bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curvas de crescimento em ovinos da raça morada nova criados no estado da Bahia
Authors: Souza Laaina de Andrade , Carneiro Paulo Luiz Souza , Malhado Carlos Henrique Mendes , Paiva Samuel Rezende , Caires Dirlane Novais , Barreto Débora Louise Ferreira
Published: September 2011

Os objetivos neste estudo foram analisar modelos não-lineares para descrever o crescimento em ovinos da raça Morada Nova criados no estado da Bahia e, após a definição do modelo de melhor ajuste, calcular a taxa de crescimento absoluto e avaliar a influência de fatores ambientais (sexo e tipo de parto) sobre os parâmetros da curva. Utilizaram-se dados de pesagem de 40 ovinos, do nascimento aos 385 dias de idade. Os modelos não-lineares utilizados foram: Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Richards, Logístico e Gompertz. Os modelos Von Bertalanffy, Brody e Richards foram os que apresentaram os melhores ajustes e são equivalentes para explicar o crescimento dos animais. A taxa de crescimento absoluto teve acentuado decréscimo na fase pós-desmama, o que indica a necessidade de se adotar um regime alimentar adequado para acompanhar as exigências de nutrientes dos animais nessa fase. Os efeitos ambientais (sexo e tipo de parto) influenciaram significativamente a taxa a maturidade (k), mas apenas o sexo do animal afetou o peso à maturidade (A). Os animais que nasceram de parto simples tiveram peso maior que o daqueles de parto duplo, e estes apresentaram ganho compensatório. Os machos tiveram maior crescimento que as fêmeas, que, por sua vez, apresentaram maior precocidade. A correlação estimada entre os parâmetros A e k foi negativa (-0,65) para o modelo Von Bertalanffy e (-0,71) para os modelos Brody e Richards, e isso indica que os animais mais precoces possuem menor probabilidade de atingir pesos elevados à idade adulta.
Internet: desafio para uma contabilidade interativa
Authors: Catelli Armando , Santos Edilene Santana
Published: September 2011

O fenômeno explosivo da Internet, insuspeitado há 10 anos, e que hoje se expande de modo acelerado e abrangente em todas as atividades humanas, tem impactos relevantes também na contabilidade. A interatividade, como característica da nova forma de comunicação inaugurada com a Internet, apresenta desafios ao Sistema Contábil Gerencial, cujas respostas, na forma de uma visão interativa da empresa, do patrimônio e do processo de gestão, se expressam na abordagem do Sistema de Gestão Econômica. As insuficiências da Contabilidade Financeira em expressar a realidade das empresas da nova economia no mercado de capitais são igualmente identificadas. Ao mesmo tempo, são comentadas as oportunidades que se abrem à contabilidade financeira, com a divulgação das demonstrações mediante os recursos de linguagem da Internet, com base nos projetos desenvolvidos por entidades reguladoras, particularmente pelo International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC). Com o incremento da comunicação contábil interativa via Internet e com o aprofundamento do debate sobre a contabilização das empresas de ativos intelectuais intensivos, como as da nova economia, preconiza-se, sob a égide da interatividade, uma renovação da Contabilidade Financeira e sua maior aproximação da Contabilidade Gerencial, com base nos fundamentos da Teoria Contábil.
O conceito de ativos na contabilidade: um fundamento a ser explorado
Authors: Goulart André Moura Cintra
Published: September 2011

O estudo da teoria contábil e das definições dos elementos das demonstrações financeiras, em especial os ativos, é de grande relevância não somente para acadêmicos, mas também para aqueles que se encontram ligados diretamente às atividades práticas da contabilidade aplicada. Este trabalho parte da constatação de que definições insatisfatórias do conceito de "ativos" são costumeiramente ensinadas em cursos de contabilidade, sem ensejar discussões, e genericamente aceitas pelos profissionais da área contábil. A partir da pesquisa exploratória realizada, indica-se a validade da hipótese, que orienta o desenvolvimento do trabalho, de que os profissionais da área contábil possuem conhecimento apenas superficial de tão importante conceito, não demonstrando compreensão sobre a essencialidade da noção de benefícios econômicos futuros para a caracterização da natureza básica dos ativos.
Mycale alagoana sp.nov. and two new formal records of Porifera (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida) from the shallow-water reefs of Alagoas (Brazil)
Authors: Cedro Victor Ribeiro , Hajdu Eduardo , Correia Monica Dorigo
Published: September 2011

The Porifera occurring at Alagoas State reefs (north-eastern Brazil) are still little-known, with few species listed and even fewer formally described. From a total of 48 species recorded from the state, only eight belong to the Poecilosclerida, including those (re)described in this study. Here we describe a new species, Mycale (Mycale) alagoana sp.nov., and redescribe two species: Lissodendoryx (Lissodendoryx) isodictyalis (Carter, 1882) and Mycale (Naviculina) diversisigmata Van Soest, 1984, both first formal redescriptions from the Southwestern Atlantic. Additionally, Mycale (Aegogropila) escarlatei Hajdu et al., 1995 is here reported from Alagoas for the first time, in discussing the difficulties inherent to recognition in the field of small crustose Mycalids with neatly reticulated surfaces.
Nota sobre abelhas Lestrimelitta rufipes (Freise) (Hymenoptera, Meliponina), atraídas por armadilhas com iscas odoríferas, na região Sul Fluminense do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Alves Luis Henrique Soares , Forny Jorge Antonio de Lima , Cassino Paulo Cesar Rodrigues , Lorenzon Maria Cristina Affonso , Racca-Filho Francisco , Ramos Pedro Telles
Published: September 2011

O estudo foi realizado bimestralmente entre agosto de 2006 e maio de 2007 na Região Sul Fluminense do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. As armadilhas, modelo Carvalho-47, foram adaptadas e posteriormente montadas às 9 horas e retiradas 48 horas depois. Em cada ponto de coleta foram montadas 4 armadilhas, totalizando 20 armadilhas em toda a trilha. Durante o experimento, oito operárias de Lestrimelitta rufipes (Friese) foram capturadas, sendo sete atraídas por salicilato de metila e uma por cineole. Além dessas essências, foram utilizadas mais duas essências, eugenol e vanilina, porém essas duas essências não atraíram nenhum indivíduo. Todas as abelhas foram coletadas ao longo de novembro de 2006. Mesmo com ampla distribuição geográfica, L. rufipes não havia sido registrada na região Sul Fluminense, sendo também o primeiro registro de coletas dessa espécie através de armadilhas com iscas odoríferas. Não foi possível identificar o porquê da atração das operárias de L. rufipes ao salicilato de metila e cineole, uma vez que essas abelhas não visitam flores nem ninhos que poderiam conter tais fragrâncias. O método de coleta através de armadilhas com iscas odoríferas poderá ser empregado com diversos objetivos, entre eles, o de conhecer a riqueza e a distribuição desse gênero em diversas áreas.
Falência é fracasso? O caso da Associação dos Produtores Alternativos de Ouro Preto do Oeste, Rondônia, Brasil
Authors: Kohler Florent , Issberner Liz Rejane , Léna Philippe , Marchand Guillaume
Published: September 2011

O artigo examina a falência da Associação dos Produtores Alternativos (APA) de Ouro Preto do Oeste, em Rondônia, buscando identificar elementos estruturantes e explicativos das relações entre atores locais e evidenciando seus próprios quadros interpretativos. A partir de um breve histórico da implantação do Projeto Integrado de Colonização (PIC) Ouro Preto do Oeste, são destacadas a origem social dos colonos, sua cultura política e o tipo de capital social construído nos assentamentos. Por outro lado, apresenta-se a lógica das instituições envolvidas no desenvolvimento desse projeto. As relações entre os diversos atores institucionais são apresentadas como uma rede multiconectada, unindo os níveis local, regional, nacional e internacional. A análise mostra o descompasso entre a visão econômica das instituições de apoio, voltadas para a produção, e as aspirações dos produtores da APA. Ao final, concluímos que a falência pode estar associada a dois fatores interligados: a 'desconfiança' dos produtores da APA em relação aos órgãos de apoio à agricultura familiar (Comissão Executiva do Plano da Lavoura Cacaueira, Agência de Defesa Sanitária Agrosilvopastoril do Estado de Rondônia, Empresa de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural) e a ausência dos governos estadual e municipal no grupo de atores do sistema de redes multiconectadas, no qual poderiam ter desempenhado um papel de mediadores entre aquelas diferentes aspirações. Finalmente, a questão colocada relativiza a noção de 'fracasso' associada à falência.
O sítio Jabuti, em Bragança, Pará, no cenário arqueológico do litoral amazônico
Authors: Silveira Maura Imazio da , Oliveira Elisangela Regina de , Kern Dirse Clara , Costa Marcondes Lima da , Rodrigues Suyanne Flávia Santos
Published: September 2011

Quarenta anos após a conclusão do Projeto Salgado, no nordeste paraense, arqueólogos retomam pesquisas na região, investigando questões relacionadas a ocupações humanas pré-coloniais do litoral. São apresentados os primeiros resultados da pesquisa no sítio arqueológico Jabuti, localizado no município de Bragança (PA), na Reserva Extrativista Marinha Caeté-Taperuçu. Trata-se de um sítio cerâmico, a céu aberto, do tipo habitação, com manchas de terra preta arqueológica. O material coletado constitui-se, principalmente, de fragmentos de cerâmica, alguns líticos lascados e corantes. A datação única C14 obtida indica que o sítio foi ocupado há pelo menos 2.900 anos BP. Interessante notar que, segundo esta datação, a ocupação ocorreu no segundo momento do modelo estabelecido por Pedro Walfir Martins Souza Filho e colaboradores, em artigo publicado em 2009, sobre a evolução geológica da zona bragantina do litoral do Salgado, ou seja, o sítio estava situado na maior ilha de terra, próximo ao continente. As características observadas no material cerâmico desse sítio remetem à tradição cerâmica Mina. Inicialmente, duas hipóteses são levantadas: 1) a ocorrência de cerâmica Mina neste tipo de sítio arqueológico pode indicar alguma forma de contato entre grupos sambaquieiros e outros grupos ceramistas; ou, ainda, 2) uma mudança na economia e no modo de vida dos grupos sambaquieiros em direção ao cultivo.
Diallel analysis in white oat cultivars subjected to water stress
Authors: Ribeiro Guilherme , Silveira Gustavo da , Crestani Maraisa , Nornberg Rafael , Luche Henrique de Souza , Mezzalira Itamara , Carvalho Fernando Irajá Félix de , Oliveira Antônio Costa de
Published: September 2011

The goal of this work was to determine the combining ability of three white oat parental genotypes (UPF 18, URS21 and URS 22) and to estimate the heterosis of F1 hybrids in two conditions, with and without water stress. The results indicate a large effect of the environment on the evaluated characters (cycle, leaf area, plant stature, grain yield per plant, main panicle weight and number of grains of the main panicle). The condition without stress was the most efficient for the selection of superior genotypes. Based on the general and specific combining ability, the cultivar URS 22 was shown to be indicated for cycle and stature reduction, while UPF 18 lead to increases in leaf area, main panicle weight and number of grains of the main panicle. The specific cross URS 22 x URS 21 was the best for the selection of superior genotypes.
Genetic gains for heat tolerance in potato in three cycles of recurrent selection
Authors: Benites Flávio Rodrigo Gandolfi , Pinto César Augusto Brasil Pereira
Published: September 2011

Practically all potato cultivars grown in Brazil are native to Europe and not fully adapted to the tropical conditions. The purpose of this study was to estimate the genetic gains of three cycles of recurrent selection for heat tolerance in potato. The base population in this study consisted of five Brazilian and five heat-tolerant clones. In the winter of 2006 and rainy growing season of 2007 103 clones were evaluated (eight clones of the base population, 29 of the first cycle, 32 and 30 of the second and third recurrent selection cycle, respectively, and four control cultivars). The genetic gains for tuber traits in both growing seasons were 37.8 % (yield), 13.0 % (weight), 32.4 % (percent of large tubers), 0.8 % (tuber specific gravity) and 16.6 % (general tuber appearance). The percentage of physiological disorders (second-growth tubers and cracking) was also reduced by selection.
Genetics of common bean resistance to white mold
Authors: Carneiro Flávia Fernandes , Santos João Bosco dos , Gonçalves Paulo Roberto Carvalho , Antonio Rafaela Priscila , Souza Thaís Paula de
Published: September 2011

The objective of the research was to investigate the nature and magnitude of the genetic factors involved in the resistance of the common bean to white mold. The lines G122 (resistant) and M20 (susceptible) were crossed to yield F1 and F2 generations and F2:3 progenies. The experiment was set up using the random block design with two replications, each of which was evaluated twice with fungal inoculations being performed on 28 and 38 day-old plants using the straw test method. Six to eight days after inoculation evaluations were conducted on individual plants and at the level of means of progenies using a diagrammatic scale ranging from 1 to 9. The additive-dominance model adopted was efficient, and the genetic control of resistance was predominantly due additive effects. Estimates of broad-sense heritability indicated that selection would be more efficient when based on the means of progenies and when successive inoculations are employed.
Characterization of tomato accessions for resistance to early blight
Authors: Grigolli José Fernando Jurca , Kubota Mirian Maristela , Alves Daniel Pedrosa , Rodrigues Gabriel Belfort , Cardoso Carine Rezende , Silva Derly José Henriques da , Mizubuti Eduardo Seiti Gomide
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to characterize 50 tomato genotypes of the Vegetable Genebank of the Federal University of Viçosa. They were evaluated together with the controls Débora, Fanny and Santa Clara, in a randomized block design with two replications. The experiment was conducted in a research field of the UFV, from February to May 2007. We evaluated the disease severity, which is the percentage of diseased leaf area. The severity values were transformed into area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), improving the result visualization. The analysis of variance and grouping of AUDPC means by the Scott-Knott test at 5 % significance were performed. The accessions BGH-2081, BGH-2034, BGH-700, BGH-2057, BGH-2035, BGH-2054, BGH-2018, BGH-2065, BGH-2008, and BGH-2032 had a lower mean AUDPC than the controls and are therefore indicated for future breeding programs.
Determination of the mating system of Tucumã palm using microsatellite markers
Authors: Ramos Santiago Linorio Ferreyra , Lopes Maria Teresa Gomes , Lopes Ricardo , Cunha Raimundo Nonato Vieira da , Macêdo Jeferson Luis Vasconcelos de , Contim Luis Antônio Serrão , Clement Charles Roland , Rodrigues Doriane Picanço , Bernardes Laura Graciliana
Published: September 2011

The Amazonian Tucumã palm (Astrocaryum aculeatum) produces edible fruit, traditionally consumed in indigenous communities and increasingly in urban centers. The species is incipiently domesticated and little studied, despite its growing economic importance for smallholder farmers and gatherers. Studies on the mating system are required for the conservation and use of the species' genetic resources. Our objective was to estimate mating system parameters of the Tucumã palm using microsatellite markers. Plants of 11 progenies of a spontaneous population were genotyped with eight microsatellite loci and the mating system parameters estimated. The population outcrossing rate was estimated at 0.978, and ranged from 0.774 to 1at the family level. The estimates of the correlation of paternity (0.176 and 0.205) suggest a low probability of full-sibs within progenies. Tucumã palm is a predominantly allogamous species and the open-pollinated progenies consist predominantly of half-sibs.
Lessons Learned and Experiences Gained in Developing the Waterflooding Concept of a Fractured Basement-Granite Reservoir: A 20-Year Case Study
Authors: Dang Cuong T.Q. , Chen Zhangxing John , Nguyen Ngoc T.B. , Bae Wisup , Phung Thuoc H.
Published: September 2011

Naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) represent more than 20% of the world's oil and gas reserves. However, their characterization is complex and presents unique challenges in comparison with conventional reservoirs. It is immensely difficult to achieve the best results in the secondary-recovery process for NFRs.

This paper presents a successful development of waterflooding to overcome the complex geological characterization of the White Tiger field, the largest fractured basement reservoir to date on the continental shelf of Vietnam. This reservoir has a complicated geological structure, with high heterogeneity, high temperature, and high closure stress. The total oil initially in place (OIIP) of this field reached nearly 4 billion bbl from 2000 m of oil-bearing thickness, and the field has been produced by more than 100 wells, 10 of which have flowed at the rate of approximately 1,000 B/D.

The geological study and fractured model have been carefully investigated in both micro- and macroscale to improve waterflooding performance. The authors have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of injection systems in this basement reservoir during 20 years of production history, and an artificial water buffer solution has been proposed to improve the waterflooding process. The authors have described the establishment and association of local artificial water buffer in the basement reservoir. An effective method to optimize the injected-water volume has also been discussed. Promising results from the White Tiger field have shown that the average reservoir pressure and total oil recovery have increased significantly in comparison with previous injection schemes.

This paper presents useful guidelines to solve some typical problems of waterflooding in fractured basement reservoirs:

What can be applied in waterflooding for a fractured basement reservoir?

What is the optimal injection rate and injected volume for the fractured basement reservoir?

How do we evaluate the probability of high water cut in production wells during the waterflooding process?

How do we predict the rise of an artificial water/oil contact (AWOC)?
Ongoing Development of Cementing Practices and Technologies for Kuwait Oil Company's Deep HP/HT Exploration and Gas Wells: Case History
Authors: Al-Saeedi M.J.. J. , Al-Enezi D.. , Al-Mudhaf M.N.A.. N.A. , Modak T.. , McKinnell D.C.. C.
Published: September 2011

Exploration activities in Kuwait have been focused on the search for high-quality oil from the Jurassic formations and gas in the Triassic/Permian series. The wells drilled to these prospects are very challenging because of high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/ HT) conditions, large casing sizes, oil-based mud, the presence of high levels of H2S and CO2, and a narrow pore-/fracture-pressure window. In particular, the cementing of the deep strings in these wells has been extremely challenging. Over the last 8 years, a concentrated effort has been made to introduce new technologies and materials to improve the cementing practices both from operational and safety aspects.

In 2003, the success ratio for deep cementations was highly variable. The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), along with one of their cementing service providers, worked on a series of changes to practices and materials with the aim of improving job quality with high repeatability. This was based primarily on the technologies being developed in HP/HT wells around the globe, especially in the North Sea, and it resulted in a notable improvement in cementing performance.

Technologies and practices that had been developed include spacer technology, application of synthetic retarders, fluid-loss and antigas-migration additive improvements, development of finegrained weighting additives, use of HP/HT rheometers, systematic product control, the minimizing of handling, and safer mixing practices at the wellsite.

This paper will discuss the application of these technologies, materials, and practices over an 8-year period as a case history to illustrate the improvements made in achieving consistent cement quality and final slurry placement for the deep-casing and liner strings, and will conclude with recommendations and lessons learned during this process.
Integrated Reservoir Modeling of a Large Sour-Gas Field With High Concentrations of Inerts
Authors: Huang N.S.. S. , Aho G.E.. E. , Baker B.H.. H. , Matthews T.R.. R. , Pottorf R.J.. J.
Published: September 2011

The LaBarge project demonstrates the successful commercialization of a very large gas resource representative of the increasingly challenging projects faced by our industry. Three particularly distinctive aspects are (1) it is one of the largest acid-gas-reinjection projects in the world, (2) the composition is nearly 80% nonhydrocarbon, and (3) the initial compositional gradient cannot be explained by gravity segregation. This paper describes integrated reservoir modeling studies conducted to evaluate key reservoir and operational uncertainties. The integrated studies led to a new hypothesis for the initial compositional gradient and illustrated fit-for-purpose modeling approaches for reservoir fluid charging and mixing, black-oil simulation, and an integrated production network. The studies were used to optimize the drilling and depletion plan to maximize methane production with current facilities and end-of-field-life assumptions, and to analyze acid-gas injection (AGI) into the aquifer.
Comparative Evaluation of a New Gas/Oil Miscibility-Determination Technique
Authors: Ayirala Subhash C. , Rao Dandina N.
Published: September 2011

A new experimental technique of vanishing interfacial tension (VIT) has been reported in recent literature for quick and cost-effective determination of gas/oil miscibility. However, this technique has been criticized because of the perceived absence of compositional-path specification and lack of confirmation against standard gas/oil systems. In this paper, we address these concerns by conducting interfacial-tension (IFT) measurements at elevated pressures and temperatures in two standard gas/oil systems and at varying molar compositions of gas and oil in feed mixtures.

Though gas/oil ratio was found to have an impact on mass-transfer rates, the IFT between gas and oil was unaffected in the two standard gas/oil systems as the fluid phases approached equilibrium. This indicates compositional-path independence of gas/oil IFTs measured at near-equilibrium conditions; hence, miscibilities determined using the VIT technique. The minimum miscibility pressures (MMPs) determined using the VIT technique acceptably matched (within 5 to 8%) with the reported slim tube miscibilities for both the standard gas/oil systems. These experimental results clearly support wide use of the VIT technique for rapid and cost-effective determination of MMPs and minimum miscibility enrichments (MMEs) in improved-oil-recovery applications.
Validation of a low-dose ACTH stimulation test in healthy adult horses
Authors: Stewart Allison J. , Behrend Ellen N. , Wright James C. , Martin Linda G. , Kemppainen Robert J. , Busch Katherine A. , Hanson R. Reid
Published: September 2011

Objective—To determine the lowest ACTH dose that would induce a maximum increase in serum cortisol concentration in healthy adult horses and identify the time to peak cortisol concentration.

Design—Evaluation study.

Animals—8 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or 1 of 4 doses (0.02, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg [0.009, 0.045, 0.114, and 0.227 μg/lb]) of cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) were administered IV (5 treatments/horse). Serum cortisol concentrations were measured before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after injection of cosyntropin or saline solution; CBCs were performed before and 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after injection.

Results—For all 4 doses, serum cortisol concentration was significantly increased, compared with the baseline value, by 30 minutes after administration of cosyntropin; no significant differences were detected among maximum serum cortisol concentrations obtained in response to administration of doses of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 30 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.02 or 0.1 μg/kg, with peak concentrations 1.5 and 1.9 times, respectively, the baseline concentration. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 90 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.25 or 0.5 μg/kg, with peak concentrations 2.0 and 2.3 times, respectively, the baseline concentration. Cosyntropin administration significantly affected WBC, neutrophil, and eosinophil counts and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that in healthy horses, administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.1 μg/kg resulted in maximum adrenal stimulation, with peak cortisol concentration 30 minutes after cosyntropin administration.
Improving Intersection Design Practices
Authors: Kirk Adam , Jones Chris , Stamatiadis Nikiforos
Published: September 2011

This study aims to use operational characteristics to help determine the size and the design of intersections on the basis of a targeted level of operation. This approach will allow for a preliminary evaluation of a broader range of possible designs, by screening out those designs considered less desirable or inappropriate on the basis of operational performance. This approach will also allow for a more objective comparison of all alternatives because all options target the same operational service level. The use of the critical lane analysis method was considered an appropriate approach for developing such size estimates for intersections. Similar methods for stop-controlled and yield-controlled intersections were also identified because it was necessary to expand these methods to include unsignalized designs as well. The Intersection Design Alternative Tool developed through this effort is capable of evaluating 13 intersection alternatives and identifying preferred lane configurations from more than 12,000 available configurations.
Analyzing Operational Improvements as an Alternative to Traditional Highway Construction
Authors: Kittelson Wayne K. , Rouphail Nagui M. , Williams Billy M. , Zhou Xuesong
Published: September 2011

The primary objective of the study described in this paper was to develop methods and tools for analyzing operational improvements as an alternative to traditional highway construction. Twenty-five capacity-enhancing operational, design, and technological strategies were identified for use on freeways, arterials, or both. Methodological and analytic enhancements to existing dynamic traffic assignment models were developed to increase the realism and the sensitivity of the models in simulating the effects of one or more strategy applications. Diagnostic tools for identifying locations that may represent good opportunities to implement one or more operational strategies were created. An illustrative application of the procedure is presented to demonstrate its usefulness and the additional insights that can be gained to inform transportation investment decision making. The systematic procedure described in this paper can be used for diagnosing and remediating operational deficiencies at the link, corridor, and network levels.
Operational Characteristics of Super 2 Highways in Texas
Authors: Brewer Marcus A. , Venglar Steven P. , Ding Liang
Published: September 2011

As traffic volumes increase in many jurisdictions in both urban and rural areas, the demand on the highway network also increases. Specifically, as rural traffic volumes rise in Texas, the pressure on the state's network of two-lane highways rises accordingly. High proportions of heavy vehicles compound the problem and contribute to a decrease in safety as impatient drivers attempt to pass slower vehicles in no-passing zones or to pass trucks, despite diminished sight distance beyond such vehicles. Previous research in Texas demonstrated that periodic passing lanes can improve operations on two-lane highways with low to moderate volumes; these Super 2 highways can provide many benefits of a four-lane alignment at lower cost. The current Texas Roadway Design Manual contains these guidelines for highways with average daily traffic (ADT) lower than 5,000 vehicles per day. A current project expands on that research to develop design guidelines for passing lanes on two-lane highways with higher volumes. The project investigates the effects of volume, terrain, and heavy vehicles on traffic flow. This paper discusses findings from field observations of existing Super 2 highway corridors in Texas and computer modeling of traffic conditions on a simulated Super 2 corridor. Results indicate that passing lanes do provide added benefit at higher traffic volumes by reducing delay and percent time spent following. The incremental benefit of adding passing lanes or adding length to lanes diminished, and the effects of ADT on operations were more substantial than the effects of terrain or truck percentage for the study corridor.
Operational Effects of Signalized Superstreets in North Carolina
Authors: Haley Rebecca L. , Ott Sarah E. , Hummer Joseph E. , Foyle Robert S. , Cunningham Christopher M. , Schroeder Bastian J.
Published: September 2011

Arterials across the United States are operating inefficiently and are becoming increasingly congested because of growing traffic demand. Agencies tasked with improving these arterials are running out of good solutions. Superstreets, called restricted crossing U-turns by FHWA, are part of a menu of unconventional arterial designs that may provide promising solutions. Up to this point, little valid information exists on the operational effects of superstreets because study results have been from macroscopic analyses and simulations of hypothetical arterials. The purpose of this research was to determine the operational effects of the superstreet treatment on existing signalized arterials in North Carolina. The operational analysis involved calibrating and validating VISSIM models of three existing signalized superstreets in North Carolina; two isolated intersections and one five-intersection superstreet corridor. After some adjustments, the team produced VISSIM models that provided travel times within an acceptable range of the field data collected. Results from the three calibrated VISSIM models were compared with results from models of equivalent conventional sites at various volume levels with travel time as the primary measure of effectiveness. The superstreet outperformed the conventional design at each location studied and reduced the overall average travel time per vehicle traveling through the intersection. The travel time savings and extra capacity at higher volumes can buy agencies more years of acceptable operation before intersection improvements, or even interchanges, are necessary.
Analysis of Deceleration in through Lane before Right Turn
Authors: Warren Andrew J. , Gattis J. L. , Duncan Lynette K. , Costello Thomas A.
Published: September 2011

This paper summarizes a research project in which observers recorded the speeds and distances of vehicles decelerating in the through lanes before turning right into a driveway. All data were collected on multiline urban arterial roadways with posted speeds of 35 mph, 40 mph, or 45 mph. The main objective was to develop speed–distance models for the decelerating vehicles; deceleration was not linear, and was best modeled in three stages. In addition, the models developed during this project were compared with previous models developed by others, the effects of deceleration on the through traffic stream were examined, and the implications for designing the lengths of right-turn deceleration lanes were considered.
Lempel–Ziv Data Compression on Parallel and Distributed Systems
Authors: De Agostino Sergio
Published: September 2011

We present a survey of results concerning Lempel–Ziv data compression on parallel and distributed systems, starting from the theoretical approach to parallel time complexity to conclude with the practical goal of designing distributed algorithms with low communication cost. Storer’s extension for image compression is also discussed.
A Modified Surface on Titanium Deposited by a Blasting Process
Authors: O’Sullivan Caroline , O’Hare Peter , Byrne Greg , O’Neill Liam , Ryan Katie B. , Crean Abina M.
Published: September 2011

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating of hard tissue implants is widely employed for its biocompatible and osteoconductive properties as well as its improved mechanical properties. Plasma technology is the principal deposition process for coating HA on bioactive metals for this application. However, thermal decomposition of HA can occur during the plasma deposition process, resulting in coating variability in terms of purity, uniformity and crystallinity, which can lead to implant failure caused by aseptic loosening. In this study, CoBlastTM, a novel blasting process has been used to successfully modify a titanium (V) substrate with a HA treatment using a dopant/abrasive regime. The impact of a series of apatitic abrasives under the trade name MCD, was investigated to determine the effect of abrasive particle size on the surface properties of both microblast (abrasive only) and CoBlast (HA/abrasive) treatments. The resultant HA treated substrates were compared to substrates treated with abrasive only (microblasted) and an untreated Ti. The HA powder, apatitic abrasives and the treated substrates were characterized for chemical composition, coating coverage, crystallinity and topography including surface roughness. The results show that the surface roughness of the HA blasted modification was affected by the particle size of the apatitic abrasives used. The CoBlast process did not alter the chemistry of the crystalline HA during deposition. Cell proliferation on the HA surface was also assessed, which demonstrated enhanced osteo-viability compared to the microblast and blank Ti. This study demonstrates the ability of the CoBlast process to deposit HA coatings with a range of surface properties onto Ti substrates. The ability of the CoBlast technology to offer diversity in modifying surface topography offers exciting new prospects in tailoring the properties of medical devices for applications ranging from dental to orthopedic settings.
Frogs, Fish and Forestry: An Integrated Watershed Network Paradigm Conserves Biodiversity and Ecological Services
Authors: Welsh Jr. Hartwell H.
Published: September 2011

Successfully addressing the multitude of stresses influencing forest catchments, their native biota, and the vital ecological services they provide humanity will require adapting an integrated view that incorporates the full range of natural and anthropogenic disturbances acting on these landscapes and their embedded fluvial networks. The concepts of dendritic networks, disturbance domains, the stream continuum, and hydrologic connectivity can facilitate this integration. Managing catchments based on these combined concepts would better maintain all the components of watersheds and the interacting processes that comprise their ecological integrity. To examine these ideas, I review riparian protection regulations in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, regulations considered by many to be among the best available, and evaluate their ability to protect headwater amphibians. I present evidence for the inadequacy of these rules to maintain robust populations of these amphibians, and discuss the implications of these shortcomings for downstream-dwelling coho salmon. Emphasizing headwaters (1st to 3rd-order channels), I discuss disturbance regimes and how differences in their fluvial and geomorphic processes determine the structuring of channels, their internal environments, and the composition of the resident biota. I examine amphibian dependence on specific channel attributes, and discuss links between their abundances, altered attribute states, and natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Using these examples, I discuss the limitations of current protections to maintain key attributes necessary to support robust populations of headwater amphibians, and via hydrologic connectivity, many downstream organisms. I propose that the goal of maintaining whole catchment biodiversity and ecological services could be improved by managing watersheds based on integrating science-based network organizing concepts and evaluating and adjusting outcomes with a suite of responsive bio-indicators.
Diagnostic Performance of 1→3-β-D-Glucan in Neonatal and Pediatric Patients with Candidemia
Authors: Montagna Maria Teresa , Coretti Caterina , Lovero Grazia , Giglio Osvalda De , Montagna Osvaldo , Laforgia Nicola , Santoro Nicola , Caggiano Giuseppina
Published: September 2011

Fungal sepsis is one of the major problems in neonatal and pediatric care unit settings. The availability of new diagnostic techniques could allow medical practitioners to rapidly identify septic patients and to improve their outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the 1→3-β-D-glucan (BDG), individually and in comparison with the Candida mannan (CM) antigen, in ten preterm infants and five onco-haematological pediatric patients with Candida bloodstream infections already proven by positive culture. The serum levels of BDG were >80 pg/mL on the same day as a positive blood culture in all examined patients, while CM antigen was negative in the patients with C. parapsilosis fungemia and in one further case due to C. albicans. These results suggest that a regular monitoring of serum circulating antigens (i.e., 1→3-β-D-glucan) combined with other microbiological and clinical information, may allow earlier and accurate diagnosis. However, further studies are necessary to confirm its usefulness in routine clinical practice.
Bioactive Polymeric Composites for Tooth Mineral Regeneration: Physicochemical and Cellular Aspects
Authors: Skrtic Drago , Antonucci Joseph M.
Published: September 2011

Our studies of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-based dental materials are focused on the design of bioactive, non-degradable, biocompatible, polymeric composites derived from acrylic monomer systems and ACP by photochemical or chemically activated polymerization. Their intended uses include remineralizing bases/liners, orthodontic adhesives and/or endodontic sealers. The bioactivity of these materials originates from the propensity of ACP, once exposed to oral fluids, to release Ca and PO4 ions (building blocks of tooth and bone mineral) in a sustained manner while spontaneously converting to thermodynamically stable apatite. As a result of ACP’s bioactivity, local Ca- and PO4-enriched environments are created with supersaturation conditions favorable for the regeneration of tooth mineral lost to decay or wear. Besides its applicative purpose, our research also seeks to expand the fundamental knowledge base of structure-composition-property relationships existing in these complex systems and identify the mechanisms that govern filler/polymer and composite/tooth interfacial phenomena. In addition to an extensive physicochemical evaluation, we also assess the leachability of the unreacted monomers and in vitro cellular responses to these types of dental materials. The systematic physicochemical and cellular assessments presented in this study typically provide model materials suitable for further animal and/or clinical testing. In addition to their potential dental clinical value, these studies suggest the future development of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials based on composite materials derived from biodegradable polymers and ACP, and designed primarily for general bone tissue regeneration.
On Structure and Properties of Amorphous Materials
Authors: Stachurski Zbigniew H.
Published: September 2011

Mechanical, optical, magnetic and electronic properties of amorphous materials hold great promise towards current and emergent technologies. We distinguish at least four categories of amorphous (glassy) materials: (i) metallic; (ii) thin films; (iii) organic and inorganic thermoplastics; and (iv) amorphous permanent networks. Some fundamental questions about the atomic arrangements remain unresolved. This paper focuses on the models of atomic arrangements in amorphous materials. The earliest ideas of Bernal on the structure of liquids were followed by experiments and computer models for the packing of spheres. Modern approach is to carry out computer simulations with prediction that can be tested by experiments. A geometrical concept of an ideal amorphous solid is presented as a novel contribution to the understanding of atomic arrangements in amorphous solids.
Pyrene: A Probe to Study Protein Conformation and Conformational Changes
Authors: Bains Gursharan , Patel Arti B. , Narayanaswami Vasanthy
Published: September 2011

The review focuses on the unique spectral features of pyrene that can be utilized to investigate protein structure and conformation. Pyrene is a fluorescent probe that can be attached covalently to protein side chains, such as sulfhydryl groups. The spectral features of pyrene are exquisitely sensitive to the microenvironment of the probe: it exhibits an ensemble of monomer fluorescence emission peaks that report on the polarity of the probe microenvironment, and an additional band at longer wavelengths, the appearance of which reflects the presence of another pyrene molecule in spatial proximity (~10 Å). Its high extinction coefficient allows us to study labeled proteins in solution at physiologically relevant concentrations. The environmentally- and spatially-sensitive features of pyrene allow monitoring protein conformation, conformational changes, protein folding and unfolding, protein-protein, protein-lipid and protein-membrane interactions.
Modulation of Animal and Human Hematopoiesis by β-Glucans: A Review
Authors: Hofer Michal , Pospíšil Milan
Published: September 2011

β-Glucans are cell wall constituents of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and plants. They are not expressed in mammalian cells, but they are recognized by mammalian cells as pathogen-associated molecular patterns by pattern recognition receptors and thus act as biological response modifiers. This review summarizes data on the hematopoiesis-stimulating effects of β-glucans, as well as on their ability to enhance bone marrow recovery after an injury. β-Glucans have been shown to support murine hematopoiesis suppressed by ionizing radiation or cytotoxic anti-cancer therapy. They also enhance stem cell homing and engraftment. Basically, two forms of β-glucan preparations have been investigated, namely particulate and soluble ones. β-Glucans are generally well tolerated, the particulate forms showing a higher incidence of undesirable side effects. Taken together, the hematopoiesis-stimulating properties of β-glucans predetermine these biological response modifiers to ever increasing use in human medicinal practice.
Modified Heat-Stable Toxins (hSTa) of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Lose Toxicity but Display Antigenicity after Being Genetically Fused to Heat-Labile Toxoid LT(R192G)
Authors: Liu Mei , Zhang Chengxian , Mateo Kristy , Nataro James P. , Robertson Donald C. , Zhang Weiping
Published: September 2011

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are a major cause of diarrhea in humans and animals. Heat-stable (STa) and heat-labile (LT) enterotoxins produced by ETEC disrupt fluid homeostasis in host small intestinal epithelial cells and cause fluid and electrolyte hyper-secretion that leads to diarrhea. ETEC strains producing STa or LT are sufficiently virulent to cause diarrhea, therefore STa and LT antigens must be included in ETEC vaccines. However, potent toxicity and poor immunogenicity (of STa) prevent them from being directly applied as vaccine components. While LT toxoids, especially LT(R192G), being used in vaccine development, STa toxoids have not been included. A recent study (IAI, 78:316-325) demonstrated porcine-type STa toxoids [pSTa(P12F) and pSTa(A13Q)] elicited protective anti-STa antibodies after being fused to a porcine-type LT toxoid [pLT(R192G)]. In this study, we substituted the 8th, 9th, 16th, or the 17th amino acid of a human-type STa (hSTa) and generated 28 modified STa peptides. We tested each STa peptide for toxicity and structure integrity, and found nearly all modified STa proteins showed structure alteration and toxicity reduction. Based on structure similarity and toxic activity, three modified STa peptides: STa(E8A), STa(T16Q) and STa(G17S), were selected to construct LT192-STa-toxoid fusions. Constructed fusions were used to immunize mice, and immunized mice developed anti-STa antibodies. Results from this study provide useful information in developing toxoid vaccines against ETEC diarrhea.
Recombination in Eukaryotic Single Stranded DNA Viruses
Authors: Martin Darren P. , Biagini Philippe , Lefeuvre Pierre , Golden Michael , Roumagnac Philippe , Varsani Arvind
Published: September 2011

Although single stranded (ss) DNA viruses that infect humans and their domesticated animals do not generally cause major diseases, the arthropod borne ssDNA viruses of plants do, and as a result seriously constrain food production in most temperate regions of the world. Besides the well known plant and animal-infecting ssDNA viruses, it has recently become apparent through metagenomic surveys of ssDNA molecules that there also exist large numbers of other diverse ssDNA viruses within almost all terrestrial and aquatic environments. The host ranges of these viruses probably span the tree of life and they are likely to be important components of global ecosystems. Various lines of evidence suggest that a pivotal evolutionary process during the generation of this global ssDNA virus diversity has probably been genetic recombination. High rates of homologous recombination, non-homologous recombination and genome component reassortment are known to occur within and between various different ssDNA virus species and we look here at the various roles that these different types of recombination may play, both in the day-to-day biology, and in the longer term evolution, of these viruses. We specifically focus on the ecological, biochemical and selective factors underlying patterns of genetic exchange detectable amongst the ssDNA viruses and discuss how these should all be considered when assessing the adaptive value of recombination during ssDNA virus evolution.
Isolated cryptococcal osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Qadir Irfan , Ali Farheen , Malik Umair Zafar , Umer Masood
Published: September 2011

Cryptococcosis is a rare infection in HIV-negative individuals. While the lungs and the central nervous system are most commonly infected, skeletal cryptococcosis is uncommon and isolated osteomyelitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans is quite rare. To our knowledge, only 47 cases of isolated cryptococcal osteomyelitis have been reported from 1974 to 2005. We report a case of isolated cryptococcal osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient, who received 12 weeks of fluconazole with complete recovery.