bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canopy bridges as road overpasses for wildlife in urban fragmented landscapes
Authors: Teixeira Fernanda Zimmermann , Printes Rodrigo Cambará , Fagundes João Cláudio Godoy , Alonso André Chein , Kindel Andreas
Published: May 2013

The effects of habitat fragmentation and deforestation are exacerbated by some elements, such as roads and power lines, which may become filters or barriers to wildlife movements. In order to mitigate mortality and restore connectivity, wildlife passages are being constructed as linear corridors. The installation of these mitigation measures must be followed by systematic monitoring, in order to evaluate their use and effectiveness, to assist in their management, and to convince stakeholders of their value. In this paper we present the results of a monitoring study of the use of rope overpasses developed near a protected area in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. The canopy bridges were installed by the Urban Monkeys Program in places where electric hazards and road-kills of brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans Cabrera, 1940) were recorded. Camera traps were installed at each bridge, and local people were selected and trained to monitor overpass use over 15 months, from August 2008 to October 2009. Three species were recorded using canopy bridges: brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans Cabrera, 1940), white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840) and porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus Cuvier, 1823). Rope bridges with the highest number of species recorded had more forest cover and lower urban area around them than overpasses little used. Our results indicate that overpasses, in Porto Alegre, work as a linear corridor between forest remnants, although the outcomes for individual survival, group persistence, population demography or gene flow have not been measured. Furthermore, canopy bridges may be important to mitigate the impact of roads and power lines on wildlife, but electric cables also need to be completely isolated when present, to warrant animals' physical integrity.
Composição e riqueza de espécies de anfíbios anuros em três diferentes habitat em um agrossistema no Cerrado do Brasil central
Authors: Campos Vitor Azarias , Oda Fabrício Hiroiuki , Juen Leandro , Barth Adriane , Dartora Aline
Published: May 2013

A plasticidade adaptativa tem sido postulada como um fator importante para explicar a distribuição e abundância de espécies em habitat com diferentes níveis de variação ambiental e a heterogeneidade ambiental tem sido apontada como responsável pela manutenção, aumento ou diminuição da diversidade. Neste trabalho, determinamos o efeito da periodicidade e estrutura do habitat sobre a riqueza e composição de espécies em três diferentes habitat: córrego (P1), poças temporárias (P2) e represa permanente (P3) em um agrossistema no Cerrado do Brasil central. Nove expedições de campo foram realizadas entre outubro de 2005 e abril de 2007. Os métodos de amostragem por encontro visual e procura auditiva foram utilizados para o registro das espécies. Foram registradas 19 espécies de anuros pertencentes a quatro famílias: Bufonidae (uma espécie), Hylidae (nove espécies), Leptodactylidae (cinco espécies) e Leiuperidae (quatro espécies). Maior riqueza e a abundância foram registradas nas lagoas temporárias (P2), que diferiram significativamente do córrego (P1) e da represa permanente (P3). Dendropsophus nanus, Hypsiboas raniceps e Leptodactylus chaquensis apresentaram forte associação com o sítio P2. Os sítios P2 e P3 apresentaram maior diferenciação entre si na composição de espécies, do que quando comparados ao sítio P1. Apesar dos corpos d'água estudados estarem inseridos em área de intensa agricultura e sofrerem elevado grau de perturbação antrópica, esses ambientes apresentam elevada riqueza de espécies, constituindo-se como importantes refúgios para anurofauna da região. Entretanto, as espécies registradas são associadas a áreas antropizadas ou fitofisionomias abertas sendo favorecidas com a criação de ambientes artificiais como os observados no presente estudo.
Anuran diversity (Amphibia, Anura) in a Seasonal Forest fragment in southern Brazil
Authors: Bastiani Veluma Ialú Molinari De , Lucas Elaine Maria
Published: May 2013

The Atlantic Forest is the home to a diverse and threatened fauna of amphibians. However, knowledge on these species is still scarce to many of its ecosystems, such as the Seasonal Forest. This study was aimed at determining the diversity of anurans in Parque Estadual Fritz Plaumann (PEFP), located in the municipality of Concórdia, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. The PEFP comprises 741 ha, and is the only Conservation Unit of Seasonal Forest in Santa Catarina state. From August 2010 to July 2011 we surveyed frogs fortnightly during four to ten days, from sunset until approximately midnight. Active, audio and visual searches were carried out at breeding sites and favorable areas to meet the species. The sampling effort of the survey was evaluated with species accumulation curve considering the field expeditions as sample units. The species composition of PEFP was compared with 16 other different vegetal formations of the Atlantic Forest biome through similarity analysis. Twenty-three species were recorded. The accumulation curve approached an asymptote, indicating that most species of the area were observed. Most species were observed in lentic habitats of open areas. The anuran species composition of PEFP was similar to other areas of Mixed Ombrophile Forest and Seasonal Forest in southern region. Although PEFP comprised a relatively small area, the occurrence of habitat specialists, endangered amphibians that dependent on the forest, indicates the importance of this area for the conservation of the regional fauna. The continuation of long-term standardized studies is needed to monitor the population dynamics of recorded species and support alternative management practices, aiming at the conservation of anurans at the Seasonal Forest.
A ictiofauna do Canal de Bertioga, São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Barbanti Bruno , Caires Rodrigo , Marceniuk Alexandre Pires
Published: May 2013

O Canal de Bertioga, localizado no litoral do estado de São Paulo, é delimitado pelo continente e pela ilha de Santo Amaro, constituindo a unidade natural que conecta os municípios de Santos, Guarujá e Bertioga, representando uma segunda conexão do complexo estuarino de Santos-São Vicente com o oceano. No presente estudo foram realizadas coletas, entre dezembro de 2009 a novembro de 2010, no trecho norte do Canal de Bertioga (23° 51' 23,83" S e 46° 07' 58,87" O e 23° 53' 31,72" S e 46° 11' 17,74" O), com o objetivo de inventariar a ictiofauna da região. Foram coletados 1.429 exemplares, pertencentes a 78 espécies, incluídas em 14 ordens, 39 famílias e 67 gêneros. As famílias mais especiosas foram Sciaenidae (nove spp.), Carangidae (nove spp.), Haemulidae (sete spp.), e Ariidae (cinco spp.), e as espécies mais abundantes foram Stellifer rastrifer (n = 243), Harengula clupeola (n = 182), Cathorops spixii (n = 144), Oligoplites palometa (n = 109) e Mugil curema (n = 102), sendo que Achirus lineatus, Atherinella brasiliensis, Cathorops spixii, Chaetodipterus faber, Citharichthys spilopterus, Genidens genidens, Micropogonias furnieri e Stellifer rastrifer, ocorreram em todas estações do ano. Das espécies encontradas, seis foram reconhecidas constantes, 19 acessórias e 53 ocasionais. Em relação aos seus hábitos, 40 espécies são marinho-estuarinas, 26 marinhas, 11 estuarinas e uma de água doce, sendo 52 espécies demersais e 26 pelágicas. Onze espécies são relacionadas em listas de espécies ameaçadas. Adicionalmente, é apresentada uma chave de identificação para as espécies do trecho norte do Canal de Bertioga.
Report of Macraspis pseudochrysis Landin, 1956 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) on açai palms (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in floodplains in the state of Amapá, Brazil
Authors: Jesus-Barros Cristiane Ramos de , Freitas Lidiane Silva , Grossi Paschoal Coelho
Published: May 2013

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea) is an East Amazon palm found most frequently in the Amazon River estuary. Riverside dwellers in different regions of the state of Amapá have recently been observing a species of coleopteran attacking the inflorescences of açai palms. With a view to identifying a species of coleopteran attacking inflorescences of E. oleracea in the Brazilian state of Amapá, insects were collected in the regions of Abacate da Pedreira (two individuals) and Ariri (six) in the city of Macapá. Five individuals were also collected in Mazagão. The insects were collected from açai palm inflorescences using entomological nets, then preserved and submitted for identification. They were identified as Macraspis pseudochrysis Landin, 1956 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae). This is the first occurrence of M. pseudochrysis in E. oleracea in the Neotropics.
Screening symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation in people with epilepsy using the Beck depression inventory
Authors: Salgado Priscila Camile Barioni , Nogueira Mateus Henrique , Yasuda Clarissa Lin , Cendes Fernando
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To measure the severity of symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation in people with epilepsy (PWE) before and after epilepsy surgery using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We aimed to determine the factors associated to depression in PWE. METHODS: PWE, regardless of epilepsy type, seizure type, duration or frequency of seizures, and AEDs were investigated. The sample (n=468) was divided into two groups: pre-operatory (n=346) and pos-operatory (n=122). RESULTS: Before epilepsy surgery female gender, unemployment and high seizure frequency were associated factors for the occurrence of symptoms of depression. After epilepsy surgery, the only factor associated to high level of depression symptoms was the lack of seizure remission. Suicidal ideation was associated to seizure frequency before and after epilepsy surgery. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the generally held view that depression is common in PWE and provide further insight to the association of depression with certain socio-demographic and seizure-related factors before and after epilepsy surgery.
Pulmonary changes on HRCT scans in nonsmoking females with COPD due to wood smoke exposure
Authors: Moreira Maria Auxiliadora Carmo , Barbosa Maria Alves , Queiroz Maria Conceição de Castro Antonelli Monteiro de , Teixeira Kim Ir Sen Santos , Torres Pedro Paulo Teixeira e Silva , Santana Júnior Pedro José de , Montadon Júnior Marcelo Eustáquio , Jardim José Roberto
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize alterations seen on HRCT scans in nonsmoking females with COPD due to wood smoke exposure. METHODS: We evaluated 42 nonsmoking females diagnosed with wood smoke-related COPD and 31 nonsmoking controls with no history of wood smoke exposure or pulmonary disease. The participants completed a questionnaire regarding demographic data, symptoms, and environmental exposure. All of the participants underwent spirometry and HRCT of the chest. The COPD and control groups were adjusted for age (23 patients each). RESULTS: Most of the patients in the study group were diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD (83.3%). The most common findings on HRCT scans in the COPD group were bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, mosaic perfusion pattern, parenchymal bands, tree-in-bud pattern, and laminar atelectasis (p < 0.001 vs. the control group for all). The alterations were generally mild and not extensive. There was a positive association between bronchial wall thickening and hour-years of wood smoke exposure. Centrilobular emphysema was uncommon, and its occurrence did not differ between the groups (p = 0.232). CONCLUSIONS: Wood smoke exposure causes predominantly bronchial changes, which can be detected by HRCT, even in patients with mild COPD.
Diagnostic contribution of molecular analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene in patients suspected of having mild or atypical cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dal'Maso Vinícius Buaes , Mallmann Lucas , Siebert Marina , Simon Laura , Saraiva-Pereira Maria Luiza , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic contribution of molecular analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in patients suspected of having mild or atypical cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving adolescents and adults aged ≥ 14 years. Volunteers underwent clinical, laboratory, and radiological evaluation, as well as spirometry, sputum microbiology, liver ultrasound, sweat tests, and molecular analysis of the CFTR gene. We then divided the patients into three groups by the number of mutations identified (none, one, and two or more) and compared those groups in terms of their characteristics. RESULTS: We evaluated 37 patients with phenotypic findings of CF, with or without sweat test confirmation. The mean age of the patients was 32.5 ± 13.6 years, and females predominated (75.7%). The molecular analysis contributed to the definitive diagnosis of CF in 3 patients (8.1%), all of whom had at least two mutations. There were 7 patients (18.9%) with only one mutation and 26 patients (70.3%) with no mutations. None of the clinical characteristics evaluated was found to be associated with the genetic diagnosis. The most common mutation was p.F508del, which was found in 5 patients. The combination of p.V232D and p.F508del was found in 2 patients. Other mutations identified were p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, p.P1290P, p.R1066H, and p.T351S. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular analysis of the CFTR gene coding region showed a limited contribution to the diagnostic investigation of patients suspected of having mild or atypical CF. In addition, there were no associations between the clinical characteristics and the genetic diagnosis.
Mortality due to respiratory diseases in the elderly after influenza vaccination campaigns in the Federal District, Brazil, 1996-2009
Authors: Scoralick Francisca Magalhães , Piazzolla Luciana Paganini , Pires Liana Laura , Neri Cleudsom , Paula Wladimir Kummer de
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality rates due to respiratory diseases among elderly individuals residing in the Federal District of Brasília, Brazil, prior to and after the implementation of a national influenza vaccination campaign. METHODS: This was an ecological time series analysis. Data regarding the population of individuals who were over 60 years of age between 1996 and 2009 were obtained from official databases. The variables of interest were the crude mortality rate (CMR), the mortality rate due to the respiratory disease (MRRD), and the proportional mortality ratio (PMR) for respiratory diseases. We performed a qualitative analysis of the data for the period prior to and after the implementation of the vaccination campaign (1996-1999 and 2000-2009, respectively). RESULTS: The CMR increased with advancing age. Over the course of the study period, we observed reductions in the CMR in all of the age brackets studied, particularly among those aged 80 years or older. Reductions in the MRRD were also found in all of the age groups, especially in those aged 80 years or older. In addition, there was a decrease in the PMR for respiratory diseases in all age groups throughout the study period. The most pronounced decrease in the PMR for respiratory diseases in the ≥ 70 year age bracket occurred in 2000 (immediately following the implementation of the national vaccination campaign); in 2001, that rate increased in all age groups, despite the greater adherence to the vaccination campaign in comparison with that recorded for 2000. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination appears to have a positive impact on the prevention of mortality due to respiratory diseases, particularly in the population aged 70 or over.
Experimental study on the efficiency and safety of the manual hyperinflation maneuver as a secretion clearance technique
Authors: Ortiz Tatiana de Arruda , Forti Germano , Volpe Márcia Souza , Carvalho Carlos Roberto Ribeiro , Amato Marcelo Brito Passos , Tucci Mauro Roberto
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in a lung model simulating a mechanically ventilated patient, the efficiency and safety of the manual hyperinflation (MH) maneuver as a means of removing pulmonary secretions. METHODS: Eight respiratory therapists (RTs) were asked to use a self-inflating manual resuscitator on a lung model to perform MH as if to remove secretions, under two conditions: as routinely applied during their clinical practice; and after receiving verbal instructions based on expert recommendations. In both conditions, three clinical scenarios were simulated: normal lung function, restrictive lung disease, and obstructive lung disease. RESULTS: Before instruction, it was common for an RT to compress the resuscitator bag two times, in rapid succession. Proximal pressure (Pprox) was higher before instruction than after. However, alveolar pressure (Palv) never exceeded 42.5 cmH2O (median, 16.1; interquartile range [IQR], 11.7-24.5), despite Pprox values as high as 96.6 cmH2O (median, 36.7; IQR, 22.9-49.4). The tidal volume (VT) generated was relatively low (median, 640 mL; IQR, 505-735), and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) often exceeded peak expiratory flow (PEF), the median values being 1.37 L/s (IQR, 0.99-1.90) and 1.01 L/s (IQR, 0.55-1.28), respectively. A PIF/PEF ratio < 0.9 (which theoretically favors mucus migration toward the central airways) was achieved in only 16.7% of the maneuvers. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions tested, MH produced safe Palv levels despite high Pprox. However, the MH maneuver was often performed in a way that did not favor secretion removal (PIF exceeding PEF), even after instruction. The unfavorable PIF/PEF ratio was attributable to overly rapid inflations and low VT.
Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and risk of infection in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in a referral center in Brazil
Authors: Fonseca Jane Corrêa , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira , Abreu Mery Natali Silva , Farah Katia de Paula , Carvalho Wânia da Silva , Miranda Silvana Spindola de
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and the risk of infection in patients with chronic kidney disease treated at a hemodialysis center. METHODS: We included 307 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis at the Mineiro Institute of Nephrology, located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. All of the patients were submitted to tuberculin skin tests (TSTs). We investigated the booster effect and TST conversion. If the initial TST (TST1) was negative, a second TST (TST2) was performed 1-3 weeks later in order to investigate the booster effect. If TST2 was also negative, a third TST (TST3) was performed one year after TST2 in order to determine whether there was TST conversion. RESULTS: When we adopted a cut-off induration of 5 mm, the prevalence of LTBI was 22.2% on TST1, increasing by 11.2% on TST2. When we adopted a cut-off induration of 10 mm, the prevalence of LTBI was 28.5% on TST1, increasing by 9.4% on TST2. The prevalence of LTBI increased significantly from TST1 to TST2 (booster effect), as well as from TST2 to TST3 (p < 0.01 for both). In our sample, the mean annual risk of infection was 1.19%. CONCLUSIONS: In the population studied, the prevalence of LTBI was high, and the mean annual risk of infection was similar to that reported for the general population of Brazil, which suggests recent infection.
Completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms in five Brazilian capitals with a high incidence of the disease
Authors: Santos Normeide Pedreira dos , Lírio Monique , Passos Louran Andrade Reis , Dias Juarez Pereira , Kritski Afrânio Lineu , Galvão-Castro Bernardo , Grassi Maria Fernanda Rios
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms in the greater metropolitan areas of five Brazilian capitals where the incidence of tuberculosis was high in 2010-Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Cuiabá, Porto Alegre, and Belém-using tabulations obtained from the Sistema Nacional de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (National Case Registry Database). The degree of completeness was highest in Porto Alegre and Cuiabá, whereas it was lowest in Rio de Janeiro, where there are more reported cases of tuberculosis than in any other Brazilian capital. A low degree of completeness of these forms can affect the quality of the Brazilian National Tuberculosis Control Program, which will have negative consequences for health care and decision-making processes.
Current status and clinical applicability of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: Figueiredo Viviane Rossi , Jacomelli Márcia , Rodrigues Ascédio José , Canzian Mauro , Cardoso Paulo Francisco Guerreiro , Jatene Fábio Biscegli
Published: May 2013

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has played a key role in the diagnosis of mediastinal, paratracheal, and peribronchial lesions, as well as in lymph node staging for lung cancer. Despite its minimally invasive character, EBUS-TBNA has demonstrated a diagnostic yield comparable with that of established surgical methods. It has therefore gained credibility and has become a routine procedure at various referral centers. A successful EBUS-TBNA procedure requires careful planning, which includes a thorough review of the radiological imaging and special care during specimen collection and preparation, as well as technical expertise, experience with the procedure itself, and knowledge of the potential complications inherent to the procedure. The most common indications for EBUS-TBNA include lymph node staging for lung cancer and the diagnostic investigation of mediastinal/hilar masses and lymph node enlargement. Recently, tumor biomarkers in malignant samples collected during the EBUS-TBNA procedure have begun to be identified, and this molecular analysis has proven to be absolutely feasible. The EBUS-TBNA procedure has yet to be included on the Brazilian Medical Association list of medical procedures approved for reimbursement. The EBUS-TBNA procedure has shown to be a safe and accurate tool for lung cancer staging/restaging, as well as for the diagnosis of mediastinal, paratracheal, and peribronchial lesions/lymph node enlargement
Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary artery dissection
Authors: Corrêa Ricardo de Amorim , Silva Luciana Cristina dos Santos , Rezende Cláudia Juliana , Bernardes Rodrigo Castro , Prata Tarciane Aline , Silva Henrique Lima
Published: May 2013

Pulmonary artery dissection is a fatal complication of long-standing pulmonary hypertension, manifesting as acute, stabbing chest pain, progressive dyspnea, cardiogenic shock, or sudden death. Its incidence has been underestimated, and therapeutic options are still scarce. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, new chest pain, acute chest pain, or cardiogenic shock should raise the suspicion of pulmonary artery dissection, which can result in sudden death.
Tradução e adaptação transcultural para a língua portuguesa do "Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire"
Authors: Azuaga Thiago Leonardi , Cavali Paulo Tadeu Maia , Risso Neto Marcelo Ítalo , Zuiani Guilherme Rebechi , Pasqualini Wagner , Veiga Ivan Guidolin , Landim Élcio
Published: May 2013

OBJETIVO: Traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente para a língua portuguesa o questionário Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire. MÉTODO: 1) tradução inicial; 2) retrotradução; 3) pré - teste; 4) teste definitivo. RESULTADOS: Aplicamos a versão em português em 27 pacientes com estenose vertebral. Foram realizadas mudanças de termos e expressões que não foram entendidas pelos pacientes durante o pré-teste e realizada a versão final em consenso. A versão final do questionário foi aplicada com 100% de entendimento pelos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Disponibiliza-se assim a versão final em português do Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire. A validação desta versão já está em desenvolvimento.
Prevalencia de brucelosis en columna: Evolución clínica y manejo quirúrgico
Authors: Coba Luis Fernando Horta
Published: May 2013

OBJETIVO: Conocer la prevalencia, características clínicas y de tratamiento de la espondilodiscitis por Brucella. MÉTODOS: Un total de 104 pacientes con diagnóstico de espondilitis espinal de los cuales 20 correspondieron a espondilitis por Brucella, tratados de forma conservadora con antibióticos o quirúrgicamente, mediante descompresión y estabilización de la columna en cualquier segmento, en el periodo comprendido entre Enero 2006 a Junio 2011. Se elaboró una hoja de captura para recolección de la información, la cual contenía la identificación del paciente, síntomas referidos, signos físicos, parámetros laboratoriales y tratamiento médico y quirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Trece pacientes del sexo masculino y 7 del sexo femenino, con edad promedio de 59,2 años y desviación estándar de 13,6 años. Tres pacientes tenían afectación del segmento torácico, 13 del segmento lumbar y 4 del segmento lumbo-sacro. Trece pacientes presentaron fiebre, el dolor lumbar se presentó en los 20 pacientes, parestesias en 12, debilidad en 9, artralgias, mialgias y anorexia en 5, radiculopatía en 13, cefalea en 1 y pérdida de peso en 5 pacientes. Veinte casos recibieron tratamiento médico con doxiciclina combinada con rifampicina. En 8 casos se realizó instrumentación posterior combinada con laminectomía y fusión póstero-lateral, en 2 se realizó instrumentación posterior combinada con discectomía del nivel afectado y fusión póstero-lateral y en 1 caso se realizó laminectomía combinada con discectomía y fusión. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de espondilodiscitis fue del 19,2%, siendo el dolor lumbar y la fiebre síntomas con alto índice de sospecha de espondilitis espinal. La descompresión combinada con estabilización y fusión es el tratamiento quirúrgico de elección.
Experimental Model of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in rats: management guidelines
Authors: Falavigna Asdrubal , Cechetti Fernanda , Finger Guilherme , Ruschel Leonardo Gilmone , Marcon Grasiela , Silva Pedro Guarise da
Published: May 2013

Surgical experiments with laboratory animals are necessary for medical research. These studies aim to clarify the mechanism of disease, investigate the action and efficacy of new drugs or biological markers, as well as develop and enhance new therapies and apply new techniques. Regarding the models of spinal cord injury (SCI), there are several different methods that address the handling of the animals, especially concerning the use of analgesics, antibiotics and pre- and postoperative management. The lack of uniformity and standardization among the studies does not allow the understanding of the model of SCI or the proper handling of the paraplegic animals, hampering the adequate interpretation and comparison of results. The goal of this study is to establish a standard protocol on the handling of animals subjected to experimental models of SCI.
Effects of marginal vegetation removal on Odonata communities
Authors: Carvalho Fernando Geraldo de , Pinto Nelson Silva , Oliveira Júnior José Max Barbosa de , Juen Leandro
Published: May 2013

AIM: Here we assess the effects of habitat degradation on individuals of the two suborders of Odonata community of Borecaia river sub-basin. More specifically, we tested the hypothesis that Anisoptera richness would be positively affected by removal of vegetation; on the other hand, Zygoptera richness would be adversely affected by virtue of their ecophysiological requirements; METHODS: We selected 10 streams of similar orders, six preserved and four degraded. Streams characterized as preserved had values of Index of Habitat Integrity (HII) above 0.70 (0.77 ± 0.07, mean ± SD) and continuous forest on both sides with a minimum width of 70 meters. Each site was sampled three times on different days. The effect of vegetation removal on richness was assessed using richness estimated by first order Jackknife; RESULTS: Decreased physical integrity (measured with IIH) of streams had no significant effect on the estimated richness to Odonata in general. However, the estimated richness of Anisoptera showed an inverse relationship with the integrity (r² = 0.485, P = 0.025), i.e., there was a reduction in their species richness with increasing integrity; DISCUSSION: As a general pattern, Anisoptera presents higher richness in an altered site; on the other hand, Zygoptera presents higher richness in a preserved one. This pattern suggests that Odonata needs to be considered at the sub-order level to access the effects of habitat degradation on these insects. Because of its restrictions ecophysiological Odonata varied widely in their composition and species richness between the two types of environments, it reinforces the potential of the order of studies and environmental monitoring also shows that Zygoptera be more affected by changes in habitat. However, further studies including more samples and different streams are need to confirm this pattern, being an interesting line of research for future works.
A design approach for sustainable bridges – Part 2: case studies
Authors: dos Santos Gervásio Helena Maria , da Silva Luís Alberto Proença Simões
Published: May 2013

A life-cycle approach, integrating environmental, economic and social criteria, was developed focusing on motorway bridges. The methodology is described in a companion paper (part 1). The proposed approach has two major perspectives (a) an accounting and (b) a decision-making perspective. This paper presents the application of the developed approach to two case studies, referring to both perspectives. From the outcome of the case studies two major conclusions are drawn: (a) the stage of materials production and traffic congestion in work zones are of paramount importance in the life cycle of bridges; and (b) speed of construction and minimisation of maintenance activities over the bridge life cycle are two main requirements for bridge design in order to achieve a sustainable performance.
Effect of sand compaction pile installation on strength of soft clay
Authors: YI J.T. , GOH S.H. , LEE F.H.
Published: May 2013

In the design of sand compaction piles, the increase in undrained shear strength of the soft clay around the sand piles is often ignored. This paper examines the long-term gain in strength in the soft clay using centrifuge modelling and finite-element analysis. Stress, pore pressure and strength measurements in the centrifuge models are used to benchmark the finite-element results. Parametric studies are then conducted using finite-element analyses to explore the effects of the friction angle and modulus of the soft clay on the trend and quantum of strength increase. The findings show that the ratio of improved strength to original shear strength decays as a function of the logarithm of radial distance. A method of estimating strength increase is proposed, based on two parameters that are related to the friction angle and modulus of the soil. For multiple piles driven with almost no time lag for pore dissipation, strength gain does not accumulate with successive piles. On the other hand, if there is sufficient time for pore pressure dissipation between the driving of successive piles, the strength gains from the successive piles can be accumulated.
Tunnelling-induced consolidation settlements in London Clay
Authors: WONGSAROJ J. , SOGA K. , MAIR R.J.
Published: May 2013

Changes in stresses and pore pressure induced by tunnel excavation in low-permeability soil inevitably lead to further ground displacements following the construction. This can be referred to as consolidation ground displacements, which usually take many years to reach their long-term steady-state values, depending on the permeability and compressibility of the soil. As the number of case histories on both the magnitude and the extent of consolidation ground displacements is limited, there is no empirical formulation available to predict the magnitude and extent of such displacements. This paper describes a suite of finite-element analyses carried out as a parametric study aiming to quantify rationally the extent and magnitude of consolidation settlement for both transient and steady-state long-term conditions. The study focuses only on a tunnel constructed in open-face mode in heavily overconsolidated London Clay. The model parameters considered are tunnel geometry, soil anisotropic permeability, volume loss and tunnel drainage conditions. Based on the results, normalised consolidation settlement-relative soil–lining permeability curves are developed. The applicability and limitations of the curves are presented and discussed using published case histories.
Pore size distribution modification of OPC paste through inclusion of fly ash and sand
Authors: Kondraivendhan B. , Bhattacharjee B.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a study into the modification of pore size distribution of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) paste due to inclusion of fly ash (FA) and sand as determined through mercury intrusion porosimetry. Cement–sand mortar specimens were prepared from two different grades of OPC with water to cement (w/c) ratios of 0·2, 0·3, 0·4, 0·5 and 0·6 and tested at different curing ages from 1 day to 90 days. Cement–FA paste and mortar specimens were also prepared by incorporating FA at four levels of FA to cement (f/c) ratio (0·1, 0·2, 0·3, 0·4) and a control mix along with four w/(c + f) ratios (0·25, 0·35, 0·45 and 0·55). These specimens were tested at 7, 28 and 90 days. The relationships involving w/c ratio and age with mean distribution radius (r0·5) and coefficient (d) representing dispersion of pore sizes are presented for both types of OPC–sand mortar. The relationships involving w/(c + f) ratio, f/c ratio and age with r0·5 and d are also presented separately for cement–FA paste and mortar.
Modeling Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage With a Black-Oil Proxy
Authors: Ghasemi M.. , Whitson C.H.. H.
Published: May 2013

This paper describes an alternative approach to model steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) with an isothermal black-oil (BO) reservoir simulator. The oil-viscosity reduction caused by heating in the actual SAGD process is emulated by a tuned saturated pseudo-oil viscosity relation in which solution gas/oil ratio (Rs) is used as a “proxy for temperature.” In the BO formulation, fully saturated oil viscosity (μo*) at reservoir pressure equals μo that would be attained at steam-chamber temperature (T*) in the actual SAGD process; initial oil viscosity (μoi) with initial Rs = 0 represents initial oil viscosity at reservoir temperature; and BO gas properties represent steam at T*.

After careful analysis of the SAGD process, one finds that oil flows only along a narrow zone along the outer edge of the steam chamber—the “edge oil-flow zone.” The temperature gradient within this narrow zone is perpendicular to the oil-flow direction and is practically impossible to model with any precision because of the large temperature variation and dynamic steam-chamber shape over time. The BO-model solubility gradient also varies, analogous to temperature in a thermal model, from zero to fully saturated (Rs*) with an associated drop in oil viscosity from μoi to μo*.

SAGD design requires many hundreds of runs to find operational conditions that maximize economic value (e.g., injector and producer location, rates, pattern spacing, and steam-chamber temperature T*). The proposed BO proxy model runs several times faster than a thermal model while maintaining similar performance behavior.

The proxy-model saturated pseudo-oil viscosity μo(p) relation used is found by history matching a full-physics thermal-model performance prediction of oil rate, bottomhole flowing pressure, and cumulative oil for a 2D homogeneous model. We have found a single-constant μo(p) equation that yields a good match to thermal SAGD performance. The tuned pseudo-oil viscosity relation honors the measured initial reservoir and fully heated (at T*) oil viscosities. Its dependence on Rs is not physical, but reflects the use of Rs as a transform variable for temperature, capturing the strong spatial variation of temperature and oil viscosity within the localized steam/oil boundary region in which oil has been mobilized.

The pseudo-oil viscosity relation, defined by a single empirical best-fit constant n—for a given T* and a set of thermal properties—appears to be applicable for a wide range of reservoir heterogeneity, injection and production rates, and well placement. Consequently, it should be possible to use the BO proxy model for SAGD optimization of T*, control rates, and injector/producer vertical-depth difference. We also see the potential of using the BO proxy model for solvent-based SAGD, with the pseudo-oil viscosity model depending on both T* and solvent; thermal compositional modeling is yet even slower and less suitable for optimization.
Hydraulic-Fracture Geomechanics and Microseismic-Source Mechanisms
Authors: Warpinski N.R.. R. , Mayerhofer M.J.. J. , Agarwal K.. , Du J..
Published: May 2013

Interpretation of microseismic results and attempts to link microseismic-source mechanisms to fracture behavior require an understanding of the geomechanics of the fracturing process. Stress calculations around fractures show that the area normal to the fracture surface is stabilized by a pressurized fracture as a result of increased total stress and decreased shear stress. In this area, microseisms can occur only if leakoff pressurizes natural fractures, bedding planes, or other weakness features, and source mechanisms are thus likely to show a volumetric component that has either opening or closing movement in addition to shear slippage. Conversely, the tip tensile region is destabilized by a reduction in total stress and an increase in shear stress, with the likelihood that microseisms would be generated in this region because of these changes. Such microseisms would not yet be invaded by the fracturing fluid, and events that are mostly shear would be expected. Systems with multiple fractures, such as those that are potentially created in multiperforation-cluster stages, are much more complex, but similar elements can be outlined for those as well.

Source mechanisms can help delineate these different types of microseismic behaviors, but the evaluation of such mechanisms reveals that they provide no significant information about the hydraulic fracture. Whereas it would be valuable if source mechanisms could provide information about the mechanics of the hydraulic fracture (e.g., opening, closing, and proppant), calculations show that both the energy and volume associated with microseismicity are an insignificant fraction of the total energy and volume input into the stimulation. Thus, hydraulic fractures are almost entirely aseismic. The analysis of source mechanisms should concentrate on what those data reveal about the reservoir (e.g., natural fractures and faults). Integrated diagnostic studies provide more value in understanding both the microseismicity and interpretation of the microseismic results.
A comparative cohort study of the effect of rainfall and temperature on diarrhoeal disease in faecal sludge and non-faecal sludge applying communities, Northern Ghana
Authors: Seidu Razak , Stenström Thor Axel , Löfman Owe
Published: May 2013

This study assesses the effect of temperature and rainfall on diarrhoea incidence in sludge and non-faecal sludge applying farming communities in Northern Ghana. Diarrhoea episode data were obtained through an open cohort survey involving 1,341 and 1,323 individuals from the sludge and non-faecal sludge communities, respectively. The effects of temperature and rainfall variables on diarrhoea incidence were assessed using autoregressive Poisson regression models. Maximum rainfall events in the same bi-week increased the risk of diarrhoea in the sludge (relative risk, RR: 1.034; confidence interval, CI: 1.02–1.05) and non-sludge (RR: 1.003; CI: 0.99–1.01) communities. However, this was not significant in the non-sludge communities (p > 0.05). Minimum rainfall occurring in the same bi-week decreased the risk of diarrhoea in both communities. Maximum temperature decreased the risk of diarrhoea in the sludge communities (RR: 0.50; CI: 0.38–0.65), but increased the risk in the non-sludge communities (RR: 1.19 CI: 1.02–1.40). Minimum temperature increased diarrhoea disease risk (RR: 3.50; CI: 2.10–5.80) in the sludge communities, but decreased the risk (RR: 0.70; CI: 0.54–0.84) in the non-sludge communities. The study stresses the need to account for weather variables when developing schemes for the land application of faecal sludge.
Can immigrant remittances support development finance?
Authors: Julca Alex
Published: May 2013

Immigrant remittances are a significant source of income and finance for
developing economies, representing about three times? official development
assistance and over half of foreign direct investment annually received.
Major motivations to send remittances are for improving food, health, and
education spending of families at home as well as for investing in
entrepreneurial ventures. Economic policies to channel remittances into
development finance should translate these motivations into measures to boost
social investment and local and regional production, linking remittances
policies to broader fiscal, financial and institutional policies. A national
development bank can be a catalyser of public and private interests by
supporting the scale up of remittances investment programmes and by building
partnerships with regional and multilateral development institutions.
Conflicts between agricultural policy and sustainable land use: The case of northern Spain
Authors: Murua Juan , Astorkiza Inmaculada , Eguía Begoña
Published: May 2013

The decline of agriculture, observable mainly in industrialized countries,
shows itself not only in a gradual decrease in the economic weight of the
primary sector, but also in the abandonment of land devoted to agricultural
and livestock activities. The phenomenon of agricultural land abandonment is
complex and, in order to explain the causes, it is necessary to consider not
only the physical and productive features of the land but also the social and
economic characteristics of the area. It also appears to be conditioned by
production specialization, since traditional livestock-raising areas show a
higher risk of abandonment. The process, which is gradual, starts with a
reduction in production intensity followed by increasing marginalization and,
finally, the total abandonment of land use. Focusing on a representative area
on the Cantabrian Coast of northern Spain, this study tests the hypothesis
that a large portion of agricultural land in livestock-oriented regions is
underused. It also evaluates the viability of forestry as an alternative use
for abandoned lands and the potential effects of the Common Agricultural
Policy (CAP) reform.
Correlation Between Diagonal Ratio and Condition Number of the Generalized Inertia Matrix of a Serial-Chain
Authors: Shah Suril V. , Saha Subir K.
Published: May 2013

The condition number of the Generalized Inertia Matrix (GIM) of a serial chain can be used to measure its ill-conditioning. However, computation of the condition number is computationally very expensive. Therefore, this paper investigates alternative means to estimate the condition number, in particular, for a very long serial-chain. For this, the diagonal elements of the GIM are examined. It is found that the ratio of the largest and smallest diagonal elements of the GIM, when scaled using an initial estimate of the condition number, closely resembles the condition number. This significantly simplifies the process of detecting ill-conditioning of the GIM, which may help to decide on stability of the system at hand
Three Decades of Public Attitudes Research on Crime and Punishment in Canada
Authors: Varma Kimberly N. , Marinos Voula
Published: May 2013

Three decades of research on public perceptions in Canada has fundamentally shifted academic and policy approaches to understanding public views of crime and punishment. The contributions of Anthony Doob and his colleagues have influenced methodology, such as the inclusion of experimental design, and have supported an underlying commitment to understanding the public's view of crime and its relationship to policy. This article examines key findings coming out of this body of research and the impact of this work on current criminal justice policy in Canada. Despite the significance of this body of work on public perceptions research, the impact on current criminal justice policy appears to be diminishing.
Formulation development of directly compressed Naproxen SR tablet using Kollidon SR and Avicel PH 102 polymer
Authors: Yasmin Dilshad , Rahman Md. Rashidur , Akter Morshada
Published: May 2013

Naproxen is a well-known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This work has been done for developing a formulation of 280 mg sustained release (SR) tablet where 150 mg active pharmaceutical ingredient (Naproxen) were used along with other excipients like Kollidon SR, Avicel PH 102, Lactose MH, Povidone K 30 and Mg-Stearate. Naproxen SR tablet was prepared by direct compression method aiming to enhance its dissolution properties. The physical parameters (hardness, thickness, diameter, average weight and friability) and drug release profile of this tablet were evaluated. The hardness of tablets from F1 and F2 formulation were highest and rest of them was also satisfactory. F2 formulation did not meet the friability test. But rests of the formulations were acceptable which indicate that others formulations can handle pressure during storage, transportation and packaging. All the formulations released 90% of drug within 120 minutes except F4 formulation. Among the six formulations, release was prompt in F1 formulation because of usage of higher concentration of polymer Kollidon SR. The outcome of this study indicates that the rate of dissolution of Naproxen SR tablet can be considerably improved with Kollidon SR.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i6.14871 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, May 2013, 2(6): 112-114
Challenges in cross-linguistic corpus-assisted discourse studies
Authors: Vessey Rachelle
Published: May 2013

In this paper, I present some of the challenges and benefits arising from the use of cross-linguistic (i.e., involving comparable, non-parallel corpora of different languages) corpus-assisted discourse studies. Since corpus linguistics and discourse analysis ultimately focus on ‘real’ language use rather than theoretically constructed examples, it follows that the content of a corpus will be as varied as the population it is intended to represent; and this is true to an even larger extent when the population is ethno-linguistically diverse. Data for corpus-assisted discourse studies (CADS) research, then, can present numerous issues to researchers, particularly if they are drawing on multilingual data. In this paper, four examples of cross-linguistic CADS challenges are drawn from two cases in Canada, a country that contains a diverse population that is indexed by two official languages, English and French. I conclude this paper by suggesting solutions for each of these issues and call for more research into the comparative nature of cross-linguistic CADS research.
Quantifying lexical usage: vocabulary pertaining to ecosystems and the environment
Authors: Wild Kate , Church Andrew , McCarthy Diana , Burgess Jacquelin
Published: May 2013

A recent development in corpus linguistics has been the integration of critical discourse methodologies, which allow in-depth contextual and qualitative analyses, with corpus linguistic methodologies, which allow broader quantitative analyses. Our study is a contribution to this approach. We present the methods used in a study of vocabulary pertaining to the environment, undertaken as part of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment. A clear and replicable methodology was developed and applied to three custom-built specialised web corpora and a reference web corpus; automatic analysis of collocations found using the Sketch Engine was complemented by manual analysis; and a small-scale replicability check was carried out to ensure that investigator divergence was minimal. We outline the approach and some of the key findings, and we also suggest areas for further refinement/investigation.