bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação de percepção de fala em crianças com deficiência auditiva usuárias de aparelho de amplificação sonora: a questão do instrumento e seus critérios
Authors: Magalhães Luana Almeida , Cimonari Paula Martin , Novaes Beatriz Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Caiuby
Published: November 2007

OBJETIVO: Comparar diferentes critérios de análise de erros em tarefas de reconhecimento de palavras em crianças com deficiência auditiva usuárias de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual, visando estabelecer seu potencial de utilização na clínica, particularmente nas relações entre percepção de fala e utilização de audição residual. MÉTODOS: Aplicação de listas para reconhecimento de palavras em sujeitos de 6 a 8 anos de idade, com deficiência auditiva e usuários de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual. As respostas foram analisadas por diferentes critérios a partir de dois instrumentos: WASP: acerto de palavras, de fonemas e padrão total de erro; Matriz de Confusão: substituições e omissões de fonemas. RESULTADOS: As relações entre os diferentes critérios de análise permitiram diferentes perspectivas na análise do desempenho das crianças no reconhecimento de palavras, levando a reflexões sobre a utilização do potencial auditivo das crianças e as implicações no processo terapêutico com ênfase na audição residual. CONCLUSÃO: Combinar diferentes critérios de análise dos erros permite ampliar o conhecimento das habilidades de percepção de fala dos sujeitos e, conseqüentemente, contribui para o estabelecimento de metas terapêuticas.
Perfil audiométrico de trabalhadores do distrito industrial de Maracanaú - CE
Authors: Teles Renata de Mesquita , Medeiros Márcia Pinheiro Hortencio de
Published: November 2007

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer o perfil audiométrico de trabalhadores expostos ao ruído, acima do nível de ação (85 dB), em empresas do Distrito Industrial de Maracanaú, Ceará. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo de prevalência a partir da avaliação de dados de exames audiométricos, coletados de arquivos das empresas pesquisadas realizados no período de abril a outubro de 2006. Foram avaliados 5372 trabalhadores das 47 (52,80%) empresas que autorizaram a pesquisa e as variáveis analisadas foram: faixa etária, tempo total de exposição ao ruído, estado da acuidade auditiva, tipo de perda auditiva, lateralidade da perda auditiva e configuração audiométrica sugestiva de perda auditiva induzida por ruído nos trabalhadores e setor da atividade econômica e porte da empresa. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que 19,00% da população estudada apresentaram alteração, predominando a perda auditiva sensório neural em 90,67% dos casos. Em 12,71% da população estudada observou-se quadro sugestivo de perda auditiva induzida por ruído (PAIR) e, em 71,77% da população portadora de perda auditiva sensório neural, há indícios de PAIR. Em relação à lateralidade da perda, 39,09% é unilateral, sendo 24,03% unilateral esquerda. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar dos resultados não representarem a prevalência total de perdas auditivas do Distrito, eles apontam para a necessidade não apenas de realização de audiometrias ocupacionais pontuais, mas também de monitoramento da audição dos trabalhadores de forma longitudinal, como parte de um programa de conservação auditiva.
Disartria e doença de Machado-Joseph: relato de caso
Authors: Busanello Angela Ruviaro , Castro Simone Augusta Finard de Nisa e , Rosa Alberto Augusto Alves
Published: November 2007

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os principais aspectos fonoaudiológicos relacionados à fala na doença de Machado-Joseph, em um indivíduo do sexo masculino, selecionado entre outros pacientes portadores desta doença com limitações significativas de fala. O paciente foi atendido no Setor de Fonoaudiologia do Serviço de Fisiatria do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Especificamente quanto à fala e seus processos, observou-se quadro disártrico predominantemente atáxico, que piorou com a evolução da doença, passando de leve para severo. Estes resultados permitiram a conclusão de que as alterações tornam-se significativas na fala do portador de doença de Machado-Joseph, associadas ao comprometimento da respiração, articulação, fonação e ressonância. Concluiu-se também quanto à importância do tratamento fonoaudiológico na doença de Machado-Joseph, sugerindo-se novos estudos, com número maior de indivíduos, sejam realizados, a fim de melhor caracterizar as alterações de fala observadas neste estudo.
Imposex induction in Stramonita haemastoma floridana (Conrad, 1837) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Muricidae) submitted to an organotin-contaminated diet
Authors: Lima Aline Fernandes Alves de , Castro Ítalo Braga de , Rocha-Barreira Cristina de Almeida
Published: November 2007

Marine organisms are affected by organotin compounds due to the cumulative, deleterious effects of these latter. The most evident and well known consequence of organotin contamination is imposex, a hormonal disruption that causes a superimposition of sexual male features in females of prosobranchia neogastropod molluscs such as Stramonita haemastoma floridana. Molluscs accumulate organotins mainly because of their poor ability to eliminate TBT and DBT from their tissues. The aim of this study was to analyze organotin uptake by ingestion experimentally, using uncontaminated subjects (S. haemastoma floridana) fed with organotin-contaminated oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae). A total of 248 gastropods, distributed in 7 tanks with uncontaminated water and contaminated food, were used in this study, a control group being fed uncontaminated oysters. Every 15 days, the individuals of one of the tanks were examined for the presence of imposex. Development of imposex was measured using the VDSI, RPSI and RPLI indexes. The animals had already developed imposex within the first 15 days, all the indexes measured (RPLI, RPSI and VDSI) having increased significantly with duration of exposure, indicating that the animals were probablycontaminated by the food and had accumulated the pollutant. New paths of imposex development were also observed.
Comparison of rocky itertidal community sampling methods at northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Macedo Isabela Maria , Masi Bruno Pereira , Zalmon Ilana Rosental
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this study is to compare different rocky intertidal sampling methods at the northern coast of the Rio de Janeiro State. Quadrats with 50 and 100 intersection points were sampled in field and in computer using digital photos. A similarity over 90% was obtained between both methods for the intertidal zone. Cluster analysis showed that the lower sample size overestimated some indicator organisms. The zonation pattern through photo sampling was different from that in field especially in Supralitoral Fringe due to the color similarity of Chthamalus sp with bare substrate. The main advantages of the digital method are the fast abundance estimation, the possibility of comparison among researchers and the permanent community record. However, there is a potential for species misidentification with similar color morphotypes. In zonation intertidal studies, digital photograph sampling method is suggested since it is rather efficient, accurate and advantageous in relation to the field method. Such a choice might be made after the previous knowledge of local organisms and should be adequate to the final objectives.
Iron ore particles on four seaweed species from Camburi Beach (Espírito Santo state, Brazil)
Authors: Nassar Cristina Aparecida Gomes , Yoneshigue-Valentin Yocie
Published: November 2007

The present study estimated the iron-ore concentration found on four species of seaweed. The species tested grow on a site heavily contaminated by this ore, in the city of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Under natural conditions, the iron ore reached a temperature 5.0ºC higher than the sand on a sunny day. All the species had iron ore adhered to their fronds. Udotea cyathiformis was the species with the highest iron-ore concentration varing from 0.07 to 0.90 g wet weight, followed by Lobophora variegata (from 0.07 to 0.62 g wet weight), Padina gymnospora (from 0.08 to 0.55 g wet weight) and Ulva fasciata (from 0.05 to 0.25 g wet weight). Even after four changes of water over a 12-hour period, the fronds still had particles adhered to their outside cell wall. All the species showed similar tendencies to release the iron, with the highest percentage of particles (40 to 60%) released in the first change of water.
Fish community modeling agents on an artificial reef on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
Authors: Brotto Daniel Shimada , Krohling Werther , Zalmon Ilana Rosental
Published: November 2007

Stationary visual census surveys were performed on an experimental artificial reef (21º29'S, 41º00'W) to clarify the role of structural complexity and benthic community as fish community modeling agents. Concrete modules of four types were grouped according to the combination of structural complexity through the presence/absence of holes and favourable/unfavourable surface for benthic colonization by anti-fouling painting. The survey (December 2002 to March 2003) showed higher abundance, richness and diversity in the complex modules. The same habitat usage pattern was observed according to vertical position and bottom type categories: demersal, hard-bottom and habitat generalist fishes preferred the complex ones. A higher number of juveniles occurred at those modules. It is assumed that trophic relationships and different habitat selection related to ontogenetic stages are also important modeling agents to the fish community structure since juvenile fish seem to actively seek the experimental complex modules.
Protozooplankton characterization of two contrasting sites in a tropical coastal ecosystem (Guanabara Bay, RJ)
Authors: Gomes Eli Ana Traversim , Santos Viviane Severiano dos , Tenenbaum Denise Rivera , Villac Maria Célia
Published: November 2007

Much time and resources have been invested in understanding plankton dynamics in Guanabara Bay (Brazil), but no attention has been devoted to the protozooplankton. To fulfill this lacuna, abundance and composition of protozooplankton were investigated from January to December - 2000 in fortnightly surface water samplings at two distinct water quality sites (Urca - closer to the bay entrance, more saline and cleaner waters; Ramos - inner reaches, hypereutrophic waters). The density at Urca (10³ - 10(5) cell.l-1) was one to three orders of magnitude lower than at Ramos (10(4) - 10(5) cell.l-1). A seasonal trend for nanoplankton and protozooplankton was more evident at Urca, but both sites had lower densities during the colder period. Small heterotrophic dinoflagellates (20-30 mm) were dominant in over 50% of the samples. The protozooplankton abundance and composition reflected the distinct trophic conditions states found at the bay. During the wet-warm season, non-oligotrich ciliates were representative of Ramos site with Gymnodiniaceae dinoflagellates, while tintinnids and heterotrophic dinoflagellates were predominantly found at Urca mainly during the dry-cold season. This first descriptive study towards the understanding of the intricate relationships among the microbial food web components reveals that protozooplankton can be a good indicator of water quality conditions at the bay.
Deep sea Caridea (Crustacea, Decapoda) from Campos Basin, RJ, Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Irene A. , Serejo C. S.
Published: November 2007

During the Campos Basin Deep Sea Environmental Project coordinated by CENPES/PETROBRAS two collecting campaigns were performed. Both used the N/RB Astrogaroupa and fishery nets to collect samples from the continental slope in Campos Basin, RJ (21º48'S to 22º48'S). Campaign Oceanprof I occurred in February, 2003 and collected 18 samples at depths between 1074 and 1649 m. Oceanprof II occurred in August, 2003 and collected 22 samples at depths between 1059 and 1640 m. A total of 14 caridean species were collected: Parapontophilus sp. (Crangonidae); Glyphocrangon longirostris (Smith, 1882) (Glyphocrangonidae); Lebbeus sp. (Hippolytidae); Nematocarcinus ensifer (Smith, 1882) (Nematocarcinidae); Acanthephyra eximia Smith, 1884; A. quadrispinosa Kemp, 1939; A. stylorostratis (Bate, 1888); Janicella spinicauda (A. Milne Edwards, 1883); Meningodora vesca (Smith, 1887); Notostomus elegans A. Milne Edwards, 1881; Oplophorus spinosus (Brullé, 1839); and Systellaspis debilis (A. Milne Edwards, 1881) (Oplophoridae); Heterocarpus inopinatus Tavares, 1999 and Plesionika sp. (Pandalidae). Three out of these 14 species, Parapontophilus sp., Lebbeus sp. and Plesionika sp. are still under investigation and were not included in the present study. From the 11 species identified Nematocarcinus ensifer is a new record for the Brazilian continental slope.
Zooplankton assemblages from a tidal channel in the Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina
Authors: Hoffmeyer Mónica Susana , Barría de Cao María Sonia
Published: November 2007

In this study we investigate for the first time the zooplankton assemblages in a relatively small tidal channel called Bahía del Medio, situated in the middle-outer area of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, South of the Main channel. We focused the study on micro- and mesozooplankton assemblages with emphasis on tintinnids, copepods and meroplankton along the annual cycle 1997-1998. Fifteen species of tintinnids belonging to 6 genera were observed in the study area, the mean total tintinnid abundance fluctuating between 3.4 x 10(6) ind. m-3 and 5.1 x 10(6) ind m-3. The mesozooplankton comprised 11 taxa, total abundance fluctuating between 449 ind m-3 in March 1997 and only 1 ind m-3 in October 1997. The channel proved to be spatially homogeneous in its physical and biochemical features. Micro- and mesozooplankton abundance displayed a high degree of spatial homogeneity, though the seasonal variation in both environment and zooplankton was significant. Comparison with the zooplankton observed at a station in the Main channel of the estuary showed differences in number of taxa represented, a general lower abundance of both assemblages and the presence of some rare species, a fact which is discussed.
Wave refraction and longshore transport patterns along the southern Santa Catarina coast
Authors: Siegle Eduardo , Asp Nils Edvin
Published: November 2007

Based on the wave climate for the southern Brazilian coast, wave refraction has been modelled in order to obtain the refracted wave heights and directions along the southern Santa Catarina coast, providing the needed information for potential longshore drift estimates. According to its coastline orientation, different sectors of the coast present varying longshore drift patterns. Estimates have been made for the yearly-averaged wave climate as well as for each season, showing thereby the longshore drift patterns along the year. Based on the results of the potential longshore drift intensities and directions and on the shoreline outline in plan, it has been possible to identify a strongly drift-dominated coast in the south turning to a mixed drift and swash dominated coast towards the north of the studied area. Contrasting patterns of longshore drift between the southern and northern portion of the coastline indicate a sediment surplus in the central portion, making sediment available for cross-shore transport processes, either on- or offshore. Considering long-term aspects, the longshore drift patterns are in agreement with the coastal infilling process which has mainly been driven by persistent surplus from littoral sediment drift.
The influence of brown algae alginates on phenolic compounds capability of ultraviolet radiation absorption in vitro
Authors: Salgado Leonardo Tavares , Tomazetto Rodrigo , Cinelli Leonardo Paes , Farina Marcos , Amado Filho Gilberto Menezes
Published: November 2007

Brown algae phenolic compounds (PC) are secondary metabolites that participate in many biological processes, such as ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection, polyspermy blocking and trace metals bounding. Recently, PC has also been studied due to possible interactions with cell wall polysaccharides. However, there are few evidences of these interactions and their influence in physiological processes. The interactions between PC from the brown alga Padina gymnospora and alginates and the influence of these interactions on the UV absorption properties of PC were investigated in this work. Chromatography and spectrophotometry techniques were used to isolate, characterize and determine UV absorption capacity of studied compounds. Even after the P. gymnospora polysaccharide extraction and isolating methods, the PC was maintained linked to the alginate. The interaction of alginates with PC did not cause modifications on absorbance pattern of electromagnetic spectrum (UV-VIS-IR). The UV absorbance capability of PC linked to alginate was maintained for a longer period of time if compared with the purified PC. The obtained results reveal the strong linkage between PC and alginates and that these linkages preserve the UV absorption capability of PC along time.
Ship hull fouling in the port of Recife, Pernambuco
Authors: Farrapeira Cristiane Maria Rocha , Melo Arthur Vinícius de Oliveira Marrocos de , Barbosa Débora Ferreira , Silva Karla Maria Euzebio da
Published: November 2007

Ports of big coastal cities are exposed to exotic species as a consequence of shipping traffic. As the Port of Recife receives an annual average of 491 ships from other regions of Brazil and from all over the world, this work was aimed at knowing which marine animals were passively transported on such vessels hulls, in order to map and monitor new bioinvasions in the area. Thus, 32 vessels of several origins were investigated between November 2005 and March 2006, samples were taken and the macrofauna identified. Sixty species of associated animals were identified, consisting of 28 sessile species, particularly the Cirripedia Balanomorpha and Lepadomorpha as dominants, 8 sedentary animals, namely Mytillidae and Dreissenidae and 23 free-living species, particularly, Caprellidae, Gammaridae, Tanaidacea, Turbellaria, Nemertea and Polychaeta. The first occurrence of Conchoderma virgatum was recorded with exact location for the Brazilian littoral, and Conchoderma auritum, Amphibalanus subalbidus and Haliplanella lineata were recorded for the first time at the littoral of Pernambuco State. The invasion pathway was confirmed for Amphibalanus reticulatus and Mytilopsis leucophaeta, invader species of the estuarine area of Recife's city. Megabalanus coccopoma was considered as a risk invader species for the region.
Treating Avoidant Personality Disorder: The Case of Paul
Authors: Hofmann Stefan G.
Published: November 2007

Individuals with social phobia (social anxiety disorder) and avoidant personality disorder typically hold a distorted and negative view of themselves as a social object. The case of Paul, an extreme case of social phobia with avoidant personality disorder, illustrates the complex interrelatedness between the perception of social norms, interpersonal relationships, and the self. Considering these variables in treatment can translate into powerful intervention strategies. Paul’s therapy combined basic behavioral principles and novel cognitive intervention strategies to specifically modify his distorted sense of self as a social object. This intervention led to a dramatic improvement, which was maintained at a 1-year follow-up assessment.
Research Activities at U.S. Government Agencies in Subsurface Reactive Transport Modeling
Authors: Cygan Randall T. , Stevens Caroline T. , Puls Robert W. , Yabusaki Steven B. , Wauchope Robert D. , McGrath Christian J. , Curtis Gary P. , Siegel Malcolm D. , Veblen Linda A. , Turner David R.
Published: November 2007

The fate of contaminants in the environment is controlled by both chemical reactions and transport phenomena in the subsurface. Our ability to understand the significance of these processes over time requires an accurate conceptual model that incorporates the various mechanisms of coupled chemical and physical processes. Adsorption, desorption, ion exchange, precipitation, dissolution, growth, solid solution, redox, microbial activity, and other processes are often incorporated into reactive transport models for the prediction of contaminant fate and transport. U.S. federal agencies use such models to evaluate contaminant transport and provide guidance to decision makers and regulators for treatment issues. We provide summaries of selected research projects and programs to demonstrate the level of activity in various applications and to present examples of recent advances in subsurface reactive transport modeling.
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometric Isotopic Determination of Nuclear Wastes Sources Associated with Hanford Tank Leaks
Authors: Evans John C. , Dresel P. Evan , Farmer Orville T.
Published: November 2007

The subsurface distribution of a nuclear waste tank leak on the USDOE's Hanford Site was sampled by slant drilling techniques to characterize the chemical and radiological characteristics of the leaked material and assess geochemical transport properties of hazardous constituents. Sediment core samples recovered from the borehole were subjected to distilled water and acid leaching procedures with the resulting leachates analyzed for isotopic and chemical signatures. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) techniques were used for determination of isotopic ratios for Cs, and Mo. Analysis of the isotopic patterns of Mo, combined with associated chemical data, showed evidence for at least two separate intrusions of nuclear waste into the subsurface. Isotopic data for Cs was inconclusive with respect to a source attribution signature.
Experimental and Theoretical Assessment of the Lifetime of a Gaseous‐Reduced Vadose Zone Permeable Reactive Barrier
Authors: Thornton E. C. , Zhong L. , Oostrom M. , Deng B.
Published: November 2007

The feasibility of using in situ gaseous reduction to establish a vadose zone permeable reactive barrier was evaluated through a combination of laboratory testing and consideration of fundamental vadose zone transport concepts. For the experimental evaluation, a series of laboratory column tests were conducted in which Hanford formation sediment from the USDOE Hanford Site in Richland, WA, was first treated with a diluted hydrogen sulfide gas mixture to reduce sediment iron oxide to ferrous sulfide. Water containing dissolved oxygen was then pumped through the columns at different flow rates to determine the reoxidation rate and the reductive capacity of the treated sediment. The results indicated that the treated sediment has a significant reductive capacity consistent with the basic reactions associated with the treatment and reoxidation processes. The observed reductive capacity was found to be dependent on the flow rate of water during the reoxidation phase of the tests. The reductive capacity approached the maximum value predicted on the basis of the treatment reaction as the flow rate was decreased. Thus, laboratory treatment tests provide a means for predicting the reductive capacity of the barrier under field conditions. In the theoretical assessment, oxygen diffusion was identified as the dominant mechanism leading to reoxidation of the barrier. Depending on vadose zone characterisitics, the predicted barrier lifetime varies from several years to more than 100 years.
Isotopic Studies of Contaminant Transport at the Hanford Site, Washington
Authors: Christensen John N. , Conrad Mark E. , DePaolo Donald J. , Dresel P. Evan
Published: November 2007

Processes of fluid flow and chemical transport through the vadose zone can be characterized through the isotopic systematics of natural soils, minerals, pore fluids, and groundwater. In this contribution, we first review our research using measured isotopic variations, due both to natural and site‐related processes, of the elements H, O, N, Sr, and U, to study the interconnection between vadose zone and groundwater contamination at the Hanford Site in south‐central Washington State. We follow this brief review with a presentation of new data pertaining to vadose zone and groundwater contamination in the Waste Management Area (WMA) T‐TX‐TY vicinity. Uranium isotopic data for the C3832 core (WMA TX) indicate the involvement of processed natural U fuel and link the observed U contamination to releases near single‐shelled tank TX‐104. The data also preclude contamination from an early 1970s TX‐107 leak. In the case of the C4104 core (WMA T), the U isotopic data indicate a mixture of processed natural and enriched U fuels consistent with the major leak from T‐106 in 1973. Uranium and strontium isotopic data for the cores also provide direct evidence for chemical interaction between high‐pH waste fluid and sediment. Isotopic data (δ15N and δ18O) for groundwater nitrate contamination in multidepth samples just to the northeast of WMA T are distinct from that seen in surrounding wells and suggest tank waste (possibly from the 1973 T‐106 event) as a source of very high 99Tc concentrations recently observed at the northeast corner of WMA T.
Controls on the Spatial Dimensions of Wetted Hydrologic Margins of Two Antarctic Lakes
Authors: Gooseff Michael N. , Barrett John E. , Northcott Melissa L. , Bate D. Brad , Hill Kenneth R. , Zeglin Lydia H. , Bobb Michael , Takacs‐Vesbach Cristina D.
Published: November 2007

Polar deserts are characterized by limited water availability across much of the terrestrial landscape. In the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, soil active layers are wetted only briefly after infrequent snowfall (<10 cm yr−1). Adjacent to glacial meltwater streams and lakes, however, sediments and soils appear visibly wetted throughout the summer. We hypothesized that this apparent wicking of water from aquatic environments is controlled by capillary action determined by the physical properties of near‐shore sediments including slope, particle size distribution, and depth to permafrost. We performed synoptic sampling of near‐shore sediments around two lakes in Taylor Valley, East Antarctica. We measured the water content, active layer depth, particle size distribution, and topography to determine the relative importance of shore slope, pore size distribution, and depth of the active layer on the spatial dimension of wetted hydrologic margins. The horizontal dimension (distance from the lake edge) of wetted margins (HW) and slopes ranged from 1.1 to 32.9 m and 1 to 61% and active layer depth ranged from 5.5 to >120 cm. Our results indicate that particle size distributions of near‐shore sediments are homogeneous; slope had a greater effect on the dimensions of wetted margins, explaining 73% of the variance in HW These findings show that the spatial dimensions of wetted zones are controlled by a suite of physical parameters that may be easily measured using remotely sensed data and a limited number of samples. Such information is useful for constraining landscape‐scale models of nutrient redistribution because intermittently wetted soils are zones of enhanced biogeochemical transformation and transport in desert ecosystems.
Standardization of Borehole Data to Support Vadose Zone Flow and Transport Modeling
Authors: Last G. V. , Murray C. J. , Bush D. A. , Sullivan E. C. , Rockhold M. L. , Mackley R. D. , Bjornstad B. N.
Published: November 2007

Numerical representation of the geologic framework and its hydrologic and geochemical properties is an integral part of all vadose zone flow‐and‐transport modeling. Historically, the geologic framework has been represented by simple homogeneous and horizontally stratified hydrogeologic units. However, as computer‐processing capabilities have become more advanced, there has been more emphasis on improving spatial resolution and quantifying uncertainty in key model parameters. One of the more popular approaches has focused on geostatistical simulation of the flow‐and‐transport properties themselves, with little regard to the geologic strata and sedimentary sequences. Newer approaches are focusing more on geostatistical simulation of the sequence‐stratigraphic relations of lithofacies and the geostatistical distributions of flow‐and‐transport properties within those facies. These approaches require more rigorous quantitative treatment of geologic data than is normally supported by the mostly qualitative nature of borehole geologic information. At the USDOE Hanford Site, efforts are being made to standardize borehole geologic data so they can be used in a systematic and quantitative way to define the spatial distribution of flow‐and‐transport properties in support of vadose zone flow‐and‐transport simulations. New detailed procedures translate qualitative descriptive information into categorical data and inconsistent quantitative and semiquantitative data into common parametric data sets. A geologic data‐management system is being developed to manage and integrate these standardized categorical data sets with other existing databases to support synergistic analysis and to improve numerical representation of the hydrogeologic architecture. These standardized data sets were used to develop lithofacies‐based geostatistical representations of hydraulic conductivity beneath one of Hanford's more complex waste sites.
Impact Assessment of Existing Vadose Zone Contamination at the Hanford Site SX Tank Farm
Authors: Khaleel Raziuddin , White Mark D. , Oostrom Martinus , Wood Marcus I. , Mann Frederick M. , Kristofzski John G.
Published: November 2007

The USDOE has initiated an impact assessment of existing vadose zone contamination at the Hanford Site SX tank farm in southeastern Washington State. The assessment followed the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action process to address the impacts of past tank waste releases to the vadose zone at the single‐shell tank farm. Numerical models were developed that consider the extent of contamination presently within the vadose zone and predict contaminant movement through the vadose zone to groundwater. The transport of representative mobile (technetium‐99) and immobile (cesium‐137) constituents was evaluated in modeling. The model considered the accelerated movement of moisture around and beneath single‐shell tanks that is attributed to bare, gravel surfaces resulting from the construction of the underground storage tanks. Infiltration, possibly nearing 100 mm yr−1, is further amplified in the tank farm because of the umbrella effect created by percolating moisture being diverted by the impermeable, sloping surface of the large, 24‐m‐diameter, buried tank domes. For both the base case (no‐action alternative) simulation and a simulation that considered placement of an interim surface barrier to minimize infiltration, predicted groundwater concentrations for technetium‐99 at the SX tank farm boundary were exceedingly high, on the order of 106 pCi L−1 The predicted concentrations are, however, somewhat conservative because of our use of two‐dimensional modeling for a three‐dimensional problem. A series of simulations were performed, using recharge rates of 50, 30, and 10 mm yr−1, and compared to the base case (100 mm yr−1) results. As expected, lowering meteoric recharge delayed peak arrival times and reduced peak concentrations at the tank farm boundary.
Influence of Clastic Dikes on Vertical Migration of Contaminants at the Hanford Site
Authors: Murray Christopher J. , Ward Andy L. , Wilson John L.
Published: November 2007

Clastic dikes are subvertical sedimentary features that cut through horizontally layered sediments, and they are common at the Hanford Site. Because of their cross‐cutting relationship with the surrounding matrix, they have been proposed as potential fast paths from former contaminant discharge sites at the surface to the water table. However, little was known of the detailed hydrogeologic properties of the dikes, and detailed modeling of flow and transport through the dikes had not been performed. We excavated a 2‐m‐wide clastic dike at the Hanford Site and characterized it using an air minipermeameter, infrared imagery, and grain size analyses. Field injection experiments were also used to characterize the system. The resulting data were used to prepare a detailed numerical model of the clastic dike and surrounding matrix for a portion of the excavation. Unsaturated flow through the system was modeled for several recharge rates. The highly heterogeneous nature of the system led to complex behavior, with the relative flux rates in the matrix and clastic dike being highly dependent on the recharge rates that were imposed on the system. The occurrence of saturation‐dependent complementary flow networks suggests that the contaminant release history may be important to the choice of remedial actions. Contaminants released under high flux conditions could be inaccessible under low fluxes, and vice versa. This phenomenon may also help explain the occurrence of complex breakthrough patterns of contaminants at compliance planes.
Field Evidence for Strong Chemical Separation of Contaminants in the Hanford Vadose Zone
Authors: Conrad Mark E. , DePaolo Donald J. , Maher Katharine , Gee Glendon W. , Ward Anderson L.
Published: November 2007

Water and chemical transport from a point source within vadose zone sediments at the Hanford Site in Washington State were examined with a leak test consisting of five 3800‐L aliquots of water released at 4.5‐m depth every week over a 4‐wk period. The third aliquot contained bromide, D2O, and 87Sr. Movement of the tracers was monitored for 9 mo by measuring pore water compositions of samples from boreholes drilled 2 to 8 m from the injection point. Graded sedimentary layers acting as natural capillary barriers caused significant lateral spreading of the leak water. Shortly after injections were completed, D2O was found at the 9‐ to 11‐m depth at levels in excess of 50% of the tracer aliquot concentration, while sediment layers with elevated water content at the 6‐ to 7‐m depth had less than 3% of the D2O tracer concentration, suggesting deep penetration of the D2O tracer and limited mixing between different aliquots of leak fluids. Initially, high bromide concentrations decreased more rapidly over time than D2O, suggesting enhanced transport of bromide due to anion exclusion. No significant increase in 87Sr was detected in the sampled pore water, indicating strong retardation of Sr by the sediments. These results highlight some of the processes strongly affecting chemical transport in the vadose zone and demonstrate the significant separation of contaminant plumes that can occur.
Heterogeneous Soil Water Dynamics around a Tree Growing on a Steep Hillslope
Authors: Liang Wei‐Li , Kosugi Ken'ichirou , Mizuyama Takahisa
Published: November 2007

Precipitation in a forest is intercepted by the canopy and partitioned into throughfall and stemflow, leading to heterogeneous water inputs that affect soil water dynamics. To clarify the effects of a tree stand on rainfall infiltration processes on a steep forested hillslope, we conducted detailed observations of throughfall, stemflow, soil water content, and pore water pressure at high spatial resolution for many storm events. The results showed that the soil water content increased rapidly and greatly in the region downslope from the tree stem, especially at points close to the tree stem. At these points, maximal soil water storage was >100 to 200% of the cumulative open‐area rainfall, and occurrences of bypass flow were recognized. Moreover, the pore water pressure at the soil–bedrock interface increased more rapidly and to a greater degree in the region downslope from the tree stem than in the upslope region. For a heavy storm event, the cumulative stemflow per infiltration area along the downslope sides of the tree trunk was 18.9 times the cumulative open‐area rainfall. Locally concentrated rainwater input attributable to the stemflow on the downslope side of the tree trunk probably caused the large and rapid increases in water content and pore water pressure in the downslope region, resulting in the development of an asymmetric saturated zone around the tree.
Field Measurements of Air and Water Pressures in a Heterogeneous Forest‐Reclaimed Lignitic Mine Soil
Authors: Hangen Edzard , Gerke Horst H.
Published: November 2007

Soil matric and air pressures can significantly affect each other especially if the soil‐gas phase becomes disconnected from the atmosphere. Such effects were presumed to be one possible explanation for observed preferential flow patterns in a mine soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate interactions between soil‐air and water pressures in situ under field conditions. In a 2.5‐m‐wide mine soil pit, nine soil air pressure probes were horizontally installed 27 cm apart in a row at 80 cm depth and augmented by two rows of tensiometers, one row 10 cm below and one row 10 cm above the air probes. Field data were recorded for 3 wk in autumn 2001. At two of the nine measurement positions, deviations of soil air from atmospheric pressure were observed. Solely at these two positions, water‐saturated conditions were found and drainage could be collected using a cell lysimeter, indicating that these air probes were disconnected from aboveground air. After accounting for soil temperature effects, the fluctuations in soil air pressure were found to correspond with those of the ambient soil water pressure during infiltration events. The gradual decrease of soil air pressure after the event might be induced by suction effects of draining soil water in the flow finger with the soil water pressures remaining above the air entry pressure of the soil. Results suggest that effects of flow on soil air pressure can occur locally. In this heterogeneous mine soil, the air–water pressure interactions were restricted to soil regions that coincided with preferential flow paths.
Intertester Reliability and Validity of Motion Assessments During Lumbar Spine Accessory Motion Testing
Authors: Landel Rob , Kulig Kornelia , Fredericson Michael , Li Bernard , Powers Christopher M
Published: November 2007

Background and Purpose

Posterior-anterior (PA) assessment of the lumbar spine correlates with radiographic signs of instability and can guide treatment choices, yet studies of the validity of lumbar PA assessments have not been conducted in vivo. The purposes of this study were to determine the intertester reliability of the PA examination in assessing intersegmental lumbar spine motion and to evaluate the validity of this procedure in vivo with dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Subjects

Twenty-nine subjects with central lumbar pain participated in this study.

Methods

Two physical therapists independently identified each subject's most and least mobile lumbar segments using the PA procedure. Midsagittal lumbar images were obtained simultaneously during one examiner's assessment. Lumbar segmental mobility was quantified from magnetic resonance images as the change in the intervertebral angle between the resting position and the end range of the PA force application. For each vertebral level tested, maximal sagittal-plane segmental motion was determined.

Results

The intertester reliability for identifying the least mobile segment was good (agreement=82.8%, kappa=.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]=.48 to .94), but it was poor for identifying the most mobile segment (kappa=.29, 95% CI=−.13 to .71), despite good agreement (79.3%). The level of agreement between the PA assessments and intervertebral motion measured by MRI was poor (kappa=.04, 95% CI=−.16 to .24, and kappa=.00, 95% CI=−.09 to .08, for the least and most mobile segments, respectively).

Discussion and Conclusion

Despite good intertester reliability for identifying the least mobile segment, PA assessments of lumbar segmental mobility did not agree with sagittal-plane motion measured by dynamic MRI. This finding calls into question the validity of the PA procedure for assessing intervertebral lumbar spine motion.
Gestation‐adjusted projection of estimated fetal weight
Authors: Mongelli Max , Gardosi Jason
Published: November 2007

Objective. To assess a technique for forward extrapolation of ultrasound‐estimated fetal weight to the time of delivery.

Methods. A total of 276 women who delivered within 35 days of ultrasound examination were studied. Fetal weight was estimated according to either Hadlock's formula for the biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length or Campbell's formula for the abdominal circumference. The extrapolation technique is based on the hypothesis that the fetal weight: median weight ratio remains constant in the third trimester. The weight estimates were either left unchanged or extrapolated to the time of delivery according to this method and compared with a technique described by Spinnato and colleagues (7, 8). The accuracy of the method was assessed by analysing the weight predictions in relation to the birth weights, using non‐parametric tests.

Results. The mean systematic error using our extrapolation method with Hadlock's weight formula was 5.9%. which was significantly better than using Spinnato's method (8.8%) or making no adjustment at all (—6.5%). The random errors were also significantly reduced (11.2% versus 12.3% and 12.3%. p<0.0005). With Campbell's formula, the mean systematic error from our method was 3.8%. whereas the unadjusted formula would have yielded an error of −8.5% (p<0.001). The absolute errors with our technique were also significantly lower than those of the other methods.

Conclusions. In the prediction of birth weight, an antenatal ultrasound estimation of fetal weight needs to be projected to the expected time of birth and for this it must take the time lapse to delivery into consideration. The method presented is able to accomplish this with simplicity and accuracy.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Aryl Alkyl Ketones Employing Ligands Derived from Amino Acids
Authors: Wettergren Jenny , Zaitsev Alexey B. , Adolfsson Hans
Published: November 2007

The combination of (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)rhodium dichloride dimer [{RhCl2Cp*}2] and pseudodipeptide ligands, formed from N‐Boc protected amino acids and amino alcohols, resulted in efficient and selective catalysts for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones in 2‐propanol. A number of different secondary alcohols was obtained in high yields and in excellent enantioselectivity using these in situ formed catalysts. Deuterium‐labeling experiments showed that the hydride transfer reaction occurs via the monohydridic route.
Highly Enantioselective Organocatalytic Conjugate Addition of Nitromethane to α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes: Three‐Step Synthesis of Optically Active Baclofen
Authors: Zu Liansuo , Xie Hexin , Li Hao , Wang Jian , Wang Wei
Published: November 2007

An efficient, organocatalytic, highly enantioselective, conjugate addition reaction of nitromethane with α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes has been developed. The process serves as the key step for a practical 3‐step synthesis of chiral baclofen, an antispastic drug.
Development of a Q2MM Force Field for the Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Hydroamination of Alkynes
Authors: Donoghue Patrick J. , Kieken Elsa , Helquist Paul , Wiest Olaf
Published: November 2007

The intramolecular hydroamination of carbon‐carbon π‐bonds is an effective method for the rapid construction of nitrogen heterocycles. The rapid evaluation of suitable ligands using virtual screening will aid in the development of a stereoselective analogue of the reaction by predicting effective substrate/ligand combinations. Electronic structure calculations of the relevant transition structures for different nucleophiles and alkynes at the B3LYP/LACVP* level of theory are presented. They provide the basis for the development of a transition state force field by the Q2MM method, which is discussed in detail. The parameter development and performance for the transition state force field is presented.
Study of the Efficiency of Amino‐Functionalized Ruthenium and Ruthenacycle Complexes as Racemization Catalysts in the Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of 1‐Phenylethanol
Authors: Eckert M. , Brethon A. , Li Y.‐X. , Sheldon R. A. , Arends I. W. C. E.
Published: November 2007

The ruthenium‐amino structural motif in ruthenacycles and aminomethylpyridine ruthenium complexes turned out to be a useful basis for the design of readily accessible and active catalysts for the racemization of alcohols. Inspired by the proven ligand acceleration of 2‐aminomethylpyridine (ampy) ligands in ruthenium‐catalyzed hydrogen transfer, the readily accessible ampy‐based oxazolines 8a and 8b were tested and led to novel and active ruthenium racemization catalysts. The highly active ortho‐metalated‐ampy Ru complex 7 was demonstrated to be a fast racemization catalyst (100 % racemization of 1‐phenylethanol at 70 °C within 10 min). When used in the dynamic kinetic resolution of 1‐phenylethanol towards 1‐phenylethyl acetate, the cycloruthenated amine 5 was most active, leading to 86 % of the (R)‐1‐phenylethylacetate with>99 % ee.
Low proportion of male births and low birth weight of sons of flour mill worker fathers
Authors: Milham Samuel , Ossiander Eric M.
Published: November 2007

Background

The Washington State Department of Health has collected and coded parental occupation information on birth certificates since 1980. We used these data to search for possible effects of parental occupational exposures on birth outcomes.

Methods

We tabulated sex ratio, birth weight, and proportions of multiple births, still births, and malformations by mothers' and fathers' occupations.

Results

There were 59 births (22 boys and 37 girls) where the father's occupation was specified as flour mill worker. The sex ratio of 0.373 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.261–0.500) was lower than the mean sex ratio of 0.512. The mean birth weight for flour mill workers' boy babies was 3,180 g (95% CI: 2,971–3,389), compared to an overall mean of 3,511 g for all boy babies. The mean birth weight of flour mill workers' girl babies was 3,602 (95% CI: 3,380–3,824), compared to an overall mean of 3,389 for all girl babies.

Conclusion

The low prevalence of male infants born to fathers of flour mill workers in Washington State suggests that fumigants that they are exposed to are causing testicular dysfunction. The very low birth weight seen in the male infants of flour mill fathers is unprecedented and may be another genotoxic endpoint. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:157–158, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors associated with pesticide safety practices in farmworkers
Authors: Strong Larkin L. , Thompson Beti , Koepsell Thomas D. , Meischke Hendrika
Published: November 2007

Background

Farmworkers and their families are exposed to pesticides through multiple pathways. Few studies have examined the frequency with which farmworkers engage in pesticide safety practices and the factors associated with their adoption.

Methods

Using a large sample of farmworkers (n = 554), we evaluated relationships between pesticide safety behaviors and farmworkers' beliefs, training history, handling of pesticides at work, perceived occupational exposure, and employers' provision of personal protective equipment.

Results

Performing behaviors at work was determined largely by whether personal protective equipment was provided. For home behaviors, female gender, living in a labor camp, being trained in the last 5 years, handling pesticides directly, and not perceiving organizational barriers to protecting oneself were associated with taking more precautions.

Conclusions

These findings call for interventions that involve and engage multiple stakeholders to increase adoption of pesticide safety behaviors and reduce pesticide exposure in farmworkers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:69–81, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.