bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da exposição ao Pb e Cd em crianças de 0 a 17 anos por consumo de alimentos vegetais cultivados em solos contaminados no município de Santo Amaro (BA)
Authors: Magna Gustavo Alonso Muñoz , Machado Sandro Lemos , Portella Roberto Bagattini , Carvalho Miriam de Fátima
Published: January 2015

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estimar as doses de exposição aos contaminantes chumbo (Pb) e cádmio (Cd) em crianças de 0 a 17 anos de idade via consumo de alimentos vegetais cultivados em quintais contaminados, localizados no entorno de uma metalúrgica desativada, no município de Santo Amaro, Estado da Bahia. Para a estimativa das doses foi utilizada a metodologia de avaliação de riscos sobre a saúde humana, especificamente a etapa de análise da exposição, determinando as concentrações dos metais e variáveis sociodemográficas das crianças. As doses de exposição estimadas para ambos os contaminantes superaram os valores recomendados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), atingindo valores máximos de exposição de 166,9 μg.kg−1 dia−1 e 2,95 μg.kg−1 dia−1 para o Pb e o Cd, respectivamente, por consumo de frutas. Os resultados comprovam que o consumo de alimentos vegetais cultivados em quintais pela população residente próxima à antiga fábrica é uma importante rota de exposição atual aos metais, representando um risco para a saúde da população.
Avaliação Ambiental Estratégica e as Áreas de Proteção Ambiental
Authors: Esteves Aline Oliveira , Souza Marcelo Pereira
Published: January 2015

O estabelecimento e manejo de áreas protegidas constituem importantes estratégias para a proteção da biodiversidade. Para as Áreas de Proteção Ambiental (APA), os planos de manejo são essenciais para a consecução dos objetivos. Para melhorar os resultados, alguns países utilizam a Avaliação Ambiental Estratégica (AAE) para elaborar planos de manejo. Essa estratégia tem apresentado bons resultados, com a melhora na gestão da área protegida. No Brasil, há um Roteiro Metodológico para Gestão de APAs (RMG-APAs) que orienta a elaboração dos planos de manejo desta categoria. Neste contexto, o artigo analisa as contribuições da AAE para os planos de manejo e discute se estas contribuições podem ser encontradas no RMG-APAs utilizado no Brasil. O método utilizado neste artigo foi qualitativo e, a partir de um levantamento conceitual obtido na literatura internacional e a definição de cinco unidades de análise, foi realizada uma análise documental de três estudos de caso relacionados às áreas protegidas. Dois destes trabalhos obversavam planos de manejo com influência da AAE (internacionais) e o terceiro, sem influência da AAE, o RMG-APAs. Os resultados mostram importantes contribuições da AAE para os planos manejo, a saber: melhor integração das etapas de planejamento, notadamente com outros planos de uso do solo e também de outros setores; avaliação dos objetivos dos planos de manejo; melhor integração e avaliação de estratégias envolvendo o social, o ambiental e o econômico; fortalecimento da gestão participativa e outros. Com relação ao RMG-APAs, a conclusão é que os planos de manejo poderão apresentar melhores resultados quando associados à AAE.
Uso de métodos estatísticos robustos na análise ambiental
Authors: Sabino Claudia Vilhena Schayer , Lage Ludmila Vieira , Almeida Katiane Cristina de Brito
Published: January 2015

Dados ambientais frequentemente apresentam valores censurados, perdidos e/ou discrepantes (outliers). Além disto, as amostras devem ser consideradas dependentes por terem componentes espaciais e temporais. Outro fato frequente nestes dados é que dificilmente seguem uma distribuição Normal ou Log-normal. Devido a estas características e outras, técnicas estatísticas convencionais não devem ser utilizadas. O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso do rio das Velhas, Minas Gerais, utilizando métodos estatísticos robustos após o tratamento adequado dos dados. A análise de componentes principais detectou as variáveis que mais contribuem para a degradação da qualidade das águas do rio das Velhas e a visualização espacial dos escores mostrou onde esta contaminação está mais evidente.
Utilização de Sistema de Informação Geográfica como ferramenta para gestão do monitoramento da qualidade do ar na Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Martins Eduardo Monteiro , Fortes Júlio Domingos Nunes , Ribeiro Gilberto Pessanha , Pereira Marcus Felipe Mourão
Published: January 2015

A preocupação com a gestão da qualidade do ar na cidade do Rio de Janeiro tem aumentado nos últimos anos devido aos grandes eventos que a cidade irá receber em um futuro próximo. A utilização de Sistema de Informação Geográfica como uma ferramenta para a gestão da qualidade do ar foi avaliada neste trabalho. Foi feita uma nova delimitação das bacias aéreas com a utilização de dados digitais que proporcionou o surgimento de três novas bacias aéreas e a alteração da configuração espacial das bacias aéreas existentes
Ethics Requirement Score: new tool for evaluating ethics in publications
Authors: Santos Lígia Gabrielle dos , Fonseca Ana Carolina da Costa e , Bica Claudia Giuliano
Published: January 2015

Objective To analyze ethical standards considered by health-related scientific journals, and to prepare the Ethics Requirement Score, a bibliometric index to be applied to scientific healthcare journals in order to evaluate criteria for ethics in scientific publication.Methods Journals related to healthcare selected by the Journal of Citation Reports™ 2010 database were considered as experimental units. Parameters related to publication ethics were analyzed for each journal. These parameters were acquired by analyzing the author’s guidelines or instructions in each journal website. The parameters considered were approval by an Internal Review Board, Declaration of Helsinki or Resolution 196/96, recommendations on plagiarism, need for application of Informed Consent Forms with the volunteers, declaration of confidentiality of patients, record in the database for clinical trials (if applicable), conflict of interest disclosure, and funding sources statement. Each item was analyzed considering their presence or absence.Result The foreign journals had a significantly higher Impact Factor than the Brazilian journals, however, no significant results were observed in relation to the Ethics Requirement Score. There was no correlation between the Ethics Requirement Score and the Impact Factor.Conclusion Although the Impact Factor of foreigner journals was considerably higher than that of the Brazilian publications, the results showed that the Impact Factor has no correlation with the proposed score. This allows us to state that the ethical requirements for publication in biomedical journals are not related to the comprehensiveness or scope of the journal.
Delayed postoperative radiation therapy in local control of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth
Authors: Amar Ali , Chedid Helma Maria , Curioni Otávio Alberto , Dedivitis Rogério Aparecido , Rapoport Abrão , Cernea Claudio Roberto , Brandão Lenine Garcia
Published: January 2015

Objective To evaluate the effect of time between surgery and postoperative radiation therapy on local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth.Methods A total of 154 patients treated between 1996 and 2007 were selected considering local recurrence rate and time of the adjuvant radiotherapy.Results Local recurrence was diagnosed in 54 (35%) patients. Radiation therapy reduced the rate of local recurrences, although with no statistical significance. The time between surgery and initiation of postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly influence the risk of local recurrence in patients referred to adjuvant treatment (p=0.49).Conclusion In the presence of risk factors for local recurrence, a short delay in starting the adjuvant radiation therapy does not contraindicate its performance.
Serum level of vitamin D3 in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Oliveira Filho Renato Santos de , Oliveira Daniel Arcuschin de , Martinho Vitor Augusto Melão , Antoneli Célia Beatriz Gianotti , Marcussi Ludmilla Altino de Lima , Ferreira Carlos Eduardo dos Santos
Published: January 2015

Objective To compare the level of vitamin D3 in cutaneous melanoma patients, with or without disease activity, with reference values and with patients from a general hospital.Methods The serum levels of vitamin D3 were measured in cutaneous melanoma patients, aged 20 to 88 years, both genders, from January 2010 to December 2013. The samples from the general group were processed at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (control group). Data analysis was performed using the Statistics software.Results A total of 100 patients were studied, 54 of them men, with mean age of 54.67 years, and 95 Caucasian. Out of these 100 patients, 17 had active disease. The average levels of vitamin D3 in the melanoma patients were lower than the level considered sufficient, but above the average of the control group. Both groups (with or without active disease) of patients showed a similar distribution of vitamin D3 deficiency.Conclusion Vitamin D3 levels in melanoma patients were higher than those of general patients and lower than the reference level. If the reference values are appropriate, a large part of the population had insufficient levels of vitamin D, including those with melanoma, or else, this standard needs to be reevaluated. No difference in vitamin D3 levels was found among melanoma patients with or without active disease. More comprehensive research is needed to assess the relation between vitamin D and melanoma.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial of a new porcine surfactant in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Rebello Celso Moura , Precioso Alexander Roberto , Mascaretti Renata Suman
Published: January 2015

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of a new porcine-derived pulmonary surfactant developed by Instituto Butantan with those of animal-derived surfactants commercially available in Brazil, regarding neonatal mortality and the major complications of prematurity in preterm newborns with birth weight up to 1500g and diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome.Methods Neonates diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome were randomized to receive either Butantan surfactant (Butantan group) or one of the following surfactants: Survanta® or Curosurf®. Newborns receiving Survanta® or Curosurf® comprised the control group. The main outcome measures were mortality rates at 72 hours and at 28 days of life; the typical complications of prematurity as evaluated on the 28th day of life were defined as secundary outcomes.Results No differences were observed between the Butantan (n=154) and control (n=173) groups in relation to birth weight, gestational age, sex, and prenatal use of corticosteroids, or in mortality rates both at 72 hours (14.19% versus 14.12%; p=0.98) and at 28 days (39.86%versus 33.33%; p=0.24) of life. Higher 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores were observed among control group newborns. No differences were observed as regards the secondary outcomes, except for greater need for supplemental oxygen and a higher incidence of interstitial pulmonary emphysema in the Butantan group.Conclusion The mortality rates at 72 hours and 28 days of life and the incidence of major complications of prematurity were comparable to those found with the animal-derived surfactants commercially available in Brazil, showing the efficacy and safety of the new surfactant in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns.
Comparison between the 6-minute walk tests performed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at different altitudes
Authors: Squassoni Selma Denis , Machado Nadine Cristina , Lapa Mônica Silveira , Cordoni Priscila Kessar , Bortolassi Luciene Costa , Oliveira Juliana Nascimento de , Tavares Cecilia Melo Rosa , Fiss Elie
Published: January 2015

Objective To evaluate the influence of the altitude on the 6-minute walking test in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary disease.Methods Twenty-nine patients performed the 6-minute walk test at a pulmonary rehabilitation clinic in Santo André (above sea level), in São Paulo State, and at the Enseada Beach, in Guarujá (at sea level), also in São Paulo State. Of these 29 patients, 8 did the test both on hard sand and on asphalt to analyze if there were differences in performance during the tests. Data such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, test distance, and Borg scale were compared.Results We found no statistical difference in relation to oxygen saturation at rest before the beginning of the walking test in Santo André 94.67±2.26% and at sea level 95.56±2% (p=0.71). The minimum saturation measured during the test was 87.27±6.54% in Santo André and 89.10±5.41% in Guarujá (p=0.098). There were no differences in the performed distance between the different kinds of terrains; the distance on sand was 387.75±5.02m and on asphalt it was 375.00±6.54m (p=0.654). Regarding oxygen saturation during walking, the pulse oximetry on sand was 95.12±1.80% and on asphalt it was 96.87±1.64% (p=1.05).Conclusion Altitude did not affect the performance of the walking test in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary disease and the results were similar in both cases, on sand and on asphalt.
Pre-participation gynecological evaluation of female athletes: a new proposal
Authors: Parmigiano Tathiana Rebizzi , Zucchi Eliana Viana Monteiro , Araujo Maíta Poli de , Guindalini Camila Santa Cruz , Castro Rodrigo de Aquino , Bella Zsuzsanna Ilona Katalin de Jármy Di , Girão Manoel João Batista Castello , Cohen Moisés , Sartori Marair Gracio Ferreira
Published: January 2015

Objective To propose the inclusion of a gynecological investigation during the evaluation of athletes before competitions, using a specific instrument called the Pre-participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE).Methods The study assessed 148 athletes, mean age of 15.4±2.0 years, who engaged in eight different sports modalities, and who responded to a questionnaire named Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE), to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (for urinary loss), and to the Eating Attitudes Test (for eating disorders).Results Fifty percent of the participants reported irregular menstrual intervals, 23.0% did not know about sexually transmitted diseases, and 72.4% denied having, at least, an annual gynecological appointment. The study identified 18.2% who had urinary loss, and 15% presented with an increased risk of eating disorders. Moreover, 89.9% were not familiar with the occurrence of urinary incontinence in athletes and did not know that they were susceptible to the female athlete triad. A total of 87.1% of them stated that would not mention these issues to their coaches even if this would improve their health or performance.Conclusion The Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination can be considered an easy-to-apply instrument that allowed the diagnosis of alterations often underestimated by the athletes themselves. After its application, the alterations were identified, and determined the athletes’ referral to appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Comparative analysis of the effects of two chest physical therapy interventions in patients with bronchiolitis during hospitalization period
Authors: Remondini Renata , Santos Adriana Zamprônio dos , Castro Giselle de , Prado Cristiane do , Silva Filho Luiz Vicente Ribeiro Ferreira da
Published: January 2015

Objective To evaluate and compare the effects of two chest physiotherapy interventions in patients hospitalized due to acute bronchiolitis.Methods Prospective randomized study with a sample of 83 calls for 29 patients aged between 3 months and 1 year hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis. Patients were distributed randomly into two groups: Group 1, submitted to postural drainage, tapping and tracheal aspiration; and Group 2, submitted to postural drainage, expiratory acceleration flow and tracheal aspiration. Assessments were made before and 10 and 60 minutes after the end of therapy. Patients also underwent drug treatment. The endpoint was to compare two physical therapy interventions as to clinical improvement in infants with acute bronchiolitis by means of oxygen saturation and the Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument score. The parents/guardians was requested to answer a questionnaire about the treatment applied before the last evaluation in order to measure their satisfaction related to the interventions made.Results The groups were similar regarding the use of antibiotics and bronchodilators. A greater number of patients used corticosteroids in Group 2. A relevant improvement was observed on Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument score with physical therapy, with reduction of the score 10 minutes after interventions, and the same score 60 minutes later, with no differences between techniques applied. There was no significant variation of pulse oximetry after chest physiotherapy. Most items assessed by the questionnaire had satisfactory answers.Conclusion No differences were observed between groups regarding the items assessed (time required to discharge from study, pulse oximetry in room air and disease severity according to the Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument score). Parents answered positively about the effects of therapy in the majority of items in the questionnaire, both for the expiratory acceleration flow technique and for tapping.
Quantitative culture of endotracheal aspirate and BAL fluid samples in the management of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Corrêa Ricardo de Amorim , Luna Carlos Michel , Anjos José Carlos Fernandez Versiani dos , Barbosa Eurípedes Alvarenga , Rezende Cláudia Juliana de , Rezende Adriano Pereira , Pereira Fernando Henrique , Rocha Manoel Otávio da Costa
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE: To compare 28-day mortality rates and clinical outcomes in ICU patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia according to the diagnostic strategy used. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized clinical trial. Of the 73 patients included in the study, 36 and 37 were randomized to undergo BAL or endotracheal aspiration (EA), respectively. Antibiotic therapy was based on guidelines and was adjusted according to the results of quantitative cultures. RESULTS: The 28-day mortality rate was similar in the BAL and EA groups (25.0% and 37.8%, respectively; p = 0.353). There were no differences between the groups regarding the duration of mechanical ventilation, antibiotic therapy, secondary complications, VAP recurrence, or length of ICU and hospital stay. Initial antibiotic therapy was deemed appropriate in 28 (77.8%) and 30 (83.3%) of the patients in the BAL and EA groups, respectively (p = 0.551). The 28-day mortality rate was not associated with the appropriateness of initial therapy in the BAL and EA groups (appropriate therapy: 35.7% vs. 43.3%; p = 0.553; and inappropriate therapy: 62.5% vs. 50.0%; p = 1.000). Previous use of antibiotics did not affect the culture yield in the EA or BAL group (p = 0.130 and p = 0.484, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the context of this study, the management of VAP patients, based on the results of quantitative endotracheal aspirate cultures, led to similar clinical outcomes to those obtained with the results of quantitative BAL fluid cultures.
Impact of the type of mask on the effectiveness of and adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Andrade Rafaela Garcia Santos de , Piccin Vivien Schmeling , Nascimento Juliana Araújo , Viana Fernanda Madeiro Leite , Genta Pedro Rodrigues , Lorenzi-Filho Geraldo
Published: January 2015

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although CPAP was originally applied with a nasal mask, various interfaces are currently available. This study reviews theoretical concepts and questions the premise that all types of interfaces produce similar results. We revised the evidence in the literature about the impact that the type of CPAP interface has on the effectiveness of and adherence to OSA treatment. We searched the PubMed database using the search terms "CPAP", "mask", and "obstructive sleep apnea". Although we identified 91 studies, only 12 described the impact of the type of CPAP interface on treatment effectiveness (n = 6) or adherence (n = 6). Despite conflicting results, we found no consistent evidence that nasal pillows and oral masks alter OSA treatment effectiveness or adherence. In contrast, most studies showed that oronasal masks are less effective and are more often associated with lower adherence and higher CPAP abandonment than are nasal masks. We concluded that oronasal masks can compromise CPAP OSA treatment adherence and effectiveness. Further studies are needed in order to understand the exact mechanisms involved in this effect.
Fitorremediação de solos contaminados com picloram por Urochloa brizantha
Authors: Franco Miguel Henrique Rosa , França André Cabral , Albuquerque Marco Túlio , Schiavon Nykolas Carvalho , Vargas Guto Nascimento
Published: January 2015

O picloram é um herbicida que apresenta elevada persistência no solo, podendo causar danos severos a plantas cultivadas em sucessão e ao meio ambiente. A fitorremediação de áreas contaminadas vem sendo estudada como forma de redução da persistência e impacto ambiental desse herbicida. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a influência do tempo de cultivo de Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã sobre a fitorremediação de solo contaminado com picloram. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições, e os tratamentos foram compostos por cinco períodos de cultivo (150, 210, 240, 270 e 300 dias). Concluiu-se que a braquiária atuou de maneira efetiva na fitorremediação dos solos contaminados, sendo que, quanto maior o período de cultivo, maior foi o seu potencial fitorremediador. Observou-se recuperação no aparato fotossintético das plantas bioindicadoras (Phaseolus vulgaris) estudadas, a partir de 240 dias de cultivo da braquiária.
Cinética de absorção de nitrogênio e acúmulo de frações solúveis nitrogenadas e açúcares em girassol
Authors: Rocha Janiélio Gonçalves da , Ferreira Leandro Martins , Tavares Orlando Carlos Huertas , Santos André Marques dos , Souza Sonia Regina de
Published: January 2015

O girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) tem se destacado como cultura promissora, dentre as oleaginosas com importância agroenergética. Considerando-se os nutrientes exigidos pela cultura do girassol, o nitrogênio é o que mais limita a produção, além de afetar seu rendimento de óleo. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar aspectos do metabolismo e a cinética de absorção de nitrogênio (nítrico e amoniacal) na variedade de girassol BRS 324, cultivada em diferentes concentrações desse nutriente, em solução nutritiva, sob condições controladas, em câmara de crescimento. As plantas receberam 0,2 mmol L-1 e 2,0 mmol L-1 de N-NH4+ ou N-NO3-, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Foram avaliados os parâmetros cinéticos de absorção (Km e Vmax), massa fresca, acúmulo de frações solúveis nitrogenadas e açúcares. Plantas cultivadas em 2,0 mmol L-1 de N-NH+ apresentaram maior Vmax, indicando maior capacidade de transporte desse íon. O caule apresentou acúmulo preferencial de NO3- e açúcares solúveis, atuando como principal local de reserva energética da planta. Os tratamentos com NH4+ resultaram em correlações negativas entre a massa fresca e a quantidade desse composto no tecido vegetal, o que pode ser responsável por sintomas de toxidez, resultando em redução na relação raiz/ parte aérea.
Respostas de genótipos de palma forrageira a diferentes densidades de cultivo
Authors: Cavalcante Lucas Aroaldo Dantas , Santos Gladston Rafael de Arruda , Silva Laerte Marques da , Fagundes Jailson Lara , Silva Mônica Alixandrina da
Published: January 2015

Considerando-se a importância da palma forrageira como alternativa alimentícia para os rebanhos do semiárido brasileiro e o efeito do espaçamento de cultivo entre plantas, este estudo objetivou avaliar a morfometria, produtividade e composição químico-bromatológica de genótipos de palma forrageira, em diferentes densidades de cultivo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos completos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3x4. Os tratamentos constituíram-se da combinação de três genótipos de palma forrageira (Gigante, Redonda e Miúda) e quatro densidades de cultivo (10.000 plantas ha-1, 20.000 plantas ha-1, 40.000 plantas ha-1 e 80.000 plantas ha-1), com três repetições. Os genótipos de palma forrageira apresentaram comportamentos diferentes, quanto à morfometria, produtividade e composição químico-bromatológica, e, independentemente da espécie, o plantio adensado elevou a produtividade (toneladas ha-1). A palma Miúda apresentou maior produtividade de matéria seca e, consequentemente, maior acúmulo de nutrientes digestíveis totais, proteína bruta e água por hectare, bem como maior digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca.
Appropriate Tongue Blade Length of the Dingman Mouth Gag for Japanese Pediatric Patients with Cleft Palate and Mandibular Micrognathia
Authors: Satoh Koji , Aizawa Takako , Kobayashi Yoshikazu , Mizutani Hideki , Yamada Morimasa
Published: January 2015

Objective

Our objective is to determine appropriate specifications for smaller tongue blade for Japanese pediatric patients with cleft palate (CP) and mandibular micrognathia.

Patients

We investigated 59 patients who underwent palatoplasty. Patients were divided into two groups: the micrognathia (MG) group consisted of 11 patients and the normognathia (NG) group consisted of 48 patients.

Interventions

The following five items were investigated retrospectively: (1) gender, (2) cleft type, (3) age at the time of surgery, (4) weight at the time of surgery, and (5) distance from the tongue blade base to the posterior pharyngeal wall (Dis).

Result

There was a significant difference (P < .01) in age at the time of surgery and in Dis between groups, but not in weight. The minimum values were 55 mm for the MG group. As for correlations between age and weight at the time of surgery, the P values for the MG and NG groups were .993 and .052, respectively. As for correlations between weight at the time of surgery and Dis, the P values for the MG and NG groups were .987 and .099, respectively.

Conclusions

It was difficult to predict Dis on the basis of the patient's age and weight measured preoperatively. The minimum Dis was 55 mm, equal to the length from the base to the tip of the Dingman Mouth Gag tongue blade currently in use, suggesting that a tongue blade of approximately 50 mm in length, shorter than the current minimum specifications, may be appropriate.
Sperm whale response to tag boat presence: biologically informed hidden state models quantify lost feeding opportunities
Authors: Isojunno Saana , Miller Patrick J. O.
Published: January 2015

Animal‐attached sensors provide invaluable data to describe behavior of cryptic species, such as cetaceans, and are increasingly used to assess anthropogenic disturbance effects. Tag deployment and handling may itself alter the behavior of study animals and there is a need to assess if and when behavior recovers to an undisturbed level. Not all behavioral changes have fitness consequences, and our goal is to derive metrics that can be linked to fitness implications, such as time and energy allocation to different functional behaviors. Here we detail an approach that incorporates biological knowledge and multiple streams of tag‐recorded data in a hidden state‐switching model to estimate time series of functional behavioral st ates for 12 sperm whales off Norway. Foraging, recovery and resting states were specified in the hidden state model by state‐dependent likelihood structures. Comparison of hidden state models revealed a parsimonious set of input time series, and supported the inclusion of a less informed ‘silent active' state. There was a high agreement between state estimates and expert classifications. We then used the estimated states in time series models to test three hypotheses for behavioral change during suction‐cup tag deployment procedures: change in behavioral states, change in prey capture attempts and locomotion cost, given behavioral state. Sperm whales spent 34% less time at the sea surface and 60% more time in non‐foraging silent active state in the presence of the tag boat (“tagging period” 0.1–2.8 h) than during post‐tagging baseline period (1.8–20.8 h). No comparable pre‐tagging baseline data were available. Nevertheless, time‐decaying models of tagging effects were not retained in model selection, indicating a short‐term effect that ceased immediately after the tagging period. We did not find changes in energetic proxies, given behavioral state, however changes in functional state budget indicate costs in terms of lost feeding opportunities and recovery time at surface. These results are useful to quantitatively identify data periods that should not be considered baseline behavior within tag recordings. This functional state approach proves effective to quantify disturbance in terms of time and energy allocation that is based upon general principles that can be applied to other species and biologging applications.
N‐limited consumer growth and low nutrient regeneration N:P ratios in lakes with low N deposition
Authors: Bergström Ann-Kristin , Karlsson Daniel , Karlsson Jan , Vrede Tobias
Published: January 2015

Nutrient limitation of primary producers and their consumers can have a large influence on ecosystem productivity. The nature and strength of nutrient limitation is driven both by external factors (e.g., nutrient loading) and internal processes (e.g., consumer‐driven nutrient regeneration). Here we present results from a field study in 10 low productive headwater lakes in northern subarctic Sweden, where nitrogen (N) deposition is low and phytoplankton is primarily N‐limited. We assessed the carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry of seston and zooplankton and estimated the N:P ratio of consumer‐driven nutrient regeneration. Based on stoichiometric models, the estimated elemental imbalances between seston and zooplankton suggest that zooplankton were mainly N‐limited and regenerated nutrients with low N:P ratios (median 11.9, atomic ratio). The predicted N:P regeneration ratios were consistent with results from phytoplankton nutrient limitation bioassays in mid‐summer, i.e., the N:P regeneration was predicted to be low when phytoplankton were N‐limited, and high when phytoplankton were P‐limited. During other seasons, when water discharge was high, nutrient loading from the surrounding catchments apparently had the strongest effect on phytoplankton nutrient limitation. We propose that lakes with higher N:P ratios than the open ocean is an effect of N deposition, that N‐limitation of consumers and phytoplankton is further enhanced by low nutrient regeneration N:P ratios, and that in the absence of N deposition, lake and ocean N:P stoichiometry are similar.
Institutional and Cultural Perspectives on Home Birth in Israel
Authors: Meroz Michal (Rosie) , Gesser-Edelsburg Anat
Published: January 2015

This study exposes doctors’ and midwives’ perceptions and misperceptions regarding home birth by examining their views on childbirth in general and on risk associated with home births in particular. It relies on an approach of risk communication and an anthropological framework. In a qualitative-constructive study, 19 in-depth interviews were conducted with hospital doctors, hospital midwives, home-birth midwives, and a home-birth obstetrician. Our findings reveal that hospital midwives and doctors suffer from lack of exposure to home births, leading to disagreement regarding norms and risk; it also revealed sexist or patriarchal worldviews. Recommendations include improving communication between home-birth midwives and hospital counterparts; increased exposure of hospital doctors to home birth, creating new protocols in collaboration with home-birth midwives; and establishing a national database of home births.
Brief: Making Alliances Work-Using a Computer-Based Management System To Integrate the Supply Chain
Authors: Johnson J.B. , Randolph Scott
Published: January 2015

Traditionally, "price has been king" in the selection of suppliers and service companies in the upstream oil and gas market. Three years ago, Amoco began to question this selection practice and embarked on an extensive benchmarking effort that has led the company to a proven strategy for goods and services procurement called supply chain management (SCM). However, the company found that managing compact, integrated supply chains is not always easy. Several implementation issues need to be reconciled for alliances to achieve their full bottom-line potential benefits consistently. Issues that must be resolved, whether they are called alliances, supply chains, or integrated services, are (1) whether these new working relationships are profitable for all the entities involved, from suppliers through to end users; (2) how to assess and improve risk management; (3) how to reduce total system costs; and (4) how to improve performance for each of the alliance members and for the alliance as a whole. This brief describes one possible solution to the complex issues involved in making alliances work: a computer-facilitated management system designed to integrate the work processes of different organizations. In the case described, the Drilling Management System (DMS) was developed and used by the Amoco (U.K.) Well Dept. The system uses off-the-shelf commercial software to improve the performance of the company's drilling operations by integrating the activities of the company and its suppliers.
Numerical simulation of flow patterns in the forebay and suction sump of Tianshan pumping station
Authors: Li Jun , Cao Yongmei , Gao Chuanchang
Published: January 2015

Tianshan Pumping Station takes water from the Yellow River. A three-dimensional (3D) mathematical model of turbulence flow patterns in the forebay and suction sump was developed and a 3D turbulent flow simulation technique applied to numerical calculation of the flow pattern characteristics in both the original and rebuilt forebays of the pumping station. The numerical simulation results were analyzed and contrasted. The results showed that, with technical improvement, surface backflow was avoided, and bottom velocity in the forebay was increased while bottom velocity in the suction sump was unchanged. Because of this, there was no sediment deposition in the bottom of the forebay, and flow velocities in the forebay and suction sump were more evenly distributed.
Modeling bioaugmentation with nitrifiers in membrane bioreactors
Authors: Mannucci Alberto , Munz Giulio , Mori Gualtiero , Makinia Jacek , Lubello Claudio , Oleszkiewicz Jan A.
Published: January 2015

Bioaugmentation with nitrifiers was studied using two pilot-scale membrane bioreactors, with the purpose of assessing the suitability of state-of-the-art activated sludge models (ASMs) in predicting the efficiency of bioaugmentation as a function of operating conditions. It was demonstrated that the temperature difference between seeding and seeded reactors (ΔT) affects bioaugmentation efficiency. Experimental data were accurately predicted when ΔT was within a range of up to 10 °C at the higher range, and when the temperature was significantly lower in the seeded reactor compared to the seeding one, standard ASMs overestimated the efficiency of bioaugmentation. A modified ASM, capable of accurately representing the behavior of seeded nitrifying biomass in the presence of high ΔT, would require the inclusion of the effect of temperature time gradients on nitrifiers. A simple linear correlation between ΔT and the Arrhenius coefficient was proposed as a preliminary step.
Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for real-time monitoring of integrated-constructed wetlands
Authors: Dzakpasu Mawuli , Scholz Miklas , McCarthy Valerie , Jordan Siobhán , Sani Abdulkadir
Published: January 2015

Monitoring large-scale treatment wetlands is costly and time-consuming, but required by regulators. Some analytical results are available only after 5 days or even longer. Thus, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models were developed to predict the effluent concentrations of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and NH4-N from a full-scale integrated constructed wetland (ICW) treating domestic wastewater. The ANFIS models were developed and validated with a 4-year data set from the ICW system. Cost-effective, quicker and easier to measure variables were selected as the possible predictors based on their goodness of correlation with the outputs. A self-organizing neural network was applied to extract the most relevant input variables from all the possible input variables. Fuzzy subtractive clustering was used to identify the architecture of the ANFIS models and to optimize fuzzy rules, overall, improving the network performance. According to the findings, ANFIS could predict the effluent quality variation quite strongly. Effluent BOD5 and NH4-N concentrations were predicted relatively accurately by other effluent water quality parameters, which can be measured within a few hours. The simulated effluent BOD5 and NH4-N concentrations well fitted the measured concentrations, which was also supported by relatively low mean squared error. Thus, ANFIS can be useful for real-time monitoring and control of ICW systems.
Characterization of organic fouling in reverse osmosis membranes by headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Martínez C. , Gómez V. , Pocurull E. , Borrull F.
Published: January 2015

Adsorption of organic substances on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane surfaces may form an organic film on the membrane, known as organic fouling, and cause flow-rate loss. This problem is mostly unavoidable as no pretreatment method exists for perfect removal of possible foulants, including organic compounds resulting from undesirable bioactivity. Understanding the characteristics of fouling layers is an essential step towards overall improvement of RO membrane operations. In this study, the organic fouling in RO membranes treating the effluent of a secondary treatment from an urban wastewater treatment plant was characterized. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has been used for the first time, to provide valuable information of organic fouling. Different polarity SPME fibers were tested for this purpose. In addition, the characterization of the organic fouling obtained by HS-SPME was compared with the results obtained by extraction using several organic solvents. The results indicated that more compound families can be identified by HS-SPME than by organic solvent extraction. Moreover, complementary organic analyses were done for better understanding of the organic fouling in RO membranes, such as total organic carbon and loss on ignition.
Removal of lead from crude antimony by using NaPo3 as lead elimination reagent
Authors: Ye L.G. , Tang C.B. , Yang S.H. , Chen Y.M. , Zhang W.H.
Published: January 2015

In order to solve the shortcomings when removing lead from crude antimony in
the traditional antimony smelting, a new process was provided using NaPO3 as
lead elimination reagent to yield phosphate slag, and it was removed by
floating on the surface of the liquid antimony. Reaction mechanism was
clarified by using the TG-DTA and XRD techniques and single factor
experiments of removal lead from crude antimony were engaged. The results
show that PbO and NaPO3 begin endothermic reaction at 863K (590?C), and the
reaction mainly form NaPb4(PO4)3 and NaPbPO4 below 1123K (850?C) and above
1123K (850?C), respectively. Sb2O3 and NaPO3 start the reaction at 773K
(500?C) and generate an antimonic salt compound. The reaction product of the
mixture of PbO, Sb2O3 and NaPO3 show that NaPO3 reacted with PbO prior when
NaPO3 was insufficient, amorphous antimony glass will be generated only when
NaPO3 was adequate. Single factor experiments were taken with NaNO3 as
oxidizing agent under argon, effect of reaction time, reaction temperature
and dosage of NaPO3 and NaNO3 on smelting results. The average content of
lead in refined antimony was 0.05340% and 98.85% of lead were removed under
optimal conditions; the content of lead in antimony have meet the
requirements of commercial antimony.
Endostatin Prevents Dietary-Induced Obesity by Inhibiting Adipogenesis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Yang , Lu Xin-an , Liu Guanghua , Fu Yan , Luo Yongzhang
Published: January 2015

Endostatin is a well-known angiogenesis inhibitor. Although angiogenesis has been considered as a potential therapeutic target of obesity, the inhibitory effect of endostatin on adipogenesis and dietary-induced obesity has never been demonstrated. Adipogenesis plays a critical role in controlling adipocyte cell number, body weight, and metabolic profile in a homeostatic state. Here we reveal that endostatin inhibits adipogenesis and dietary-induced obesity. The antiadipogenic mechanism of endostatin lies in its interaction with Sam68 RNA-binding protein in the nuclei of preadipocytes. This interaction competitively impairs the binding of Sam68 to intron 5 of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), causing an error in mTOR transcript. This consequently decreases the expression of mTOR, results in decreased activities of the mTOR complex 1 pathway, and leads to defects in adipogenesis. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that the antiangiogenic function of endostatin also contributes to its obesity-inhibitory activity. Through the combined functions on adipogenesis and angiogenesis, endostatin prevents dietary-induced obesity and its related metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and hepatic steatosis. Thus, our findings reveal that endostatin has a potential application for antiobesity therapy and the prevention of obesity-related metabolic syndromes.
Hypohalous Acids Contribute to Renal Extracellular Matrix Damage in Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Brown Kyle L. , Darris Carl , Rose Kristie Lindsey , Sanchez Otto A. , Madu Hartman , Avance Josh , Brooks Nickolas , Zhang Ming-Zhi , Fogo Agnes , Harris Raymond , Hudson Billy G. , Voziyan Paul
Published: January 2015

In diabetes, toxic oxidative pathways are triggered by persistent hyperglycemia and contribute to diabetes complications. A major proposed pathogenic mechanism is the accumulation of protein modifications that are called advanced glycation end products. However, other nonenzymatic post-translational modifications may also contribute to pathogenic protein damage in diabetes. We demonstrate that hypohalous acid–derived modifications of renal tissues and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are significantly elevated in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, diabetic renal ECM shows diminished binding of α1β1 integrin consistent with the modification of collagen IV by hypochlorous (HOCl) and hypobromous acids. Noncollagenous (NC1) hexamers, key connection modules of collagen IV networks, are modified via oxidation and chlorination of tryptophan and bromination of tyrosine residues. Chlorotryptophan, a relatively minor modification, has not been previously found in proteins. In the NC1 hexamers isolated from diabetic kidneys, levels of HOCl-derived oxidized and chlorinated tryptophan residues W28 and W192 are significantly elevated compared with nondiabetic controls. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted a more relaxed NC1 hexamer tertiary structure and diminished assembly competence in diabetes; this was confirmed using limited proteolysis and denaturation/refolding. Our results suggest that hypohalous acid–derived modifications of renal ECM, and specifically collagen IV networks, contribute to functional protein damage in diabetes.
The Effect of a Diabetes-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Program (DIAMOS) for Patients With Diabetes and Subclinical Depression: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hermanns Norbert , Schmitt Andreas , Gahr Annika , Herder Christian , Nowotny Bettina , Roden Michael , Ohmann Christian , Kruse Johannes , Haak Thomas , Kulzer Bernhard
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Subclinical depression is one of the most frequent mental comorbidities in patients with diabetes and is associated with a poorer long-term prognosis. Since there is a lack of specific intervention concepts for this patient group, a self-management–oriented group program (DIAMOS [Diabetes Motivation Strengthening]) was newly developed and evaluated in a randomized trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

DIAMOS is composed of cognitive behavioral interventions aiming at the reduction of diabetes distress. The active control group (CG) received diabetes education. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes were diabetes distress, well-being, self-care behavior, diabetes acceptance, diabetes treatment satisfaction, HbA1c, and subclinical inflammation.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourteen participants (mean age 43.3 ± 13.3 years, female sex 56.5%, type 2 diabetes 34.1%, mean diabetes duration 14.2 ± 10.5 years, HbA1c 8.9 ± 1.8%, BMI 28.7 ± 71 kg/m2) were randomized. The 12-month follow-up revealed a significantly stronger reduction of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score) in the DIAMOS group compared with the CG (Δ3.9 [95% CI 0.6–7.3], P = 0.021). Of the secondary variables, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Δ1.7 [95% CI 0.2–3.2], P = 0.023), Problem Areas in Diabetes scale (Δ8.2 [95% CI 3.1–13.3], P = 0.002), and Diabetes Distress Scale scores (Δ0.3 [95% CI 0.1–0.5], P = 0.012) displayed significant treatment effects. Moreover, the risk of incident major depression in the DIAMOS group was significantly reduced (odds ratio 0.63 [95% CI 0.42–0.96], P = 0.028). Inflammatory variables were not substantially affected.

CONCLUSIONS

DIAMOS is more effective in lowering depressive symptoms and diabetes-related distress in diabetic patients with subclinical depression. DIAMOS also has a preventive effect with respect to the incidence of major depression.
Corrosion performance and microstructural response of A380 matrix alloy reinforced with sol–gel TiO2-coated SiC particles: a perspective on previous studies
Authors: Dikici Burak , Tekmen Cagri , Yigit Ozcan
Published: January 2015

In this study, the corrosion susceptibility of aluminium matrix composites reinforced with sol–gel TiO2-coated silicon carbide particles has been investigated. The corrosion of the composite, fabricated by means of a liquid metal infiltration technique, was established in chloride-containing alkaline environments using the potentiodynamic polarisation technique. Microstructural and interfacial characterisation of the composite was carried out by using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersion spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer. The corrosion performance and its effect on the composite microstructure are discussed in relation to previous observations.
Electrocapacitance of hybrid film based on graphene oxide reduced by ascorbic acid
Authors: Pruna Alina , Tamvakos Dimitrios , Sgroi Mauro , Pullini Daniele , Nieto Esther Asedegbega , Busquets-Mataix David
Published: January 2015

A simple chemical approach was employed to reduce graphene oxide in order to fabricate electrode coatings in close correlation with industrial production standards for supercapacitors. The morphology, structure, thermal stability and the residual oxygen functional groups in chemically reduced graphene oxide were analyzed. Cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge measurements were employed to study the electrochemical performance of the coatings as a function of active material loading. The results showed an increase in the specific capacitance for chemically reduced graphene oxide-based coatings in comparison to commercial activated carbon, while the desired value needs to be optimized with respect to the conductivity of such materials.