bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vivência do paciente estomizado: uma contribuição para a assistência de enfermagem
Authors: Nascimento Conceição de Maria de Sá , Trindade Graciara Letícia Bezerra , Luz Maria Helena Barros Araújo , Santiago Roberta Fortes
Published: October 2011

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de conhecer os significados atribuídos a vivência de pacientes estomizados, descrever seus conhecimentos sobre o autocuidado e identificar a importância das orientações de enfermagem para a sua adaptação. Pesquisa com abordagem qualitativa, realizada com 10 sujeitos associados ao programa de acompanhamento ao portador de estomia em um Centro de Referência a Estomizados, em Teresina-PI. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista e submetidos à análise de conteúdo, da qual emergiram três categorias que abordaram as mudanças no modo de vida do portador de estomia, o conhecimento do estomizado sobre o autocuidado e a orientação no processo de adaptação do portador de estomia. Concluiu-se que a estomia significa alterações no modo de vida e que a atuação da enfermagem através de atividades educativas é indispensável para o desenvolvimento do autocuidado e adaptação dos estomizados.
Health-related quality of life in patients admitted after a first episode of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Dessotte Carina Aparecida Marosti , Dantas Rosana Aparecida Spadoti , Schmidt André , Rossi Lídia Aparecida
Published: October 2011

This study aimed to investigate health-related quality of life based on the four weeks antecedent to first admission for acute coronary syndrome and describe potential associations between quality of life, gender and prior treatment for any other cardiovascular condition. An exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in two public hospitals in an inner state city of the State of São Paulo. Of 253 participants studied, 69.2% were male, 69.6% were married or living with a partner, and 58.1% were professionally active before the current hospital admission. Mean age was 57.9 years old. Higher scores were seen in the Social Functioning (X=86.1) domain, while the domain perceived as more compromised was Role Physical (X=57.7). Female participants and those who had previously been treated for any other cardiovascular condition had lower quality of life, and these differences were all statistically significant (p<0.05).
Workplace stress in nursing workers from an emergency hospital: Job Stress Scale analysis
Authors: Urbanetto Janete de Souza , Silva Priscila Costa da , Hoffmeister Eveline , Negri Bianca Souza de , Costa Bartira Ercília Pinheiro da , Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo Poli de
Published: October 2011

This study identifies workplace stress according to the Job Stress Scale and associates it with socio-demographic and occupational variables of nursing workers from an emergency hospital. This is a cross-sectional study and data were collected through a questionnaire applied to 388 nursing professionals. Descriptive statistics were applied; univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The results indicate there is a significant association with being a nursing technician or auxiliary, working in the position for more than 15 years, and having low social support, with 3.84, 2.25 and 4.79 times more chances of being placed in the ‘high strain job' quadrant. The study reveals that aspects related to the workplace should be monitored by competent agencies in order to improve the quality of life of nursing workers.
Knowledge and attitudes of nursing professors and students concerning the interface between spirituality, religiosity and health
Authors: Tomasso Claudia de Souza , Beltrame Ideraldo Luiz , Lucchetti Giancarlo
Published: October 2011

This study compares the knowledge and attitudes of nursing professors and students concerning the interface between spirituality, religiosity and health. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 nursing professors and 118 students. The results reveal that more than 95% of the participants had some religious affiliation, 96% believed that spirituality considerably influences patients' health, and 77% wished to address this subject. However, only 36% felt prepared for it and most believed that the university did not provide the necessary information. No statistical differences were found between the religious practices of nursing professors and students, though a marked difference was found in their clinical practices and opinions concerning spirituality and its inclusion in the program's curriculum. The most common barriers to addressing such a subject were: fear of imposing one's own beliefs, lack of time, and fear of offending patients.
Noise at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and inside the incubator
Authors: Pinheiro Eliana Moreira , Guinsburg Ruth , Nabuco Marco Antonio de Araujo , Kakehashi Tereza Yoshiko
Published: October 2011

The goal was to identify sound pressure level (SPL) at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and inside the incubator of a teaching hospital of a public university from São Paulo - SP, Brazil. SPL inside the NICU and the incubator were measured using four dosimeters in January/2010. SPL at the NICU varied from 52.6 dBA to 80.4 dBA and inside the incubator, from 45.4 dBA to 79.1 dBA. SPL both at the NICU and inside the incubator are above the recommended values, but levels were higher at the NICU than inside the incubator. Although there are some specific factors related to SPL inside the incubator, the NICU and incubator acoustic features present a system: an increase/decrease in SPL at the NICU usually tends to increase/decrease SPL inside the incubator. The study points to the need for simultaneous monitoring of SPL at the NICU and inside the incubator.
The establishment of bonds between professional and patient in TB treatment: the performance of primary health care services in a city in the interior of São Paulo
Authors: Ponce Maria Amélia Zanon , Vendramini Silvia Helena Figueiredo , Santos Marilene Rocha dos , Santos Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes , Scatena Lúcia Marina , Villa Tereza Cristina Scatena
Published: October 2011

This study evaluated the performance of health care services implementing TB control actions in relation to the establishment of bonds between health professionals and patients in São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil from the perspective of patients, health professionals, and managers. A total of 108 patients, 37 health professionals and 15 managers were interviewed through a questionnaire containing 10 indicators of bond-establishment based on the instruments of the Primary Care Assessment Tool, adapted to evaluate tuberculosis control in Brazil. The three groups of actors considered the establishment of bonds satisfactory, though opinions of patients and managers differed in almost all indicators. This fact indicates that the view of managers is still predominantly focused on bureaucratic and administrative aspects, which shows the need for managers to integrate more management and care actions.
Socio-demographic and health characteristics of elderly individuals: support for health services
Authors: Pilger Calíope , Menon Mario Humberto , Mathias Thais Aidar de Freitas
Published: October 2011

This is a sectional epidemiological study including a household survey. It describes the socio-demographic and health conditions of elderly individuals residing in Guarapuava, PR, Brazil. The study's sample consisted of 359 elderly individuals enrolled in primary health care units in the city. Interviews were conducted from January to April 2010 using sections I and II of the Brazil Old Age Schedule questionnaire. The results revealed that most interviewees were women (64.3%), health self-perception was considered 'good' by 54.6%, and the most prevalent diseases were hypertension (34.9%), diabetes mellitus (12,4%) and arthritis/arthrosis (12.2%). Most elderly individuals use dental prostheses (74.4%) and 56.5% wear glasses or contact lenses. The conclusion is that knowledge concerning the social, demographic, and health profiles of these individuals favors the implementation of actions specific to this age group by health providers, and helps managers to develop health indicators.
Evaluation and revision of questionnaires for use among low-literacy immigrant Latinos
Authors: T. D'Alonzo Karen
Published: October 2011

As more Spanish speaking immigrants participate in and become the focus of research studies, questions arise about the appropriateness of existing research tools. Questionnaires have often been adapted from English language instruments and tested among college-educated Hispanic-Americans. Little has been written regarding the testing and evaluation of research tools among less educated Latino immigrants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and revise a battery of Spanish-language questionnaires for an intervention among immigrant Hispanic women. A three-step process was used to evaluate, adapt and test Spanish versions of the Self-Efficacy and Exercise Habits Survey, an abbreviated version of the Hispanic Stress Inventory-Immigrant version and the Latina Values Scale. The revised tools demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. The adaptations improved the readability of the tools, resulting in a higher response rate, less missing data and fewer extreme responses. Psychometric limitations to the adaptation of Likert scales are discussed.
A prática pediátrica no SUS: reflexões sobre o papel dos pediatras na Estratégia de Saúde da Família
Authors: Rivorêdo Carlos Roberto Soares Freire de , Oliveira Gustavo Nunes , Mendes Roberto Teixeira
Published: October 2011

Este ensaio pretende contribuir para aclarar as possibilidades de atuação dos pediatras na Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Apresentam-se as origens, as modalidades de atuação e as implicações inerentes aos processos de mudança do Modelo de Atenção que, desde a Norma Operacional Básica (NOB) de 1996 vem sendo implantado no Sistema Único de Saúde Brasileiro - SUS.
A Bateria de Provas de Raciocínio (BPR-5) aplicada a um contexto organizacional
Authors: Baumgartl Viviane de Oliveira , Nascimento Elizabeth do
Published: October 2011

O presente estudo relata os resultados de uma pesquisa de estabelecimento de normas para a Bateria de Provas de Raciocínio (BPR-5) e de investigação da relação entre variáveis demográficas e ocupacionais e os desempenhos na referida bateria. As normas foram estabelecidas especificamente para os funcionários do setor elétrico de uma companhia energética de Minas Gerais, por ocasião da reimplantação do processo de avaliação psicológica. A amostra foi composta por 57 funcionários, que possuíam escolaridade de, pelo menos, 2o grau incompleto. Em razão do nível de escolaridade foi utilizada no estudo a forma B da bateria. Os resultados revelaram correlações significativas entre as idades dos sujeitos, a escolaridade e o desempenho geral na prova. Evidenciou-se, portanto, a importância do estabelecimento de normas para a empresa, visto que a amostra organizacional apresenta características peculiares em relação à amostra original de estudo da respectiva bateria.
Medida da satisfação em relacionamento de casal
Authors: Wachelke João Fernando Rech , Andrade Alexsandro Luiz de , Cruz Roberto Moraes , Faggiani Robson Brino , Natividade Jean Carlos
Published: October 2011

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a construção e validação de uma escala de satisfação em relacionamento de casal, composta por subescalas capazes de medir aspectos componentes da satisfação com relacionamento. Para constituir a Escala Fatorial da Satisfação em Relacionamento de Casal foram elaborados nove itens, no formato escala de Likert de 5 pontos, divididos em dois fatores após a realização da análise dos componentes principais e análise fatorial, Satisfação com Atração Física e Sexualidade e Satisfação com Afinidades de Interesses e Comportamentos, formados por cinco e quatro itens, respectivamente. Os índices de confiabilidade alfa de Cronbach obtidos, 0,76 e 0,61, foram considerados satisfatórios. Os resultados apontam que a satisfação com as afinidades entre os companheiros de relacionamento é menor e mais variável, enquanto a satisfação com a sexualidade e aparência dos companheiros é maior e apresenta medidas mais parecidas entre si.
AlphaCI: un programa de cálculo de intervalos de confianza para el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach
Authors: Ledesma Rubén
Published: October 2011

El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach es el modo más habitual de estimar la fiabilidad de pruebas basadas en Teoría Clásica de los Test. En dicha estimación, los investigadores usualmente omiten informar intervalos de confianza para el coeficiente, un aspecto no solo recomendado por los especialistas, sino también requerido explícitamente en las normas editoriales de algunas revistas especializadas. Esta situación puede atribuirse a que los métodos de estimación de intervalos de confianza son poco conocidos, además de no estar disponibles al usuario en los programas estadísticos más populares. Así, en este trabajo se presenta un programa desarrollado dentro del sistema estadístico ViSta que permite calcular intervalos de confianza basados en el enfoque clásico y mediante la técnica bootstrap. Se espera promover la inclusión de intervalos de confianza para medidas de fiabilidad, facilitando el acceso a las herramientas necesarias para su aplicación. El programa es gratuito y puede obtenerse enviando un mail de solicitud al autor del trabajo.
Identidade judaica: formação, manutenção e possível modificação à luz da Psicologia Social
Authors: Epelboim Solange
Published: October 2011

A pesquisa examinou a configuração de ser judeu, a partir da Psicologia Social. Tal proposta reuniu considerações teóricas e observações empíricas. Quanto àquelas, foram elaborados comentários sobre identidades psicossociais, judaísmo, entre outras questões. Quanto aos aspectos empíricos, foi desenvolvido estudo de campo, com aplicação de questionário com perguntas abertas, cujas respostas foram examinadas com base na análise de conteúdo. Participaram da pesquisa 80 israelitas, sendo 40 ashkenazim e 40 sefaradim, cujas idades variaram entre 15 e 81 anos. Estes grupos foram compostos, respectivamente, por 20 homens e mulheres, dos quais 10 apresentavam nível médio e 10 superior de escolaridade. Resultados indicaram presença comum de categorias entre ashkenazim e sefaradim. Concluiu-se que ser judeu compreendia, sobretudo, aspectos religiosos e culturais. Quanto aos processos de formação, manutenção e modificação, houve predominância de fatores culturais e educacionais; culturais, religiosos, emocionais e sociais; e socioculturais.
O inavaliável em uma sociedade de desconfiança
Authors: Haroche Claudine
Published: October 2011

Vivemos presentemente em sociedades de controle contínuo que induzem e reforçam a falta de confiança e, além disso, uma desconfiança difusa e crescente que nos leva a falar de sociedade de desconfiança. Nestas sociedades exige-se tanto dos organismos como dos indivíduos que prestem conta, com precisão, não tanto daquilo que fizeram, mas do que fazem no momento presente, assim como o que pretendem fazer: procura-se assim suprimir a perda de tempo, a falta de rentabilidade e, mais ainda, o imprevisível, inavaliável por definição. Em face do ininteligível provocado e intensificado pela mudança permanente, ligada entre outras coisas à aceleração das tecnologias, a sociedade foi levada a desenvolver ferramentas de avaliação; indiferente ao indivíduo em sua singularidade, a avaliação tende a individualizá-lo e controlá-lo incessantemente e, ao mesmo tempo, a diferenciá-lo e homogeneizá-lo cada vez mais. Atualmente, os bens e as pessoas são cada vez mais avaliados e, portanto, inevitavelmente comparados, engendrando e reforçando formas de concorrência e rivalidade permanentes e exacerbadas.
Development and validation of a microbial counting method for mebendazole oral suspension
Authors: Assis Polyana Araújo de , Andrade Severino Borba de , Oliveira Clécia Maria Carvalho de , Araújo Patrícia Menezes de , Grangeiro Júnior Severino , Ramos Selma Verônica Vieira
Published: October 2011

Mebendazole is an important medicine used to treat helminth infections. These infections affect more than two billion people worldwide. The LAFEPE® (Recife-PE, Brazil) produces the drug mebendazole oral suspension that contains the preservatives methylparaben and propylparaben in its formulation. Drugs that have antimicrobial properties due to preservatives must undergo neutralization of these compounds to allow microbial count testing according to recommendations by the official compendia. In order to obtain a validated method for microbial counting and to ensure its safety and reliability within the pharmaceutical industry, validation of preservative neutralization and of the method for microbial counting was performed according to the USP 30 and PDA Technical Report No. 33. The method used ATCC Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms, yeasts, most and culture media Tryptic Soy Agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar. The neutralizers were polysorbate 80 and lecithin. Recovery levels of over 70% of the microorganisms used in the test indicated the neutralization of antimicrobial activity and proved the absence of toxicity of neutralizers. The microbial counting method validated proved accurate, precise, robust and linear and can be safely used in routine operations.
Development of agar diffusion method for dosage of gramicidin
Authors: Solano Ana Gabriela Reis , Pereira Larissa de Melo Campos Sousa , Leonel Míriam de Fátima Vianna , Nunan Elzíria de Aguiar
Published: October 2011

Gramicidin, an antimicrobial peptide active against Gram positive bacteria, is commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations for topical use. Considering that only the turbidimetric method has been described in the literature, the present study sought to develop and validate an agar diffusion method for the dosage of gramicidin. The method was developed and validated using the Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341 as a test microorganism. Two designs were used: a 3x3 parallel-line model, and a 5x1 standard curve. The validation demonstrated that the method follows the linear model (r²= 0.994), presenting a significant regression between the zone diameter of growth inhibition and the logarithm of the concentration within the range of 5 to 25.3 µg/mL. The results obtained for both designs were precise, having a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) for intra-day precision of 0.81 for the 3x3 assay and 1.90 for the 5x1 assay. For the inter-day precision, the R.S.D. was 1.35 for the 3x3 and 2.64 for the 5x1. The accuracy was verified and results confirmed to be accurate, having a tolerance interval of 95%, which lay within permitted limits and appropriate trueness. In addition, the method was considered selective, with limit of detection and upper and lower limits of quantification of 2.00, 5.00 and 25.3 µg/mL, respectively. No difference in precision between the designs used in the agar diffusion method was evident (p>0.05). The method proved to be appropriate for the microbiological dosage of the raw material gramicidin.
Development and evaluation of a chronotherapeutic drug delivery system of torsemide
Authors: Sunil Songa Ambedkar , Rao Nali Sreenivasa , Srikanth Meka Venkata , Uhumwangho Michael Uwumagbe , Kumar Kommana Srinivas Phani , Murthy Kolaplli Venkata Ramana
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate chronotherapeutic drug delivery systems (ChrDDs) of torsemide. Compression coated tablets (CCT) containing torsemide in the core tablet were prepared by the compression coating technique with different grades of polyethylene oxide (PEO WSR 301 & 1105). The optimized formulations were characterised for tabletting parameters and drug polymer interaction by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).The hardness of all the CCT using PEO WSR 301 & PEO WSR 1105 were in the range 6-8 kg/cm² & 5.5 to 7 kg/cm² respectively. Their friability values were <0.3%. All the CCT showed a clear lag time but finalized as per the predetermined lag time. As the amount of PEO was increased in the outer layer the drug released was delayed. The drug content of all the CCT was >99%. The FTIR studies showed no interaction throughout the process of development. Formulations of F7 and of P7 were considered optimized formulations since they yielded a predetermined lag time of 6h before burst release. Hence, these formulations can be exploited to achieve chronotherapeutic drug delivery systems of Torsemide for the treatment of hypertension at the time the patient needs it.
Comparative performance of lab tests and blood testing device to monitor glucose, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Zubioli Arnaldo , Batista Marcia Regina , Stefanello Talitha Fernandes , Carrara Marcia Aparecida , Bazotte Roberto Barbosa
Published: October 2011

The performance of lab tests (LT) and blood testing devices (BTD) to monitor glycemia vs. glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1c) were compared. In addition, the performance of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol measured by LT and BDT were compared. All parameters were measured based on the same blood samples from overnight fasted type 2 diabetic patients (T2DP). Linear regression analysis was used for all comparisons. The results showed that A1c correlated better with LT-glucose (r = 0.58) than BTD-glucose (r = 0.42). Moreover, LT vs. BTD showed r values of 0.90, 0.82 and 0.92 for glucose, TC and triacylglycerol, respectively. It was concluded that the performance of LT-glucose was better than BDT-glucose. Moreover, since triacylycerol and TC measured by BTD correlated better with LT compared to BDT-glucose vs. LT-glucose, the inclusion of BTD-TC and BTD-triacylglycerol for detecting and monitoring hyperlipidemia in T2DP should be considered.
Potential of Pandanus odoratissimus as a CNS depressant in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Raju Sama , Subbaiah Narra Venkata , Reddy Kandukuri Sreeramulu , Das Amit , Murugan Krishnan Bala
Published: October 2011

In this study, several neuropharmacological effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (family; Pandanaceae) were studied in albino mice using various experimental models. The effect of PO on the CNS was studied by using different neuropharmacological paradigms including spontaneous motor activity, rota-rod performance and potentiation of Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time in albino mice. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and acute toxicity studies were also carried out where LD50 >2000 mg/kg was considered non-toxic through acute exposure in rats by the oral route. The methanolic leaf extract (50,100 and 200 mg/kg i. p.) produced a reduction in spontaneous motor activity, motor coordination and prolonged Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time. Preliminary qualitative chemical studies indicated the presence of steroids, saponins, terpinoids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and phenolics in the extract. These observations suggest that the leaf of Pandanus odoratissimus contains some active principles which possess potential CNS-depressant action
Update on Meningiomas
Authors: Saraf Santosh , McCarthy Bridget J. , Villano J. Lee
Published: October 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Evaluate patients with grade II and III meningiomas for possible implementation of adjuvant radiation therapy.Describe options of systemic treatment of refractory meningiomas with hydroxyurea, somatostatin analogues, or CAV multi-agent chemotherapy.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Although meningiomas are the most common tumor in the central nervous system, their incidence, epidemiology, and clinical outcomes have historically been poorly defined. This has been attributed to their benign course, difficulty obtaining histologic diagnosis, and lack of uniform database registration. Their clinical behavior can range from a silent incidentaloma to a lethal tumor. Projections of an aging population should raise medical awareness of an expectant rise in the incidence of meningiomas. This disease increases with advancing age, has a female predilection, and exposure to ionizing radiation is associated with a higher risk for disease development. There have been minimal advances in treatment, except in radiation therapy. Although no U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved systemic therapy exists, there are treatment options that include hydroxyurea and sandostatin. Currently, no molecularly targeted therapy has provided clinical benefit, although recurring molecular alterations are present and novel therapies are being investigated.
Vadose Zone Water Pressure Variation during Infiltration Events
Authors: Rimon Yaara , Nativ Ronit , Dahan Ofer
Published: October 2011

Measurements of vadose zone water pressure using custom‐made tensiometers provided insight into the dynamics of rainfall‐induced infiltration events in a 22‐m‐thick sandy formation. The tensiometers, based on vadose zone sampling ports, were assembled in a vadose zone monitoring system that allowed in situ, real‐time measurements of the temporal variation in vadose zone water content and pore water pressure. Results revealed the critical relationship between temporal variations in vadose zone water content and water pressure, as well as the dynamic connectivity of the vadose zone gas phase to the atmosphere. As expected, variation in the sediment water contents, induced by infiltration events across the vadose zone, resulted in corresponding variations in pore water pressure; however, the measured responses of sediment water pressure to wetting events were delayed compared with the measured variations in water content. The delay in the pressure response to a wetting process varied with location as well as between wetting events. Most of the time, the vadose zone gas phase was well connected to the atmosphere; however, this connectivity was limited during rain events and, therefore, compensation of the measured water pressure variation for the measured atmospheric pressure fluctuation is not straightforward. Connectivity of the vadose zone gas phase to the atmosphere was reestablished simultaneously across the entire vadose zone following redistribution of the percolating water in the upper part of the cross‐section.
Electrical Resistivity in a Loamy Soil: Identification of the Appropriate Pedo‐Electrical Model
Authors: Laloy E. , Javaux M. , Vanclooster M. , Roisin C. , Bielders C. L.
Published: October 2011

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) can be used for the noninvasive characterization of soil moisture and soil structural heterogeneity. Any attempt to relate electrical resistivity measurements to soil moisture content or soil bulk density, however, must rely on a “pedo‐electrical” function, i.e., a conductivity model for soils. This study aimed to test five pedo‐electrical models for their ability to reproduce electrical resistivity as measured by ERT in a silt loam soil sample across a range of moisture and bulk density values. The Waxman and Smits model, the Revil model, the volume‐averaging (VA) model, the Rhoades model, and the Mojid model were inverted within a Bayesian framework, thereby identifying not only the optimal parameter set but also parameter uncertainty and its effect on model prediction. The VA model outperformed the other models in terms of both fit and parameter consistency with respect to independent estimates of surface conductivity obtained with published pedotransfer functions. Sensitivity of the electrical resistivity was then studied by means of the calibrated VA model, revealing an approximately 1.5 times higher sensitivity to soil moisture content than to soil bulk density. In addition, the sensitivity of electrical resistivity to soil moisture and soil bulk density was found to increase as soil moisture and bulk density decreased. The VA model calibrated on the basis of resistivity measurements appeared to simulate relatively well the measured soil moisture content for electrical resistivity values <100 Ω m. As opposed to water content, the soil porosity was badly approximated by the model. It appears therefore that ERT is more suitable for detecting heterogeneity in soil water content than differences in soil bulk density.
Mineralogic and Geochemical Changes from Alteration of Granitic Rocks, Boulder Creek Catchment, Colorado
Authors: Dethier David P. , Bove Dana J.
Published: October 2011

In the critical zone of the upland Boulder Creek (Colorado) catchment, a weathered mantle consisting of 3 to 10 m of oxidized bedrock, saprolite, and mobile regolith (grus and soil) overlies fresh and locally hydrothermally altered bedrock that is exposed beneath a low‐relief surface. Saprolite forms from isovolumetric alteration of primary rock materials to secondary minerals by percolating water; mobile regolith includes rock materials in transport downslope, mixed by a variety of biologic and physical processes. Analysis of vadose zone samples by petrographic, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP–MS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques demonstrates that weathering of Precambrian Boulder Creek Granodiorite and Silver Plume Granite has formed small amounts of clay and iron oxides. Bulk geochemical changes during alteration are minor except in the transformation of saprolite to regolith, which is enriched in neoformed minerals. In saprolite, the alteration sequence is: plagioclase > biotite > microcline > quartz. Quantitative XRD analysis shows that smectite and kaolinite form <10% of the rock in weathered samples and that smectite is absent and kaolinite and illite comprise >15% of the rock at several hydrothermally altered sites. Iron oxide and hydroxide minerals, such as goethite and hematite, have formed by weathering and by hydrothermal alteration. Hydrothermal alteration of granodiorite to saprolite at the Hurricane Hill site resulted in substantial losses of CaO, MgO and Na2O, Sr and metals such as Cd and Pb, and enrichment in K2O and the trace elements Cs, Sb, and W. At four critical‐zone profiles studied in detail: (i) increases in kaolinite, smectite, and Fe oxides and decreases in magnetite concentration due to weathering are significant if fresh rock is compared to regolith; (ii) illite is enriched in soil; (iii) minor amounts of clay minerals are inherited from fresh rock; and (iv) clay minerals and Fe oxides are abundant only in hydrothermally altered saprolite. Some of the apparent enrichment of secondary minerals in weathered profiles likely results from dustfall and from material mixed into mobile regolith from heterogeneous bedrock sources. If some portion of the clay minerals in regolith and some fraction of dissolved material leaving Boulder Creek catchments are exotic, rates of clay and Fe oxide formation in the Boulder Creek area must be slow, and the alteration of granitic rocks during the conversion of saprolite to regolith may be driven mainly by volume expansion in this cool, continental climate.
Calibrating Vadose Zone Models with Time‐Lapse Gravity Data
Authors: Christiansen Lars , Haarder Eline B. , Hansen Allan B. , Looms Majken C. , Binning Philip J. , Rosbjerg Dan , Andersen Ole B. , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: October 2011

The vadose zone plays an important role in the hydrologic cycle. Various geophysical methods can determine soil water content variations in time and space in volumes ranging from a few cubic centimeters to several cubic meters. In contrast to the established methods, time‐lapse gravity measurements of changes in soil water content do not rely on a petrophysical relationship between the measured quantity and the water content but give a direct measure of the mass change in the soil. Only recently has the vadose zone been systematically incorporated when ground‐based gravity data are used to infer hydrologic information. In this study, changes in the soil water content gave rise to a measurable signal in a forced infiltration experiment on a 107‐m2 grassland area. Time‐lapse gravity data were able to constrain the van Genuchten soil hydraulic parameters in both a synthetic example and a field experiment with forced infiltration. The most significant reduction in parameter uncertainty was achieved for the saturated water content, while gravity data had some ability to constrain the saturated hydraulic conductivity and the van Genuchten n Cross‐borehole ground penetrating radar data were used to support the interpretation and control of the gravity data.
Chemical and Biological Gradients along the Damma Glacier Soil Chronosequence, Switzerland
Authors: Bernasconi Stefano M. , Bauder Andreas , Bourdon Bernard , Brunner Ivano , Bünemann Else , Chris Iso , Derungs Nicolas , Edwards Peter , Farinotti Daniel , Frey Beat , Frossard Emmanuel , Furrer Gerhard , Gierga Merle , Göransson Hans , Gülland Kathy , Hagedorn Frank , Hajdas Irka , Hindshaw Ruth , Ivy-Ochs Susan , Jansa Jan , Jonas Tobias , Kiczka Mirjam , Kretzschmar Ruben , Lemarchand Emmanuel , Luster Jörg , Magnusson Jan , Mitchell Edward A.D. , Venterink Harry Olde , Plötze Michael , Reynolds Ben , Smittenberg Rienk H. , Stähli Manfred , Tamburini Federica , Tipper Edward T. , Wacker Lukas , Welc Monika , Wiederhold Jan G. , Zeyer Josef , Zimmermann Stefan , Zumsteg Anita
Published: October 2011

Soils are the product of a complex suite of chemical, biological, and physical processes. In spite of the importance of soils for society and for sustaining life on earth, our knowledge of soil formation rates and of the influence of biological activity on mineral weathering and geochemical cycles is still limited. In this paper we provide a description of the Damma Glacier Critical Zone Observatory and present a first synthesis of our multidisciplinary studies of the 150‐yr soil chronosequence. The aim of our research was to improve our understanding of ecosystem development on a barren substrate and the early evolution of soils and to evaluate the influence of biological activity on weathering rates. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity, biomass, bacterial and fungal populations, and soil organic matter show clear gradients related to soil age, in spite of the extreme heterogeneity of the ecosystem. The bulk mineralogy and inorganic geochemistry of the soils, in contrast, are independent of soil age and only in older soils (>100 yr) is incipient weathering observed, mainly as a decreasing content in albite and biotite by coincidental formation of secondary chlorites in the clay fraction. Further, we document the rapid evolution of microbial and plant communities along the chronosequence.
Quantifying Solute Transport at the Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Kuntz Brad W. , Rubin Shira , Berkowitz Brian , Singha Kamini
Published: October 2011

We collected and analyzed Br− breakthrough curve (BTC) data to identify the parameters controlling transport from a series of soil cores and a field‐scale tracer test at the Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory (SH‐CZO) in central Pennsylvania. The soil cores were retrieved from a continuous hole that extended through the soil profile to quantify also how solute transport behavior changes with depth and weathering. Additionally, we performed a field‐scale doublet tracer test to determine transport behavior in the weathered shale bedrock. Hydraulic conductivity and porosity were as low as 10−15 m s−1 and 0.035, respectively, in the shale bedrock and upward of 10−5 m s−1 and 0.45, respectively, in the shallow soils. Bromide BTCs demonstrated significant tailing in soil cores and field tracer experiments, which does not fit classical advection–dispersion processes. To quantify the behavior, numerical simulation of solute transport was performed with both a mobile–immobile (MIM) model and a continuous‐time random walk (CTRW) approach. One‐dimensional MIM modeling results yielded low mass transfer rates (<1 d−1) coupled with large immobile domains (immobile/mobile porosity ratio of 1.5–2). The MIM modeling results also suggested that immobile porosity was a combination of soil texture, fractures, and porosity development on shale fragments. One‐dimensional CTRW results yielded a parameter set indicative of a transport regime that is consistently non‐Fickian within the soil profile and bedrock. These modeling results confirm the important role of preferential flow paths, fractures, and mass transfer between more‐ and less‐mobile fluid domains and advance the need to incorporate a continuum of mass transfer rates to more accurately quantify transport behavior within the SH‐CZO.
Soil Processes and Functions in Critical Zone Observatories: Hypotheses and Experimental Design
Authors: Banwart Steven , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Bloem Jaap , Blum Winfried , Brandao Miguel , Brantley Susan , Chabaux Francois , Duffy Christopher , Kram Pavel , Lair Georg , Lundin Lars , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Novak Martin , Panagos Panos , Ragnarsdottir Kristin Vala , Reynolds Brian , Rousseva Svetla , de Ruiter Peter , van Gaans Pauline , van Riemsdijk Willem , White Tim , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2011

European Union policy on soil threats and soil protection has prioritized new research to address global soil threats. This research draws on the methodology of Critical Zone Observatories (CZOs) to focus a critical mass of international, multidisciplinary expertise at specific field sites. These CZOs were selected as part of an experimental design to study soil processes and ecosystem function along a hypothesized soil life cycle—from incipient soil formation where new parent material is being deposited, to highly degraded soils that have experienced millennia of intensive land use. Further CZOs have been selected to broaden the range of soil environments and data sets to test soil process models that represent the stages of the soil life cycle. The scientific methodology for this research focuses on the central role of soil structure and soil aggregate formation and stability in soil processes. Research methods include detailed analysis and mathematical modeling of soil properties related to aggregate formation and their relation to key processes of reactive transport, nutrient transformation, and C and food web dynamics in soil ecosystems. Within this program of research, quantification of soil processes across an international network of CZOs is focused on understanding soil ecosystem services including their quantitative monetary valuation within the soil life cycle. Further experimental design at the global scale is enabled by this type of international CZO network. One example is a proposed experiment to study soil ecosystem services along planetary‐scale environmental gradients. This would allow scientists to gain insight into the responses of soil processes to increasing human pressures on Earth's critical zone that arise through rapidly changing land use and climate.
A Network of Terrestrial Environmental Observatories in Germany
Authors: Zacharias Steffen , Bogena Heye , Samaniego Luis , Mauder Matthias , Fuß Roland , Pütz Thomas , Frenzel Mark , Schwank Mike , Baessler Cornelia , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus , Bens Oliver , Borg Erik , Brauer Achim , Dietrich Peter , Hajnsek Irena , Helle Gerhard , Kiese Ralf , Kunstmann Harald , Klotz Stefan , Munch Jean Charles , Papen Hans , Priesack Eckart , Schmid Hans Peter , Steinbrecher Rainer , Rosenbaum Ulrike , Teutsch Georg , Vereecken Harry
Published: October 2011

Multicompartment and multiscale long‐term observation and research are important prerequisites to tackling the scientific challenges resulting from climate and global change. Long‐term monitoring programs are cost intensive and require high analytical standards, however, and the gain of knowledge often requires longer observation times. Nevertheless, several environmental research networks have been established in recent years, focusing on the impact of climate and land use change on terrestrial ecosystems. From 2008 onward, a network of Terrestrial Environmental Observatories (TERENO) has been established in Germany as an interdisciplinary research program that aims to observe and explore the long‐term ecological, social, and economic impacts of global change at the regional level. State‐of‐the‐art methods from the field of environmental monitoring, geophysics, and remote sensing will be used to record and analyze states and fluxes for different environmental compartments from groundwater through the vadose zone, surface water, and biosphere, up to the lower atmosphere.
Measuring Soil Hydraulic Properties Using a Cased Borehole Permeameter: Falling‐Head Analysis
Authors: Reynolds W.D.
Published: October 2011

The falling‐head cased borehole analysis of Philip for determining the field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and sorptive number (α*) in the vadose zone was extended and assessed. The extension allows several water discharge configurations (vertical, radial, combined vertical and radial), variable length (L) and radius (a) of outflow screen, variable reservoir radius, and use of Excel Solver to calculate Kfs and α* via numerical optimization. The assessment used simulated borehole drawdown curves from HYDRUS‐2D to determine the accuracy with which the Philip and extended solutions determined Kfs and α*. Using the Philip “flow efficiency correction,” CP = π2/8, and “gravity factor,” GP = equivalent sphere radius r0 (maximum gravity effect), caused the Philip and extended solutions to overestimate Kfs or α* by amounts ranging from a few percent in strong‐capillarity soils to several orders of magnitude in weak‐capillarity soils. Replacing CP with CE = 1 (no flow efficiency correction) and GP with GE = 0 (negligible gravity effect) in the extended solution resulted in accurate Kfs determinations (≤20% error) regardless of discharge geometry, screen configuration, drawdown range, or soil capillarity. Consistently accurate determination of α* required use of the CE and GE coefficients, 1 ≤ L/a ≤ 4, and avoidance of small borehole drawdowns. Solver‐based determination of Kfs and α* using several heads distributed along the drawdown curve was less sensitive to measurement error and lack of data‐model fit than the two‐head approaches of Philip and others. The extended analysis improves the accuracy and utility of the falling‐head cased borehole permeameter.
Surface Roughness Effect on Deposition of Nano‐ and Micro‐Sized Colloids in Saturated Columns at Different Solution Ionic Strengths
Authors: Shen Chongyang , Li Baoguo , Wang Chao , Huang Yuanfang , Jin Yan
Published: October 2011

In this study we conducted experiments with saturated columns packed with sand and glass beads to quantitatively examine surface roughness effect on deposition and release of micro‐ and nano‐sized colloids at different solution ionic strengths. Experimental results showed more colloid retentions in both primary and secondary energy minima in sand than in glass bead columns, especially at high solution ionic strengths (e.g., >0.01 M). This observation cannot be explained by the classic Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory, which assumes sphere‐smooth surface configuration. We modified the Derjaguin approximation approach and calculated interaction energies, which indicate that the sharp asperities on sand surfaces can facilitate colloid deposition in primary minima by reducing the energy barrier. In addition, the increased attachment in secondary minima in sand columns can be attributed to the presence of the valleys on sand surfaces where colloids associated at secondary minima can be shielded from hydrodynamic shear. Additional theoretical analysis verified that large valleys can locally increase the energy barrier as well as the secondary‐minimum depth, and hence, are favorable for colloid deposition in secondary minima. Whereas the reduction effects of surface roughness on energy barrier has been extensively addressed in the literature, our modified DLVO analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the effect of this mechanism is only effective at high ionic strength for large colloids (e.g., >0.01 M for the 1156 nm colloid in this study). We provide experimental evidence and theoretical demonstration that surface roughness also plays an important role in colloid deposition at secondary minima under unfavorable conditions. Our study provides a more complete understanding of the effect of surface roughness on colloid deposition.
Interdisciplinary Sciences in a Global Network of Critical Zone Observatories
Authors: Lin Henry , Hopmans Jan W. , Richter Daniel deB.
Published: October 2011

This preface for the special section, Interdisciplinary Sciences in Critical Zone Observatories (CZOs), provides a brief background of the emerging Critical Zone science and its related CZOs. Highlights of 14 papers included in this special section are summarized to illustrate initial research outcomes from several CZOs on both disciplinary and interdisciplinary topics across soil science, hydrology, biogeochemistry, geomorphology, geophysics, and ecosystem ecology. In closing, a brief future outlook is presented for moving forward the science that can be generated from a global network of CZOs.
Study on Direct Hydration of Camphene to Isoborneol by Cation Exchange Resins
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhou Zheng , Yang Gaodong , Zhang Zhibing
Published: October 2011

The direct hydration of camphene to isoborneol has been studied in the presence of strong acidic cation exchange resins as catalyst. The effect of various parameters such as temperature, catalyst loading, mass ratio of the reactants, and reaction time on the conversion of camphene was investigated to optimize the reaction conditions. Based on the optimized reaction conditions, a novel pilot-scale jet reactor was used to study the direct hydration of camphene. The kinetic studies of direct hydration reaction have been discussed in detail. A pseudo-homogeneous (PH) model was used to correlate the experimental data in the temperature range from 353.15 K to 383.15 K. The kinetic parameters were evaluated, which made the calculated results in excellent agreement with the experimental results.
Land Elevation and Cancer Mortality in U.S. Cities and Counties using Median Elevations Derived from Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Hart John
Published: October 2011

There are a number of variables that are correlated with land elevation. Land elevation, and in particular, its surrogate variables such as natural background radiation, can be studied in relation to cancer rates. The present ecological study focuses on three such variables correlated with land elevation: natural background radiation (NBR), oxygen concentration (OC), and barometric pressure (BP). In addition, the study uses a novel approach for determining median land elevation values from which the surrogated variables are estimated. Inverse correlations were observed for NBR while direct correlations were found for OC and BP suggesting the presence of a protective effect with all three variables. Further study is indicated to either verify or refute these findings.