bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing harms and benefits of service mammography screening programs: a cohort study
Authors: Puliti Donella , Miccinesi Guido , Zappa Marco , Manneschi Gianfranco , Crocetti Emanuele , Paci Eugenio
Published: January 2012

Introduction

The use of screening mammography is still under debate within the medical community. The aim of this study is to define a balance sheet of benefits (breast cancer mortality reduction) and harms (overdiagnosis) for mammography screening programs.

Methods

We compared breast cancer incidence and mortality in two cohorts of women, defined as 'attenders' or 'non-attenders' on the basis of the individual attitudes towards screening, who were invited to the first round of the Florentine screening program. The effects of screening exposure on breast cancer incidence and mortality were evaluated by fitting Poisson regression models adjusted for age at entry, marital status and deprivation index. We performed a sensitivity analysis excluding 34 women not responding to the invitation with a breast cancer diagnosis in the following six months.

Results

In total, we included 51,096 women aged 50 to 69 years invited at the first screening round (1991 to 1993) and followed-up for breast cancer incidence and mortality until 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2008, respectively The estimate of mortality reduction varies from 45% among 50 to 59 year-old women up to 51% among 60 to 69 year-old women. The estimate of overdiagnosis, according to the cumulative-incidence method, is an additional 10% of all breast cancer cases among 60 to 69 year-old women screened.

Conclusions

Comparing the breast cancer mortality and breast cancer incidence between attenders and non-attenders, we have determined that the overall cost to save one life corresponds to no more than one over-diagnosed tumor (from 0.6 to 1 depending on the selection criteria of the cohort), even if a residual self-selection bias cannot be excluded.
Trends in incidence and detection of advanced breast cancer at biennial screening mammography in The Netherlands: a population based study
Authors: Nederend Joost , Duijm Lucien EM , Voogd Adri C , Groenewoud Johanna H , Jansen Frits H , Louwman Marieke WJ
Published: January 2012

Introduction

The aims of this study were to determine trends in the incidence of advanced breast cancer at screening mammography and the potential of screening to reduce it.

Methods

We included a consecutive series of 351,009 screening mammograms of 85,274 women aged 50-75 years, who underwent biennial screening at a Dutch breast screening region in the period 1997-2008. Two screening radiologists reviewed the screening mammograms of all advanced screen detected and advanced interval cancers and determined whether the advanced cancer (tumor > 20 mm and/or lymph node positive tumor) had been visible at a previous screen. Interval cancers were breast cancers diagnosed in women after a negative screening examination (defined as no recommendation for referral) and before any subsequent screen. Patient and tumor characteristics were compared between women with advanced cancer and women with non-advanced cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ.

Results

A total of 1,771 screen detected cancers and 669 interval cancers were diagnosed in 2,440 women. Rates of advanced cancer remained stable over the 12-year period; the incidence of advanced screen-detected cancers fluctuated between 1.5 - 1.9 per 1,000 screened women (mean 1.6 per 1,000) and of advanced interval cancers between 0.8 - 1.6 per 1,000 screened women (mean 1.2 per 1,000). Of the 570 advanced screen-detected cancers, 106 (18.6%) were detected at initial screening; 265 (46.5%) cancers detected at subsequent screening had been radiologically occult at the previous screening mammogram, 88 (15.4%) had shown a minimal sign, and 111 (19.5%) had been missed. Corresponding figures for advanced interval cancers were 50.9% (216/424), 24.3% (103/424) and 25.1% (105/424), respectively. At multivariate analysis, women with a ≥ 30 months interval between the latest two screens had an increased risk of screen-detected advanced breast cancer (OR 1.63, 95%CI: 1.07-2.48) and hormone replacement therapy increased the risk of advanced disease among interval cancers (OR 3.04, 95%CI: 1.22-7.53).

Conclusion

We observed no decline in the risk of advanced breast cancer during 12 years of biennial screening mammography. The majority of these cancers could not have been prevented through earlier detection at screening.
How large is the lung recruitability in early acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective case series of patients monitored by computed tomography
Authors: de Matos Gustavo FJ , Stanzani Fabiana , Passos Rogerio H , Fontana Mauricio F , Albaladejo Renata , Caserta Raquel E , Santos Durval CB , Borges João Batista , Amato Marcelo BP , Barbas Carmen SV
Published: January 2012

Introduction

The benefits of higher positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been modest, but few studies have fully tested the "open-lung hypothesis". This hypothesis states that most of the collapsed lung tissue observed in ARDS can be reversed at an acceptable clinical cost, potentially resulting in better lung protection, but requiring more intensive maneuvers. The short-/middle-term efficacy of a maximum recruitment strategy (MRS) was recently described in a small physiological study. The present study extends those results, describing a case-series of non-selected patients with early, severe ARDS submitted to MRS and followed until hospital discharge or death.

Methods

MRS guided by thoracic computed tomography (CT) included two parts: a recruitment phase to calculate opening pressures (incremental steps under pressure-controlled ventilation up to maximum inspiratory pressures of 60 cmH2O, at constant driving-pressures of 15 cmH2O); and a PEEP titration phase (decremental PEEP steps from 25 to 10 cmH2O) used to estimate the minimum PEEP to keep lungs open. During all steps, we calculated the size of the non-aerated (-100 to +100 HU) compartment and the recruitability of the lungs (the percent mass of collapsed tissue re-aerated from baseline to maximum PEEP).

Results

A total of 51 severe ARDS patients, with a mean age of 50.7 years (84% primary ARDS) was studied. The opening plateau-pressure was 59.6 (± 5.9 cmH2O), and the mean PEEP titrated after MRS was 24.6 (± 2.9 cmH2O). Mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased from 125 (± 43) to 300 (± 103; P < 0.0001) after MRS and was sustained above 300 throughout seven days. Non-aerated parenchyma decreased significantly from 53.6% (interquartile range (IQR): 42.5 to 62.4) to 12.7% (IQR: 4.9 to 24.2) (P < 0.0001) after MRS. The potentially recruitable lung was estimated at 45% (IQR: 25 to 53). We did not observe major barotrauma or significant clinical complications associated with the maneuver.

Conclusions

MRS could efficiently reverse hypoxemia and most of the collapsed lung tissue during the course of ARDS, compatible with a high lung recruitability in non-selected patients with early, severe ARDS. This strategy should be tested in a prospective randomized clinical trial.
Three-year mortality among alcoholic patients after intensive care: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Christensen Steffen , Johansen Martin B , Pedersen Lars , Jensen Reinhold , Larsen Kim M , Larsson Anders , Tønnesen Else , Christiansen Christian F , Sørensen Henrik T
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Alcoholic patients comprise a large proportion of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, data are limited on the impact of alcoholism on mortality after intensive care.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study among 16,848 first-time ICU patients between 2001 and 2007 to examine 30-day and 3-year mortality among alcoholic patients. Alcoholic patients with and without complications of alcohol misuse (for example, alcoholic liver disease) were identified from previous hospital contacts for alcoholism-related conditions or redemption of a prescription for alcohol deterrents. Data on medication use, demographics, hospital diagnoses, and comorbidity were obtained from medical databases. We computed 30-day and 3-year mortality and mortality rate ratios (MRRs) by using Cox regression analysis, controlling for covariates.

Results

In total, 1,229 (7.3%) ICU patients were current alcoholics. Among alcoholic patients without complications of alcoholism (n = 785, 4.7% of the cohort), 30-day mortality was 15.9% compared with 19.7% among nonalcoholic patients. Compared with nonalcoholic patients, the adjusted 30-day MRR was 1.04 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.87 to 1.25). Three-year mortality was 36.2% compared with 40.9% among nonalcoholic patients, corresponding to an adjusted 3-year MRR of 1.16 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.31). For alcoholic patients with complications (n = 444, 2.6% of the cohort), 30-day mortality was 33.6%, and 3-year mortality was 64.5%, corresponding to adjusted MRRs, with nonalcoholics as the comparator, of 1.64 (95% CI, 1.38 to 1.95) and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.48 to 1.90), respectively.

Conclusions

Alcoholic ICU patients with chronic complications of alcoholism have substantially increased 30-day and 3-year mortality. In contrast, alcoholics without complications have no increased 30-day and only slightly increased 3- year mortality.
Optimal dynamic rock-fluid physics template validated by petroelastic reservoir modeling
Authors: Shahin Alireza , Tatham Robert , Stoffa Paul , Spikes Kyle
Published: January 2012

Separation of fluid pore pressure and saturation using inverted time-lapse seismic attributes is a mandatory task for field development. Multiple pairs of inversion-derived attributes can be used in a crossplot domain. We performed a sensitivity analysis to determine an optimal crossplot, and the validity of the separation is tested with a comprehensive petroelastic reservoir model. We simulated a poorly consolidated shaly sandstone reservoir based on a prograding near-shore depositional environment. A model of effective porosity is first simulated by Gaussian geostatistics. Well-known theoretical and experimental petrophysical correlations were then efficiently combined to consistently simulate reservoir properties. Next, the reservoir model was subjected to numerical simulation of multiphase fluid flow to predict the spatial distributions of fluid saturation and pressure. A geologically consistent rock physics model was then used to simulate the inverted seismic attributes. Finally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis of seismic attributes and their crossplots as a tool to discriminate the effect of pressure and saturation. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that crossplotting of acoustic impedance versus shear impedance should be the most stable way to separate saturation and pressure changes compared to other crossplots (e.g., velocity ratio versus acoustic impedance). We also demonstrated that the saturation and pressure patterns were detected in most of the time-lapse scenarios; however, the saturation pattern is more likely detectable because the percentage in pressure change is often lower than that of the saturation change. Imperfections in saturation and pressure patterns exist in various forms, and they can be explained by the interaction of saturation and pressure, the diffusive nature of pressure, and rapid change in pressure due to production operations.
Uncertainty in FPSs from moment-tensor inversion
Authors: Du Jing , Warpinski Norm R.
Published: January 2012

Although microseismic monitoring of hydraulic fractures has primarily been concerned with the dimensions, complexity, and growth of fractures or fracture systems, there is an ever-increasing desire to extract more information about the hydraulic-fracturing and/or natural fractures from microseismic data. Source mechanism analysis, which is concerned with deducing details of the failure process from the microseismic waveform data, is, therefore, attracting more attention. However, most of the studies focus more on the moment-tensor inversion than on extracting fault-plane solutions (FPSs) from inverted moment tensors. The FPSs can be extracted from the inverted moment-tensor, but there remains a question regarding how errors associated with the inversion of the moment-tensor affect the accuracy of the FPSs. We examine the uncertainties of FPS, given the uncertainties of the amplitude data, by looking into the uncertainty propagation from amplitude data into the moment-tensor and then into the resultant FPS. The uncertainty propagation method will be demonstrated using two synthetic examples.
State-of-the-Art Vitamin D Assays: A Comparison of Automated Immunoassays with Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Methods
Authors: Farrell Christopher-John L , Martin Steven , McWhinney Brett , Straub Isabella , Williams Paul , Herrmann Markus
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D testing is increasing worldwide. Recently several diagnostic manufacturers including Abbott and Siemens have launched automated 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OH-D) immunoassays. Furthermore, preexisting assays from DiaSorin and Roche have recently been modified. We compared the performance of 5 automated immunoassays, an RIA and 2 liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods.

METHODS

Aliquots of 170 randomly selected patient samples were prepared and 25OH-D was measured by 2 LC-MS/MS methods, an RIA (DiaSorin), and automated immunoassays from Abbott (Architect), DiaSorin (LIAISON), IDS (ISYS), Roche (E170, monoclonal 25OH-D3 assay), and Siemens (Centaur). Within-run and between-run imprecision were evaluated by measurement of 5 replicates of 2 serum pools on 5 consecutive days.

RESULTS

The LC-MS/MS methods agreed, with a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of 0.99 and bias of 0.56 μg/L (1.4 nmol/L). The RIA assay showed a performance comparable to LC-MS/MS, with a CCC of 0.97 and a mean bias of 1.1 μg/L (2.7 nmo/L). All immunoassays measured total 25OH-D (including D3 and D2), with the exception of the Roche assay (D3 only). Among the immunoassays detecting total 25OH-D, the CCCs varied between 0.85 (Abbott) to 0.95 (LIAISON). The mean bias ranged between 0.2 μg/L (0.5 nmol/L) (LIAISON) and 4.56 μg/L (11.4 nmol/L) (Abbott). The Roche 25OH-D3 assay demonstrated small mean bias [−2.7 μg/L (−6.7 nmol/L)] [−2.7 μg/L (−6.7 nmol/L)] but a low CCC of just 0.66. Most assays demonstrated good intra- and interassay precision, with CV <10%.

CONCLUSIONS

Automated immunoassays demonstrated variable performance and not all tests met our minimum performance goals. It is important that laboratories be aware of the limitations of their assay.
Airlines' Flexibility in Facing Regulatory Uncertainty: To Anticipate or Adapt?
Authors: Engau Christian , Hoffmann Volker H. , Busch Timo
Published: January 2012

Coping with uncertainty is a fundamental challenge for firms. One way they can respond is by building up strategic flexibility. By looking at airlines' flexibility responses to regulatory uncertainty associated with their inclusion in the European Union Emission Trading Scheme, this article shows that firms can respond to regulatory uncertainty by developing such flexibility in two ways: they can either anticipate the potential consequences of changing regulatory conditions and try to prepare for them; or they can adapt quickly and efficiently to them once the regulatory situation has become clear. By examining evidence from nine case studies, the article identifies the organizational capabilities required to pursue an anticipatory or adaptive strategy and demonstrates that each type of response requires a specific bundle of capabilities.
Strategies to Cope with Regulatory Uncertainty in the Auto Industry
Authors: Rothenberg Sandra , Ettlie John E.
Published: January 2012

Automotive assemblers and suppliers have employed a number of different strategies to deal with external uncertainty. These strategies have evolved relatively rapidly of late in part because of changes in the locus of innovation from OEMs to suppliers, changing market conditions, and the future regulations of greenhouse gases. This presents a unique challenge for the industry. Some auto firms have been more effective in dealing with market and regulatory uncertainty due to technology resource integration across platforms and integration between functions on the value added chain from suppliers to retailers.
Government Policy and Firm Strategy in the Solar Photovoltaic Industry
Authors: Haley Usha C.V. , Schuler Douglas A.
Published: January 2012

The solar photovoltaics (PV) industry would not exist without government policies. Governments around the world have implemented policies to support consumption of solar energy and production of solar PV products. These policies have varied across countries and across time, thus contributing to regulatory uncertainty. This article addresses two related questions. First, how does regulatory uncertainty in the solar PV industry shape firms' market and non-market strategies? Second, how might firms' responses to this public-policy environment affect technological development and the locus of manufacturing? Government policies on solar PV, and firms' strategies to overcome regulatory uncertainty, may have unintended consequences. Firms' decisions on location and technology development may result in loss of employment and national competitiveness for developed countries; and firms' market strategies may increase regulatory uncertainty if they do not involve non-market stakeholders.
The Drivers of Greenwashing
Authors: Delmas Magali A. , Burbano Vanessa Cuerel
Published: January 2012

More and more firms are engaging in greenwashing, misleading consumers about their environmental performance or the environmental benefits of a product or service. The skyrocketing incidence of greenwashing can have profound negative effects on consumer and investor confidence in green products. Mitigating greenwashing is particularly challenging in a context of limited and uncertain regulation. This article examines the external (both institutional and market), organizational and individual drivers of greenwashing and offers recommendations for managers, policymakers, and NGOs to decrease its prevalence.
Glutamate dehydrogenase, insulin secretion, and type 2 diabetes: a new means to protect the pancreatic β-cell?
Authors: Göhring Isabel , Mulder Hindrik
Published: January 2012

In this issue of Journal of Endocrinology, Dr Han and colleagues report a protective effect of the glutamate dehydrogenase activator 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) under diabetes-like conditions that impair β-cell function in both a pancreatic β-cell line and db/db mice. Based on these observations, the authors suggest that BCH could serve as a novel treatment modality in type 2 diabetes. The present commentary discusses the importance of the findings. Some additional questions are raised, which may be addressed in future investigations, as there is some concern regarding the BCH treatment of β-cell failure.
Drosophila Reporter Vectors Compatible with ΦC31 Integrase Transgenesis Techniques and Their Use to Generate New Notch Reporter Fly Lines
Authors: Housden Ben E , Millen Kat , Bray Sarah J
Published: January 2012

Complex spatial and temporal regulation of gene activity is fundamental to development and homeostasis. The ability to decipher the DNA sequences that accurately coordinate gene expression is, therefore, of primary importance. One way to assess the functions of DNA elements entails their fusion to fluorescent reporter genes. This powerful approach makes it possible to visualize their regulatory capabilities when reintroduced into the developing animal. Transgenic studies in Drosophila have recently advanced with the introduction of site-specific, ΦC31 integrase–mediated approaches. However, most existing Drosophila reporter vectors are not compatible with this new approach and have become obsolete. Here we describe a new series of fluorescent reporter vectors optimized for use with ΦC31 transgenesis. By using these vectors to generate a set of Notch reporter fly lines, we demonstrate their efficacy in reporting the function of gene regulatory elements.
Entry and exit in a vertically differentiated industry
Authors: Esteve-Pérez S.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a duopoly model of firm rivalry in a vertically differentiated industry when market dynamics is explicitly accounted for. It shows how the interplay between demand (degree of product differentiation, demand elasticity) and cost (fixed and quality costs) factors determine firms’ relative strength when quality is irreversible. The main strategic choices are product quality, price and the timing of entry and exit. Further, firms incur sunk quality costs at time of entry and operating fixed costs of maintaining quality. Although the low quality firm may outlast its rival in the declining phase, both firms wish to be the “quality leader”.
Análise de imagens para a caracterização das atividades de vacas leiteiras dentro do galpão de confinamento
Authors: Souza Silvia R. L. de , Nääs Irenilza de A , Moura Daniella J. de
Published: January 2012

A produção atual de animais necessita do emprego de tecnologias de informação automatizadas, inerentes ao ambiente em que os animais estão inseridos, para que se possa analisar a interferência dos mesmos na produção e no bem-estar. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi comparar a eficiência de duas metodologias de análise de imagens, utilizadas para avaliar a presença de vacas leiteiras em locais específicos no galpão de confinamento. O experimento foi realizado em uma fazenda comercial, e as vacas foram monitoradas através de seis microcâmeras. Foram usadas duas formas de análise da presença das vacas nos locais pré-selecionados (camas, bebedouros e comedouros): imagens analisadas visualmente da tela do computador (T1) e automaticamente, pelo software desenvolvido para a captura de imagens das vacas no galpão de freestall (T2). Os dados de presença foram analisados utilizando a técnica de análise de componentes principais e, para as comparações dos dois métodos, aplicou-se o Teste t - Student, com 95% de confiabilidade, para as médias da contagem da presença das vacas em cada área estudada. Não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre os métodos, sendo ambos eficientes para o registro das vacas em cada atividade.
Relative reduction in annual soil loss in micro watersheds due to the relief and forest cover
Authors: Mingoti Rafael , Vettorazzi Carlos A
Published: January 2012

With the intense debate, in Brazil, between landowners and public agencies about the amount of area with forest cover needed in different regions, there is an increase of the need for provision of technical data used as a basis for decision making. One of the criteria to evaluate the effect of forest cover in protecting water resources is the soil loss, which leads to several consequences on the environment, including the silting of the rivers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the reduction in the soil loss in micro watersheds with different reliefs, size and location of forest cover, in the Corumbataí River watershed, in the state of São Paulo, using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in a GIS environment. For this study, 18 watersheds in three degrees of slope were selected, and 20 scenarios for land-use were established, by analyzing the influence of the PPA size, and the size and the location of the Legal Reserve. The results showed that: a) the effect of forest cover in reducing annual soil loss varies depending on the average slope of the watershed; b) the PPA width must be determined taking into account the slope of the watershed; c) the Legal Reserve must be located along the PPA. These provide better results in reducing annual soil loss.
A visão do Paraguai no Brasil
Authors: Souchaud Sylvain
Published: January 2012

Neste texto, trata-se da questão de como se constrói e compõe a imagem do Paraguai formada e veiculada no Brasil. Nos detemos tanto nas interpretações de eventos históricos que marcam as relações internacionais entre os dois países, quanto nas representações territoriais seletivas do Paraguai que circulam no Brasil. Uma atenção especial será dada às percepções e representações brasileiras das correntes migratórias que se formam em ambos os lados da fronteira, seja de brasileiros no Paraguai, seja de paraguaios no Brasil, pois a migração internacional, como situação de contato, alimenta a produção de representações recíprocas
Resistência depois da morte: restituindo humanidade ao Homo Sacer
Authors: Doty Roxanne Lynn
Published: January 2012

Este artigo examina práticas de testemunhar e testemunho que surgiram como resposta às contínuas mortes de migrantes nos desertos do sudoeste dos Estados Unidos. Eu sugiro que estas práticas podem ser consideradas uma forma de resistência, na medida em que restituem a humanidade àqueles que morreram e, ao fazê-lo, reconhecem que nosso mundo de fronteiras contemporâneo abriga os espíritos daqueles que viajaram pelas perigosas trilhas criadas por fronteiras visíveis e invisíveis. A esperança por políticas mais humanas depende de tal tipo de reconhecimento; e mantê-los vivos na memória pública é fundamental para promover mudança. Este artigo também argumenta por uma ampla conceituação do que significa testemunhar e dar testemunho. As práticas examinadas variam desde contar estórias de migrantes, a prestar ajuda humanitária, e práticas para identificar os restos de migrantes que morreram e, assim, restituir suas identidades.
Musealização, crítica de arte e o exercício experimental da liberdade em Mario Pedrosa
Authors: Sant'Anna Sabrina Parracho
Published: January 2012

Pelo menos desde as duas últimas décadas do século XX, muito tem se falado sobre a acumulação e o colecionamento de cultura material nas sociedades contemporâneas. A partir de levantamento e análise da obra de Mario Pedrosa da década de 1950 e de levantamento da produção contemporânea na crítica de arte, tenho procurado comparar o modo como a profissão é exercida no momento de sua institucionalização no Brasil e hoje, quando, na narrativa institucional, começaria a perder sua força. Neste sentido, tenho procurado entender como a crítica vem sofrendo modificações e, assim, ordenando a recepção da obra de Pedrosa.
Pro Matre: arquivo e fontes para a história da maternidade no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Barreto Maria Renilda Nery
Published: January 2012

A quase centenária Maternidade Pro Matre, inaugurada em fevereiro de 1919, com a finalidade de prestar assistência a mães e crianças dos grupos sociais menos favorecidos, foi iniciativa do médico filantropo Fernando Magalhães e da feminista Stella de Carvalho Guerra Duval com apoio de senhoras da sociedade carioca. Sua criação inseriu-se em movimento de assistência materno-infantil que a historiografia hoje chama de projeto maternalista, com base na ideia de que mãe e filho são culturalmente indissociáveis. Ao apresentar as fontes existentes no arquivo institucional da Pro Matre, partilhamos possibilidades de pesquisa no campo da assistência materno-infantil no Rio de Janeiro e, por extensão, no Brasil.
Fine root biomass and root length density in a lowland and a montane tropical rain forest, SP, Brazil
Authors: Rosado Bruno Henrique Pimentel , Martins Amanda Cristina , Colomeu Talita Cristina , Oliveira Rafael Silva , Joly Carlos Alfredo , Aidar Marcos Pereira Marinho
Published: January 2012

Fine roots, <2 mm in diameter, are responsible for water and nutrient uptake and therefore have a central role in carbon, nutrient and water cycling at the plant and ecosystem level. The root length density (RLD), fine root biomass (FRB) and vertical fine root distribution (VRD) in the soil profile have been used as good descriptors of resource-use efficiency and carbon storage in the soil. Along altitudinal gradients, decreases in temperature and radiation inputs (depending on the frequency of fog events) may reduce decomposition rates and nutrient availability what might stimulate plants to invest in fine roots, increasing acquisition of resources. We evaluated the seasonal variation of fine root parameters in a Lowland and Montane forest at the Atlantic Rain Forest. We hypothesized that, due to lower decomposition rates at the Montane site, the FRB and RLD at soil surface will be higher in this altitude, which can maximize the efficiency of resource absorption. FRB and RLD were higher in the Montane forest in both seasons, especially at the 0-5 layer. At the 0-5 soil layer in both sites, RLD increased from dry to wet season independently of variations in FRB. Total FRB in the top 30 cm of the soil at the Lowland site was significantly lower (334 g.m-2 in the dry season and 219 g.m-2 in the wet season) than at the Montane forest (875 and 451 g.m-2 in the dry and wet season, respectively). In conclusion, despite the relevance of FRB to describe processes related to carbon dynamics, the variation of RLD between seasons, independently of variations in FRB, indicates that RLD is a better descriptor for studies characterizing the potential of water and nutrient uptake at the Atlantic Rain Forest. The differences in RLD between altitudes within the context of resource use should be considered in studies about plant establishment, seedling growth and population dynamics at the Atlantic Rain Forest. At the ecosystem level, RLD and it seasonal variations may improve our understanding of the Atlantic rain forest functioning in terms of the biogeochemical fluxes in a possible scenario of climate change and environmental changes.
Prova broncodilatadora na espirometria: efeito do uso de espaçador de grande volume com tratamento antiestático na resposta ao broncodilatador
Authors: Araújo Flávia de Barros , Corrêa Ricardo de Amorim , Pereira Luis Fernando Ferreira , Silveira Carla Discacciati , Mancuso Eliane Viana , Rezende Nilton Alves de
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o uso de salbutamol inalatório através de inalador dosimetrado acoplado a espaçadores de grande volume com tratamento antiestático na espirometria com prova broncodilatadora modifica os resultados do teste quando comparado à técnica usual (sem espaçador). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo 24 pacientes, com idades entre 18 e 45 anos e suspeita clínica de asma, atendidos no Ambulatório de Pneumologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, em Belo Horizonte (MG). Os pacientes foram submetidos a duas espirometrias com prova broncodilatadora realizadas com e sem o uso de espaçador de grande volume. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa na variação do VEF1 antes e após o uso de broncodilatador entre as duas técnicas (ΔVEF1 média = 0,01 L; IC95%: -0,05 a 0,06; p = 0,824). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as duas técnicas em relação ao resultado qualitativo da prova broncodilatadora (p = 1,00). Houve concordância dos resultados da prova broncodilatadora entre as técnicas (coeficiente kappa = 0,909; p < 0,005). CONCLUSÕES: De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, a utilização de espaçadores de grande volume não modificou de forma significativa os resultados da prova broncodilatadora.
Tratamento conservador de uma má oclusão Classe I de Angle, com atresia maxilar e apinhamento anterior
Authors: Nojima Lincoln I.
Published: January 2012

Este artigo relata o tratamento de uma paciente do sexo feminino, com 15 anos de idade, má oclusão Classe I de Angle, severo apinhamento anterossuperior, desvio da linha média superior para o lado esquerdo e atresia maxilar, associada à mordida cruzada posterior. Os procedimentos executados envolveram a expansão maxilar com disjuntor palatino do tipo Haas modificado e montagem de aparelho fixo com sistema Edgewise standard. Foram realizados desgastes proximais nos incisivos e caninos inferiores para o alinhamento anterior, bem como redução da discrepância de Bolton com excesso inferior. Esse caso foi apresentado à diretoria do Board Brasileiro de Ortodontia e Ortopedia Facial (BBO), representando a categoria livre escolha, como parte dos requisitos para a obtenção do título de Diplomado pelo BBO.
Mekong hydropower: drivers of change and governance challenges
Authors: Grumbine R Edward , Dore John , Xu Jianchu
Published: January 2012

The Mekong River is the longest watercourse in Southeast Asia. Although China has an extensive hydropower program underway on the Upper Mekong, as yet there are no dams on the river's lower mainstream. However, as many as 12 additional projects, which would generate substantial energy and wealth especially for Cambodia and Laos, are currently in the proposal stage for the Lower Mekong (LM). The cumulative effects of the LM hydropower projects – if built, and together with existing Chinese dams – will transform the Mekong by altering natural flow patterns and disrupting fisheries and other ecosystem services, to the detriment of the millions of people who depend on the river for their livelihoods. Proposals for new dam construction are driven by several factors, including changing human demographics and development needs, energy and food security concerns, economic cooperation, and climate change. We link these social, ecological, economic, and political forces to ongoing regional governance issues and discuss how to improve the quality of Mekong hydropower decision making in a complex, transboundary setting.
The Water Relations and Some Drought Tolerance Mechanisms of the Marama Bean
Authors: Karamanos Andreas J. , Travlos Ilias S.
Published: January 2012

The water relations of the tropical tuber‐producing legume marama bean [Tylosema esculentum (Burch) A. Schreib] which produces both tubers and beans for human consumption in the dry regions of southern Africa, were studied in field and greenhouse experiments in Athens, Greece. Two water treatments were imposed by means of different irrigation frequencies on plants grown from seed and tuber in the field experiment, whereas four water treatments were set up in the greenhouse on plants grown from seed for two cultivation periods by applying different amounts of water. Leaf water potential (Ψl) and relative water content (RWC), the solute potential at zero turgor (ψso), leaf stomatal conductance (gs), the angle between the two leaflets, and soil water content were recorded throughout the experiments, both on seasonal and diurnal basis. The values of Ψl were systematically lower in the drier treatments but never fell below −1.15 MPa. The plants grown from tubers exhibited consistently higher values of Ψl and RWC in comparison to those grown from seeds, indicating higher levels of hydration in the former. Progressive osmotic adjustment, more intense in plants grown from tubers, was detected as plants grew older. An exponential relation between gs and leaflet angle was also detected. Our results are discussed in conjunction with field observations taken in Botswana and indicate that marama is endowed with several drought avoidance mechanisms, which, in parallel with osmotic adjustment, enable it to survive under very harsh conditions.
Temporal and Spatial Variation in Switchgrass Biomass Composition and Theoretical Ethanol Yield
Authors: Schmer M. R. , Vogel K. P. , Mitchell R. B. , Dien B. S. , Jung H. G. , Casler M. D.
Published: January 2012

Information on temporal and spatial variation in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) biomass composition as it affects ethanol yield (L Mg−1) at a biorefinery and ethanol production (L ha−1) at the field‐scale has previously not been available. Switchgrass biomass samples were collected from a regional, on‐farm trial and biomass composition was determined using newly developed near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) prediction equations and theoretical ethanol yield (100% conversion efficiency) was calculated. Total hexose (cell wall polysaccharides and soluble sugars) concentration ranged from 342 to 398 g kg−1 while pentose (arabinose and xylose) concentration ranged from 216 to 245 g kg−1 across fields. Theoretical ethanol yield varied significantly by year and field, with 5 yr means ranging from 381 to 430 L Mg−1. Total theoretical ethanol production ranged from 1749 to 3691 L ha−1 across fields. Variability (coefficient of variation) within established switchgrass fields ranged from 1 to 4% for theoretical ethanol yield (L Mg−1) and 14 to 38% for theoretical ethanol production (L ha−1). Most fields showed a lack of spatial consistency across harvest years for theoretical ethanol yield or total theoretical ethanol production. Switchgrass biomass composition from farmer fields can be expected to have significant annual and field‐to‐field variation in a production region, and this variation will significantly affect ethanol or other liquid fuel yields per ton or hectare. Cellulosic biorefineries will need to consider this potential variation in biofuel yields when developing their business plans.
A dynamic ventilation model for gravity sewer networks
Authors: Wang Y. C. , Nobi N. , Nguyen T. , Vorreiter L.
Published: January 2012

To implement any effective odour and corrosion control technology in the sewer network, it is imperative that the airflow through gravity sewer airspaces be quantified. This paper presents a full dynamic airflow model for gravity sewer systems. The model, which is developed using the finite element method, is a compressible air transport model. The model has been applied to the North Head Sewerage Ocean Outfall System (NSOOS) and calibrated using the air pressure and airflow data collected during October 2008. Although the calibration is focused on forced ventilation, the model can be applied to natural ventilation as well.
The role of settling velocity formulation in the determination of gully pot trapping efficiency: comparison between analytical and experimental data
Authors: Ciccarello Annalisa , Bolognesi Andrea , Maglionico Marco , Artina Sandro
Published: January 2012

Roadside gully pots are the connecting points between surface runoff and the underground drainage network; therefore they can be considered as the most superficial component of urban drainage systems. Gully pots are supposed to trap particulate matter washed off the catchment surface, but also to collect and convey stormwater into the network. The continuous accumulation of particulate matter results in a progressive loss of the gully pot hydraulic conveyance, thereby increasing the probability of urban flooding during rainstorm events. This study has therefore the objective to determine which variables influence the gully pot capability of retaining solids (efficiency), both experimentally and analytically. Several laboratory tests have been performed on a simple plastic gully pot, with different inflow rates and using both mono and hetero-disperse particle samples. Particular attention has been given to the influence exerted by the way particle settling velocity is expressed: efficiency has been analytically determined by means of multiple settling velocity formulas proposed by various authors and eventually compared to experimental data. Results deriving from the adoption of each single settling velocity formula have been extensively analysed, showing fairly different outcomes.
Use of biopolymers as solid substrates for denitrification
Authors: Rodrigues A. L. , Mosquera-Corral A. , Machado A. V. , Moura I. , Matos M. I. , Brito A. G. , Nogueira R.
Published: January 2012

The conventional process to remove nitrate from water, the biological denitrification, uses the addition of dissolved organic carbon that has the potential risk to further deteriorate water quality. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the specific denitrification activity of a mixed microbial culture and a pure culture of Pseudomonas stutzeri with solid substrates such as polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), and starch. The highest nitrate reduction activity was obtained with a microbial mixed culture using starch, 104 mg N2-N/(g VSS.d), and PCL, 97 mg N2-N/(g VSS.d), followed by PLA, 53 mg N2-N/(g VSS.d). A considerable advantage of using biopolymers in water denitrification is the reduced risk of contaminating the water with soluble biodegradable organic carbon.
Nutrient conditions and reactor configuration influence floc size distribution and settling properties
Authors: Ehlers G. A. C. , Wagachchi D. , Turner S. J.
Published: January 2012

Floc formation and settleability is critical for effective solid–liquid separation in many wastewater treatment processes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between particle size distribution and nutrient conditions in different bioreactor configurations. Size distribution profiles of flocs that formed in continuous (B1), continuous with clarifier and return sludge (B2) and SBR (B3) reactors were investigated in parallel under identical nutrient conditions. An eight-fold dilution of the influent COD of a synthetic dairy processing wastewater resulted in a ‘feast and famine’ regime that triggered significant effects on the biomass and flocculation characteristics. Floc size analysis of reactor MLSS revealed a shift in floc sizes when reactors were fed with the minimum (famine) COD wastewater feed (0.61 g L−1). Increasing floc size distributions were detected for all reactors during the minimum COD feed although different size patterns were observed for different reactor configurations. These increases corresponded with variations in aggregation and EPS quantities. The SBR yielded comparatively larger flocs when operated under both COD feeds as indicated by d(0.9) values (90% of particles ≤ d in size). Overall the results indicated that floc formation and floc size are mediated by nutrient concentrations and represents an important step towards improved solid–liquid separation.
Preparation of three-bore hollow fiber charged nanofiltration membrane for separation of organics and salts
Authors: Deng Jianmian , Zhang Yatao , Liu Jindun , Zhang Haoqin
Published: January 2012

Three-bore hollow fiber charged nanofiltration (NF) membrane was prepared by interfacial polymerization (IP). The results showed that the flux and rejection of NF membrane prepared in this study increased with the increasing in the operating pressure. The water flux decreased and rejection for obvious dyes increased as the solute concentration increased. The separation factor for mixture of Xylenol orange/NaCl decreased when NaCl concentration in solution increased and could reach to as high as 18. In addition, three-bore hollow fiber charged nanofiltration membrane prepared in this study has excellent stability for strong acid (pH = 3), strong alkali (pH = 11) and high temperature solution (80 °C).
Ammonia oxidizing bacterial community composition and process performance in wastewater treatment plants under low temperature conditions
Authors: Rodriguez-Caballero A. , Hallin S. , Påhlson C. , Odlare M. , Dahlquist E.
Published: January 2012

Nitrification can be difficult to maintain at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) during cold periods resulting in disrupted nitrogen removal. The aim of this study was to relate nitrification process performance to abundance and composition of the ammonia oxidizer communities in two closely located municipal WWTPs in Sweden during an eight month period covering seasonal changes and low temperature conditions. Both facilities showed lower NH4+-N removal efficiency and nitrification rates as temperature decreased. However, one of the plants had a more stable nitrification rate and higher ammonia removal efficiency throughout the entire period. The differences in performance was related to a shift in the composition of the bacterial ammonia oxidizing community from a Nitrosomonas oligotropha-dominated community to a mixed community including also Nitrosomonas ureae-like ammonia oxidizers. This was likely a response to differences in NH4+-N and organic loading.
The effects of the administration of two different doses of manganese on short-term spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior in rats
Authors: Hogas M. , Ciobica A. , Hogas Simona , Bild Veronica , Hritcu L.
Published: January 2012

Manganese is a very well known neurotoxic agent. It has been mainly linked to
impaired motor skills and disturbed psychomotor development. However, very
few aspects are known about the cognitive deficits and behavioral
consequences of chronic manganese exposure. In this context, we report herein
our findings regarding short-term spatial memory, motor and anxiety-like
behavior assessments in male Wistar rats exposed for 45 days to two different
doses (3 mg/kg b.w., i.p. and 10 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) of manganese. Behavior
testing (Y-maze task and elevated plus maze) was performed after 45 days of
manganese administration. Chronic manganese exposure in Wistar rats led to
behavioral alterations consisting of cognitive deficiencies in the Y-maze
task and anxiety/compulsive-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze, but no
motor disturbances as tested by the number of arm entries in the Y-maze.
Additional work is necessary to understand the longterm effects of different
doses and dosing regimens of manganese on cognitive/affective and motor
functioning.
Chemical investigation of the volatile components of shade-dried petals of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.)
Authors: Verma Swaroop , Padalia Chandra , Chauhan Amit
Published: January 2012

Roses are always appreciated because of their inimitable aroma, many uses and
of course their beauty. In addition to the different damask rose (Rosa
damascena Mill.) products (oil, water, concrete, absolute, gulkand etc.), its
dried petals are also used for various health purposes. The hydrodistilled
volatile oil and water of shade-dried damask rose petals were investigated by
GC and GC-MS. The predominant components of tThe essential oil and rose water
were aliphatic hydrocarbons (56.4 and 46.3%), followed by oxygenated
monoterpenes (14.7 and 8.7%). The main aliphatic hydrocarbons of the
essential oil and rose water were heneicosane (19.7 and 15.7%), nonadecane
(13.0 and 8.4%), tricosane (11.3 and 9.3%) and pentacosane (5.3 and 5.1%)
while the content of 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol was 0.4% and 7.1% in the
essential oil and rose water, respectively. The chemical composition of the
dried rose petal volatiles is quite different from fresh flower volatiles.
Comparative analyses of the vascular flora of the Pcinja river gorges in Serbia and Macedonia
Authors: Zlatkovic B. , Nikolic L. , Randjelovic V. , Randjelovic N. , Stevanovic V.
Published: January 2012

The study?s aim is the comparative chorologic and ecological analysis of the
vascular flora of the two gorges of the Pcinja River in Serbia and Macedonia
which are 27 km apart. In the two gorges 1564 taxa have been recorded, 1057
being in the upper gorge in Serbia and 1174 in the lower gorge in Macedonia.
Common to both gorges are 666 taxa. Chorological spectra show that in both
gorges the most abundant are Mediterranean-submediterranean plants, 32.85%
being in the upper and 43.97% in the lower gorge. Differences in the studied
vegetation result from a diverse participation of other floristic elements
such as Central European ones that are more abundant in the upper gorge
(17.05%) than in the lower gorge (10.86 %). The life-form spectrum reveals
that the flora in both gorges is hemicryptophyte-therophyte in character.
Both gorges belong to an enclave of a Mediterranean-submediterranean region,
i.e. to its submediterranean Macedonian- Thracian province.
New cases of winter-active amphibians in the thermal waters of Banat, Romania
Authors: Bogdan Horia-Vlad , Covaciu-Marcov Severus-Daniel , Antal Cornel , Cicort-Lucaciu Alfred-Ştefan , Sas Istvan
Published: January 2012

In the winter of 2010/2011 we identified 6 new thermal habitats, with
winter-active amphibian populations in the Banat region of south-western
Romania. The diversity of the amphibian species was small, only 2 species
were observed: Bombina bombina and Pelophylax ridibundus. In waters with high
flow and temperature, the number of winteractive frogs reached several
hundred. All the new thermal habitats are artificial, being subjected to a
powerful anthropogenic pressure.