortage, the impending energy shortage and the part that can be played by dams in addressing these issues.
Hydraulics of stepped spillways with different numbers of steps
Authors: Roshan R. , Azamathulla H. Md. , Marosi M. , Sarkardeh H. , Pahlavan H. , Ab Ghani A.
Published: November 2010

This paper describes the study of two physical models that were built to investigate the energy dissipation and flow regimes for different discharges over stepped spillways with different numbers of steps. These physical models had a general slope of 19·2% and had 12 and 23 steps respectively. Experiments were carried out for a wide range of discharges. The hydraulic parameters of the flow over the models were measured and the energy dissipation of flow was also calculated. Results showed that the 12-step model dissipated more energy than the 23-step model. However, the flow regimes that occurred in the 23-step model were considered more acceptable than in the 12-step model. The experiments showed that energy dissipation at lower flow rates were similar in both cases. However, in the skimming flow regime at higher discharges, energy dissipation was about 12% less in the 23-step model than in the 12-step model.
Reinventing the Stress Concept
Authors: Johnson Daniel Clinton , Johnson Lisa Barbanell
Published: November 2010

Studies that attempt to models stress have been limited by the ambiguity surrounding the stress concept. To address this conceptual lacuna, this article proposes a new approach to conceptualizing stress. Through a historical survey of ideas relating to stress, clarity will be brought to the conception of stress through a synthesis of insights on the nature of stress arousal, particularly focusing on the dynamic of generation of stress in the mind. Stress, resulting from both positively and negatively appraised events, is experienced in proportion to the certainty with which we assess an impact to something to which we have attachment (Sanskrit, upãdãna), whether physical or ideological. Ultimately, this ancient conception of the psychological dynamic of stress has borne fruit in philosophy, religion, and psychotherapy, making it a sound candidate for a fundamental psychological conception of stress.
Normalizing Symptoms: Neither Labeling nor Enabling
Authors: Scheff Thomas
Published: November 2010

We often make judgments of certain kinds of behavior that are virtually automatic: delusions show that one is crazy, wrong answers show that one is ignorant, and so on. The theory of labeling/normalization suggests caution in making these judgments because of the effect they are likely to have on social relationships, such as feelings of rejection and embarrassment. There is a social-emotional component in human contact that is somewhat independent of the content. Equal care is needed to avoid both labeling and enabling. The case of the poet John Clare provides an example of labeling. Two extended and three brief concrete examples of normalizing are discussed. The social-emotional component seems to be critical in most relationships, both in psychotherapy and in education, as suggested by the examples.
Accuracy of Oral Mucosal Thickness Measurements Using Spiral Computed Tomography
Authors: Ueno Daisuke , Sato Junichi , Igarashi Chinami , Ikeda Shohei , Morita Masayuki , Shimoda Shinji , Udagawa Takaaki , Shiozaki Kazunari , Kobayashi Mariko , Kobayashi Kaoru
Published: November 2010

Background: Assessment of oral mucosal thickness is important in implant surgery; however, examining the soft tissue three dimensionally is difficult. A reamer method is invasive, and a non‐invasive ultrasonic method produces only low‐resolution images depending on anatomic variations. The emerging technology of spiral computed tomography (CT) is an alternative to the conventional methods. Spiral CT has been a useful diagnostic tool in implant surgery. Although it delivers high radiation doses, spiral CT provides three‐dimensional imaging of low‐contrast structures. The purpose of the present study is to assess the accuracy of oral mucosal measurements using spiral CT.

Methods: Thickness of maxillary oral mucosa was measured in five cadavers. The measurement sites were set up in buccal, palatal, and middle of the crest in the missing tooth area in the incisor, canine, premolar, and molar regions. Each cadaver was exposed to spiral CT after installing the measurement guide. After that, each site was physically measured by reamer. Linear regression and correlation analysis were performed to describe the association between radiographic and physical measurements.

Results: A total of 114 measurements were performed with statistical analyses. Mean values and standard deviations of physical and radiographic measurements were 3.12 ± 1.43 and 2.83 ± 1.70 mm, respectively. The radiographic and physical measurements demonstrate strong correlation (r = 0.90; P <0.01). Measurement error was 0.52 ± 0.36 mm. According to the regions, the measurements in buccal, palatal, and missing tooth region depicted a significant correlation (r = 0.92, r = 0.85, and r = 0.91, respectively). The boundary of the bone and mucosa was indistinguishable at 23 buccal sites. Twenty‐three measurements that could not be distinguished with CT had a mean of 0.69 and standard deviation ± 0.13 mm.

Conclusions: The correlation between spiral CT and physical measurement was high except in sites of very thin mucosa. Spiral CT can be considered an alternative method for the measurement of oral mucosal thickness. Because of the higher radiation exposure, caution should be exercised and radiation dosage versus clinical benefit assessment is required.
Rapid Screening of Cryopreservation Protocols for Murine Prepubertal Testicular Tissue by Histology and PCNA Immunostaining
Authors: Milazzo J. P. , Travers A. , Bironneau A. , Safsaf A. , Gruel E. , Arnoult C. , Macé B. , Boyer O. , Rives N.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Numerous parameters have to be tested to identify optimal conditions for prepubertal testicular tissue banking. Our study evaluated 19 different cryopreservation conditions for immature testicular tissue using a rapid screening method. Immature mice testes were cryopreserved using either 1,2‐propanediol (PROH) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a concentration of 0.75 or 1.5 M using a controlled slow‐cooling rate protocol with (S+) or without seeding (S+). Equilibration was performed either at room temperature or at 4°C for 15 or 30 minutes. Seminiferous cord cryodamage was determined by scoring morphologic alterations. Cell proliferation ability was evaluated using a proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody. Testes cryopreserved with optimal conditions were grafted into immunodeficient mice. The highest proportions of PCNA‐positive nuclei and lowest morphologic alterations were observed with 1.5 M DMSO. Tissues were more altered with 0.75 M DMSO or PROH. Complete germ cell maturation was observed after allografting of testicular pieces previously frozen with 1.5 M DMSO, S+, 30 minutes. The 1.5 M DMSO, S+ or S+ protocol preserved prepubertal mice testicular tissue architecture and germ cell and Sertoli cell proliferation potential. Allografting of thawed testis fragments into immunodeficient mice confirmed that the 1.5 M DMSO, S+, 30 minutes protocol maintained testicular somatic and germ cell functions. Postthaw histologic evaluation and PCNA immunostaining are useful to rapidly test numerous freeze‐thaw parameters. They may also be efficient tools to control human prepubertal frozen testis quality, within the context of a clinical application.
Self‐Reported Premature Ejaculation Prevalence and Characteristics in Korean Young Males: Community‐Based Data From an Internet Survey
Authors: Son Hwancheol , Song Sang Hoon , Kim Soo Woong , Paick Jae‐Seung
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: Premature ejaculation (PE) is suspected to be the most prevalent male sexual complaint, and the prevalence of PE is considerably high also in the younger generation. We investigated the PE prevalence based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed text revision; DSM‐IV‐TR) definition and the risk factors of PE in Korean young men via Internet survey. Subjects (n = 3980) aged from 20 to 59, who performed sexual intercourse more than once a month during the past 6 months were asked to participate in this study. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that consisted of questions on general, medical, and sexual history related to ejaculation. A total of 600 subjects were included in this study. PE prevalence was found to be 18.3%. Prevalences were not significantly different across age groups, after excluding subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED). Educational level, marital status and duration, average income, sexual orientation, smoking, alcohol consumption, and circumcision status showed no difference in the PE and non‐PE groups. Partners perceived satisfaction rates were 45.0% in the PE group and 63.9% in the non‐PE group. Significant differences were found between the PE and non‐PE groups in terms of ED, obesity, and depression prevalence. However, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the significant risk factors of PE were age and the frequency of conversations with partners about sexual intercourse. This Internet‐based study is limited because participants probably represent a selected population of Internet users with non‐representative educational and socioeconomic profiles. This study is the first to report the prevalence of both self‐reported PE and PE on the basis of the DSM‐IV‐TR definition in the Korean population. This study demonstrates that PE in Korea is as prevalent as it is in European countries and the United States.
Measurement and Analysis of Thermal Parameters and Efficiency of Laser Heterostructures and Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Bumai Yurii , Vaskou Aleh , Kononenko Valerii
Published: November 2010

Measurement and Analysis of Thermal Parameters and Efficiency of Laser Heterostructures and Light-Emitting Diodes

A thermal resistance characterization of semiconductor quantum-well heterolasers in the AlGaInAs-AlGaAs system (λst≈ 0.8 μm), GaSb-based laser diodes (λst≈ 2 μm), and power GaN light-emitting diodes (visible spectral region) was performed. The characterization consists in investigations of transient electrical processes in the diode sources under heating by direct current. The time dependence of the heating temperature of the active region of a source ΔT(t), calculated from direct bias change, is analyzed using a thermalRTCTequivalent circuit (the Foster and Cauer models), whereRTis the thermal resistance andCTis the heat capacity of the source elements and external heat sink. By the developed method, thermal resistances of internal elements of the heterolasers and light-emitting diodes are determined. The dominant contribution of a die attach layer to the internal thermal resistance of both heterolaser sources and light-emitting diodes is observed. Based on the performed thermal characterization, the dependence of the optical power efficiency on current for the laser diodes is determined.
The Choice Between Analog or Digital AC Power Measurement in a Vodafone Base Station Data Logger
Authors: Alegria Francisco , Travassos Francisco
Published: November 2010

The Choice Between Analog or Digital AC Power Measurement in a Vodafone Base Station Data Logger

A data logger has been built to record, for a month, the power consumption of various equipment and the temperature at different points inside and outside of a radio communication base station operated by Vodafone Portugal. Here we show how the concerns with measurement uncertainty led us to choose an analog system over a digital one for AC power measurement.
Glattalbahn: Innovative Transport Solution for Suburban Areas
Authors: Schneebeli Hannes , Nash Andrew , Scherer Milena
Published: November 2010

The Glattalbahn is an innovative new public transport system serving the rapidly urbanizing suburbs of Zurich, Switzerland. The service combines features of traditional urban and suburban transport. In the city, it operates like a streetcar using Zurich's tram network, but in suburban communities, it operates at higher speeds, with longer stop spacing—more like regional rail service. The Glattalbahn incorporates the latest light rail transport best practices, including a broad community-planning process, coordinated transport and land use planning, continuous facade-to-facade planning, and the use of high-quality components, to reduce life-cycle costs and increase attractiveness. Three routes operate on the newly built infrastructure linking Zurich to the airport. The project cost 652 million Swiss francs (U.S. $602 million). The Glattalbahn has been successful by exceeding its patronage estimates, encouraging significant development, and generating highly positive ratings from customers and the community.
How to Expand Subway and Urban Railway Networks: Light Rail Extensions in Madrid, Spain
Authors: de Oña Juan , Calvo Francisco J. , Garach Laura , de Oña Rocío , López Griselda
Published: November 2010

Residential areas of detached houses were built in north and east Madrid, Spain, during the last decade of the 20th century. Because the population density in those areas is low, implementing an efficient transport system is complicated. In south Madrid in the 1960s, however, huge commuter towns developed. Some of them were linked to a suburban network at some point, whereas others were far away. The Madrid region promoted the construction of several light rail lines to resolve this issue. The lines function as extensions to the existing rail network (subway or suburban trains). The determining factors that enabled these lines to be implemented and operated successfully are analyzed. The recommendations for implementing a light rail transit system, on the basis of that analysis, are: (a) the lines should not be very long; (b) they should have a segregated right-of-way; (c) the quality of service should be good; and (d) they should be coordinated with other modes of transport. Apart from public funding, they could be funded by additional resources collected from property tax and the concessionaire company (private funding). A concessionaire consortium may comprise construction companies, transport operators, financial institutions, rolling stock manufacturers, and consultancies. Finally, the concession should be granted for a 30- to 40-year period so that private stakeholders can recover their investment.
Track Geometry for Light Rail Systems
Authors: Novales Margarita , Orro Alfonso , Bugarín Miguel R.
Published: November 2010

Light rail systems are characterized by running over the streets, with semiexclusive (or reserved) right-of-way. This factor leads to the necessity of adapting the track geometry to that existing in the streets. This adaptation sometimes leads to great challenges: strong vertical grades, horizontal circular curves with small radius without superelevation, transition curves, vertical curves with small minimum radius, and so forth. Nevertheless, there are several good reasons for limiting track geometry parameters as far as possible, because of their influence in vehicle design, in the effects that the vehicle will have on the track (and on maintenance work), and in operational and construction costs of light rail systems. The limitations for different track geometry parameters were analyzed by comparing recommended maximum and minimum values of each parameter established by the Transportation Research Board and the International Union of Public Transport and by explaining interesting cases, which sometimes fall outside these parameters. The main reasons for each limitation, related to vehicle design passenger comfort or any other physical condition, are examined. Finally, the first conclusions of developing research on track geometry parameters and construction costs of light rail systems in Spain are presented.
Quick and Effective Solution to Rail Overcrowding: Free Early Bird Ticket Experience in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Currie Graham
Published: November 2010

Rail overcrowding has become endemic for many major cities. Solutions are problematic because they require substantial funding and years to implement. A new approach implemented in Melbourne, Australia, called the early bird ticket, offers passengers free rail travel if trips are completed before 7:00 a.m. The program costs $6 million Australian dollars (US$5.64 million; AU$1 = US$.94, 2010) per annum in lost fare revenues. Approximately 8,000 to 9,000 passengers use the ticket each weekday. Some 23% of these passengers have shifted the time of travel (2,000–2,600 passengers) by an average of 42 min. This shift has reduced demand during peak time between 1.2% and 1.5% from previous levels and is the equivalent of a maximum of five average train loads (or 3% of total peak trains). Demand growth during this period has far outweighed this effect; overloading increased after the early bird program was introduced. Its effect was to reduce the scale of increased overloading. Overall, it is unclear to what degree the early bird ticket program has acted to reduce overloading. Peak travel during the less critical 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. peak time has been reduced; however, its effect during the critical 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. peak time is low. Regardless, the program pays for itself by providing relief equivalent to 2.5 to five peak train loads. Economic benefits are likely to be higher. When considering the alternatives, there is no equivalent measure that could be implemented at such cost so quickly.
Decision Factors in Service Control on High-Frequency Metro Line: Importance in Service Delivery
Authors: Carrel André , Mishalani Rabi G. , Wilson Nigel H. M. , Attanucci John P. , Rahbee Adam B.
Published: November 2010

Service control—the task of implementing the timetable in daily operations on a metro line—plays a key role in service delivery, because it influences the quality of the service provided to passengers. Shortfalls of previous research on the role and importance of service control have been noted. A framework intended to remedy some of these shortfalls is proposed. An important element of this framework is the description of the full decision environment in which service control takes place. On the basis of insights gained from extended visits to a control center, the reliability of the system is found to depend on many endogenous factors. These factors were not previously recognized in a comprehensive manner by either researchers or practitioners. Aside from the objectives of maintaining adequate levels of service from an operations perspective and minimizing the impact of schedule deviations on passengers, the management of crew and rolling stock, safety, and infrastructure capacity are major considerations in service control decisions. Given the uncertain environment in which service control operates, a strong preference was observed among controllers for manageable and robust control strategies. An example is discussed in which service controllers react to two similar disruptions with different recovery strategies, mainly because of crew management considerations. This research demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the objectives and constraints faced by service controllers in daily operations.
Travel Demand Forecasting Analysis Challenges Supporting Washington State Ferries’ Long-Range Plan Development
Authors: Dehghani Youssef , Gihring Celine K. , Shelton David S. , Baker T. Brent , Yarlagadda Amith , Tung Robert
Published: November 2010

Ferry ridership modeling and forecasting analyses were performed to support the long-range plan (LRP) recently undertaken by the Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF). The LRP was developed in response to specific legislative direction. The ferry ridership forecasting analyses posed numerous challenges. In particular, the legislation directed WSF to improve its travel demand forecasting approach to ensure its plans were based on the best projections of future needs. To be able to address adequately the travel demand forecasting requirements called out in the legislation (“Ferry Bill”), a technical work group was formed that included expertise from both public agencies and consulting firms. The group met regularly over approximately 1½ years to review and provide valuable feedback on the ridership forecasting procedures and results. The primary planning tool used to perform ferry ridership forecasting analysis was the WSF travel forecasting (Emme) model. The WSF travel forecasting model relies on an incremental method and produces route-level ferry ridership by boarding method and mode of access and egress. The model's capabilities were supplemented by performing additional analyses, including development of (a) expansion factors to produce annual ridership, (b) growth projection factors specific to the recreational travel segment, and (c) fare elasticities by time-of-day using stated preference survey data. Ridership forecasting analyses were performed for a baseline and a range of scenarios that also included pursuit of pricing strategies.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Transit Security Awareness Campaigns in the San Francisco Bay Area, California
Authors: Rohlich Nina , Haas Peter J. , Edwards Frances L.
Published: November 2010

Public involvement in alerting officials of suspicious and potentially harmful activity is critical to the overall security of a transit system. As part of an effort to get passengers and the public involved, many transit agencies have security awareness campaigns. The objective of this research is to learn how transit agencies seek to make security awareness campaigns effective and to explore how they measure the effectiveness of such campaigns, if at all. This research project includes data from case studies of five major agencies that provide transit service in the San Francisco Bay Area region of California. The case study data consist of descriptions of the types of security awareness campaigns the agencies have implemented, the goals of the campaigns, and how they seek to make their campaigns effective, as well as whether and how these agencies measure and determine the effectiveness of their campaigns. One positive finding of this research is the consistency with which Bay Area transit organizations address the need for passenger awareness as part of their overall security program. However, none of the five agencies analyzed for this study measures the effectiveness of their campaigns. Although they all have a similar goal—to increase passenger awareness about security issues—little evidence exists confirming to what extent they are achieving this goal. Suggestions are offered for using outcome measurements to provide a reasonable indication of a campaign's effectiveness by capturing the public's response to a campaign.
Commuter Rail Implementation Study for New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts
Authors: Oricchio Valerio , Fox Justin , Trepal Ralph
Published: November 2010

Connecticut Department of Transportation, with the support of the Transportation Strategy Board, is preparing an environmental assessment for commuter rail service between New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts. The study area corridor is 62 mi of existing rail line, which is owned and operated by Amtrak. This rail corridor line is commonly referred to as the Springfield Line. Besides a regional passenger service, four freight carriers use the line: Connecticut Southern, Pan Am Railways, CSX Corporation, and Providence and Worcester Railroad. A limited section of double track and long freight dwellings along the main line both demanded multiple alternatives to be analyzed according to capacity improvements and operational changes. Analysis was conducted by means of the Rail Traffic Controller software. The commuter plan was analyzed under two main scenarios: a start-up near-term service (Year 2015) and a future service (Year 2030). The outer year testing also included an iteration of improvements given implementation of high-speed rail on the line. The purpose of this discussion is to identify the track capacity and operational requirements for an efficient integration of freight, Amtrak, commuter, and high-speed rail service.