bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellar instability in patients with hypermobility
Authors: Howells N. R. , Eldridge J. D.
Published: November 2012

Hypermobility is an acknowledged risk factor for patellar instability. In this case control study the influence of hypermobility on clinical outcome following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for patellar instability was studied.

A total of 25 patients with hypermobility as determined by the Beighton criteria were assessed and compared with a control group of 50 patients who were matched for age, gender, indication for surgery and degree of trochlear dysplasia. The patients with hypermobility had a Beighton Score of ≥ 6; the control patients had a score of < 4. All patients underwent MPFL reconstruction performed using semitendinosus autograft and a standardised arthroscopically controlled technique. The mean age of the patients was 25 years (17 to 49) and the mean follow-up was 15 months (6 to 30).

Patients with hypermobility had a significant improvement in function following surgery, with reasonable rates of satisfaction, perceived improvement, willingness to repeat and likelihood of recommendation. Functional improvements were significantly less than in control patients (p < 0.01).

Joint hypermobility is not a contraindication to MPFL reconstruction although caution is recommended in managing the expectations of patients with hypermobility before consideration of surgery.
The Kenya Orthopaedic Project
Authors: Cousins G. R. , Obolensky L. , McAllen C. , Acharya V. , Beebeejaun A.
Published: November 2012

We report the results of six trauma and orthopaedic projects to Kenya in the last three years. The aims are to deliver both a trauma service and teaching within two hospitals; one a district hospital near Mount Kenya in Nanyuki, the other the largest public hospital in Kenya in Mombasa. The Kenya Orthopaedic Project team consists of a wide range of multidisciplinary professionals that allows the experience to be shared across those specialties. A follow-up clinic is held three months after each mission to review the patients. To our knowledge there are no reported outcomes in the literature for similar projects.

A total of 211 operations have been performed and 400 patients seen during the projects. Most cases were fractures of the lower limb; we have been able to follow up 163 patients (77%) who underwent surgical treatment. We reflect on the results so far and discuss potential improvements for future missions.
Patient safety in orthopaedics
Authors: Panesar S. S. , Shaerf D. A. , Mann B. S. , Malik A. K.
Published: November 2012

We summarise and highlight the safety concerns within the field of trauma and orthopaedic surgery with particular emphasis placed on current controversies and reforms within the United Kingdom National Health Service.
‘Third sector’ and/or ‘civil society’: a critical discourse about scholarship relating to intermediate organisations
Authors: Wagner Antonin
Published: November 2012

In this article I argue that ‘third sector’ and ‘civil society’ represent two different, but mutually enhancing, research paradigms: one addressing decentralisation of public administration, the other the delegation of power from citizens to their state in a system of representative governance. Shifting back and forth between the two paradigms can provide a fuller understanding of intermediate organisations and induce a more encompassing managerial practice. If terms such as ‘third sector’ and ‘civil society’ are, however, used as interchangeable labels, paradigm shift turns into paradigm confusion. The blurring of boundaries will reduce the capacity of recognised scientific achievements to provide model solutions for management and policy.
Moral agency in everyday safeguarding work: reclaiming hope in the ‘small stories’ of family support: some lessons from John Dewey
Authors: Broadhurst Karen
Published: November 2012

This article engages with international concerns about the negative impact of an expanding neoliberal project on the professional values of social work. Examining theoretical debates about human agency, a case is made for cultivating a moral sensibility in the practitioner workforce to resist the excesses of the neoliberal paradigm. Rejecting depictions of the practitioner as ‘institutional dope’, discussion excavates the early work of classical pragmatist John Dewey to counter assertions that institutional context simply determines practitioner beliefs and actions. A number of illustrative examples are provided from the author’s fieldwork in sites of local authority children’s services, which challenge a presumed singularity of ethical disposition. Excerpts from practitioners’ case deliberations are offered as ‘small stories’ of hope and illustrate the heterogeneity of frontline practice. The article aims to speak to readers in search of a more hopeful imaginary for social work and who are wary of monolithic accounts of practice.
From traditional to companionate marriages: women’s changing experience of marriage and divorce in Ireland
Authors: Moore Elena
Published: November 2012

Dominant macro social theories on changing personal relationships have tended to place little emphasis on the significance of difference across individuals. This article makes a contribution to this field, drawing on data from 19 qualitative interviews with a group of middle-class divorcing women in Ireland. This research has uncovered a cohort effect in women’s experience of marriage and divorce and points to a striking polarisation of women’s experience of marriage and divorce in Ireland. Findings from the Ireland-wide trends on changing family practices and the case studies demonstrate that younger women, who were better educated and higher income earners, perceived separation as a form of ‘liberation’. On the other hand, the older cohort of divorcees, who were less well educated and dependent spouses during the marriage, felt that they were actively abandoned and did not negotiate the ending of their marriage.
Attachment, emotions and kinship caregiving: an investigation into separation distress and family relatedness in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstani households
Authors: Sanghera Balihar , Ablezova Mehrigiul , Botoeva Aisalkyn
Published: November 2012

This article examines how children relate to birth parents after separation and reunion, which often produce negative emotions and distort family support in adolescence and adulthood. In Kyrgyzstan, large-scale migration to urban areas and overseas, widespread poverty and a weak welfare state have generated the practice of informal kinship caregiving that enables primary caregivers living in poverty to temporarily migrate, leaving their babies and young children in the care of grandparents or other close relatives. A prolonged period of time passes before birth parents and children are reunited. Attachment theory is employed to understand and explain how under informal kinship caregiving, children can have varying emotional bonds with birth parents that affect social relationships later in life. The article aims to contribute towards an understanding of the dynamics of emotions in family relationships.
Leaner Choices? The Potential Influence of the Inclusion of Nutrition Facts Panels on Consumer Evaluations and Choices of Ground Beef Products
Authors: Cook Laurel Aynne , Burton Scot , Howlett Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

In March 2012, retailers were required to disclose nutrition information on packaging for all ground and chopped products (e.g., ground beef, turkey) and hamburger. Drawing from this legislation, the authors develop and test hypotheses based on internal reference points and assimilation of external values. The results of three studies (a cross-sectional survey and two between-subjects experiments) indicate that the inclusion of a Nutrition Facts panel (NFP) on ground beef packaging moderates the effects of the lean-to-fat ratio on consumers' product evaluations. Because consumers' internal reference points are higher than the relatively low level of calories, fat, and saturated fat found in lean ground beef, nutrition information disclosure improves attribute evaluations. In addition, for the fattier options, provision of the NFP increases diet-related disease risk perceptions and decreases both perceived healthfulness and purchase intentions. The results also show that inclusion of the NFP has a favorable effect on the choice of leaner ground beef options and diminishes the choice of options with higher calories and fat levels. The authors offer potential implications of the findings for policy and consumer welfare.
Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia is associated with low birth weight: a twin study
Authors: Zung Amnon , Yehieli Arie , Almashanu Shlomo
Published: November 2012

Objective

Contradictory reports ascribe neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia (HT) to prematurity or small weight for gestational age. We aimed to evaluate the association between neonatal HT and birth weight (BW), recovery rate of the disorder, and possible association with perinatal stress.

Design

Based on a neonatal screening database, a retrospective twin study was designed where within-pair differences in thyroid function were evaluated while controlling for differences in gestational age and thyroid-affecting environmental confounders.

Methods

Two thousand five hundred and ninety-five twin pairs that were screened both for TSH and thyroxine (T4) over 3 years were included. TSH and T4levels were evaluated along with BW, birth order, gender, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) that was considered as a surrogate marker for stress.

Results

Of all the twin pairs, 7.2% had neonatal HT. Among 156 pairs, HT was more prevalent in the smaller twins (64%;P<0.001), especially in the discordant pairs (76%;P=0.001). Seventy-five percent of the twins demonstrated a recovery within the first few weeks of life. 17OHP levels were similarly distributed between twins with and without HT. In a cohort of 1534 twin pairs with normal thyroid function, mean TSH levels were significantly higher in the smaller than in the larger twin in the whole group (4.1±3.2 vs 3.8±2.9 mIU/l;P<0.001) and especially among discordant twins (4.7±3.4 vs 3.8±3.0 mIU/l;P<0.001).

Conclusions

Elevated TSH levels are associated with low BW, both in infants with HT and in normal neonates. A rapid recovery rate is expected in most cases.
Olfactory receptor 51E1 protein as a potential novel tissue biomarker for small intestine neuroendocrine carcinomas
Authors: Cui Tao , Tsolakis Apostolos V , Li Su-Chen , Cunningham Janet L , Lind Thomas , Öberg Kjell , Giandomenico Valeria
Published: November 2012

Objective

Late diagnosis hinders proper management of small intestine neuroendocrine carcinoma (SI-NEC) patients. The olfactory receptor, family 51, subfamily E, member 1 (OR51E1) has been reported as a potential novel SI-NEC marker, without protein expression recognition. Thus, we further studied whether the encoded protein may be a novel SI-NEC clinical biomarker.

Design

OR51E1 coding sequence was cloned using total RNA from SI-NEC patient specimens. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis explored OR51E1 expression in laser capture microdissected SI-NEC cells and adjacent microenvironment cells. Moreover, immunohistochemistry investigated OR51E1 protein expression on operation and biopsy material from primary SI-NECs, mesentery, and liver metastases from 70 patients. Furthermore, double immunofluorescence studies explored the potential co-localization of the vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (SLC18A1, generally referred to as VMAT1) and OR51E1 in the neoplastic cells and in the intestinal mucosa adjacent to the tumor.

Results

OR51E1 coding sequence analysis showed absence of mutation in SI-NEC patients at different stages of disease. OR51E1 expression was higher in microdissected SI-NEC cells than in the adjacent microenvironment cells. Furthermore, both membranous and cytoplasmic OR51E1 immunostaining patterns were detected in both primary SI-NECs and metastases. Briefly, 18/43 primary tumors, 7/28 mesentery metastases, and 6/18 liver metastases were ‘positive’ for OR51E1 in more than 50% of the tumor cells. In addition, co-localization studies showed that OR51E1 was expressed in >50% of the VMAT1 immunoreactive tumor cells and of the enterochromaffin cells in the intestinal mucosa adjacent to the tumor.

Conclusion

OR51E1 protein is a potential novel clinical tissue biomarker for SI-NECs. Moreover, we suggest its potential therapeutic molecular target development using solid tumor radioimmunotherapy.
miR-1290 and its potential targets are associated with characteristics of estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer
Authors: Endo Yumi , Toyama Tatsuya , Takahashi Satoru , Yoshimoto Nobuyasu , Iwasa Mai , Asano Tomoko , Fujii Yoshitaka , Yamashita Hiroko
Published: November 2012

Recent analyses have identified heterogeneity in estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer. Subtypes called luminal A and luminal B have been identified, and the tumor characteristics, such as response to endocrine therapy and prognosis, are different in these subtypes. However, little is known about how the biological characteristics of ER-positive breast cancer are determined. In this study, expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs in ER-positive breast cancer tissue were compared between ERhighKi67lowtumors and ERlowKi67hightumors by miRNA and mRNA microarrays. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analyses revealed distinct expression patterns of miRNAs and mRNAs in these groups. We identified a downregulation of miR-1290 in ERhighKi67lowtumors. Among 11 miRNAs that were upregulated in ERhighKi67lowtumors, quantitative RT-PCR detection analysis using 64 samples of frozen breast cancer tissue identified six miRNAs (let-7a, miR-15a, miR-26a, miR-34a, miR-193b, and miR-342-3p). We picked up 11 genes that were potential target genes of the selected miRNAs and that were differentially expressed in ERhighKi67lowtumors and ERlowKi67hightumors. Protein expression patterns of the selected target genes were analyzed in 256 ER-positive breast cancer samples by immunohistochemistry: miR-1290 and its putative targets,BCL2, FOXA1, MAPT, andNAT1, were identified. Transfection experiments revealed that introduction of miR-1290 into ER-positive breast cancer cells decreased expression of NAT1 and FOXA1. Our results suggest that miR-1290 and its potential targets might be associated with characteristics of ER-positive breast cancer.
Genomic Background and Generation Time Influence Deleterious Mutation Rates in Daphnia
Authors: Latta Leigh C , Morgan Kendall K , Weaver Casse S , Allen Desiree , Schaack Sarah , Lynch Michael
Published: November 2012

Understanding how genetic variation is generated and how selection shapes mutation rates over evolutionary time requires knowledge of the factors influencing mutation and its effects on quantitative traits. We explore the impact of two factors, genomic background and generation time, on deleterious mutation in Daphnia pulicaria, a cyclically parthenogenic aquatic microcrustacean, using parallel mutation-accumulation experiments. The deleterious mutational properties of life-history characters for individuals from two different populations, and for individuals maintained at two different generation times, were quantified and compared. Mutational properties varied between populations, especially for clutch size, suggesting that genomic background influences mutational properties for some characters. Generation time was found to have a greater effect on mutational properties, with higher per-generation deleterious mutation rates in lines with longer generation times. These results suggest that differences in genetic architecture among populations and species may be explained in part by demographic features that significantly influence generation time and therefore the rate of mutation.
Pediatric and Adolescent Tuberculosis in the United States, 2008–2010
Authors: Winston Carla A. , Menzies Heather J.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

We examined heterogeneity among children and adolescents diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in the United States, and we investigated potential international TB exposure risk.

METHODS:

We analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics by origin of birth for persons <18 years with verified case of incident TB disease reported to National TB Surveillance System from 2008 to 2010. We describe newly available data on parent or guardian countries of origin and history of having lived internationally for pediatric patients with TB (<15 years of age).

RESULTS:

Of 2660 children and adolescents diagnosed with TB during 2008–2010, 822 (31%) were foreign-born; Mexico was the most frequently reported country of foreign birth. Over half (52%) of foreign-born patients diagnosed with TB were adolescents aged 13 to 17 years who had lived in the United States on average >3 years before TB diagnosis. Foreign-born pediatric patients with foreign-born parents were older (mean, 7.8 years) than foreign-born patients with US-born parents (4.2 years) or US-born patients (3.6 years). Among US-born pediatric patients, 66% had at least 1 foreign-born parent, which is >3 times the proportion in the general population. Only 25% of pediatric patients with TB diagnosed in the United States had no known international connection through family or residence history.

CONCLUSIONS:

Three-quarters of pediatric patients with TB in the United States have potential TB exposures through foreign-born parents or residence outside the United States. Missed opportunities to prevent TB disease may occur if clinicians fail to assess all potential TB exposures during routine clinic visits.
Pesticide Exposure in Children
Authors:   COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, Roberts James R. , Karr Catherine J. , Paulson Jerome A. , Brock-Utne Alice C. , Brumberg Heather L. , Campbell Carla C. , Lanphear Bruce P. , Osterhoudt Kevin C. , Sandel Megan T. , Trasande Leonardo , Wright Robert O.
Published: November 2012

This statement presents the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics on pesticides. Pesticides are a collective term for chemicals intended to kill unwanted insects, plants, molds, and rodents. Children encounter pesticides daily and have unique susceptibilities to their potential toxicity. Acute poisoning risks are clear, and understanding of chronic health implications from both acute and chronic exposure are emerging. Epidemiologic evidence demonstrates associations between early life exposure to pesticides and pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function, and behavioral problems. Related animal toxicology studies provide supportive biological plausibility for these findings. Recognizing and reducing problematic exposures will require attention to current inadequacies in medical training, public health tracking, and regulatory action on pesticides. Ongoing research describing toxicologic vulnerabilities and exposure factors across the life span are needed to inform regulatory needs and appropriate interventions. Policies that promote integrated pest management, comprehensive pesticide labeling, and marketing practices that incorporate child health considerations will enhance safe use.
Pesticide Exposure in Children
Authors: Roberts James R. , Karr Catherine J. ,   COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, Paulson Jerome A. , Brock-Utne Alice C. , Brumberg Heather L. , Campbell Carla C. , Lanphear Bruce P. , Osterhoudt Kevin C. , Sandel Megan T. , Trasande Leonardo , Wright Robert O.
Published: November 2012

Pesticides are a collective term for a wide array of chemicals intended to kill unwanted insects, plants, molds, and rodents. Food, water, and treatment in the home, yard, and school are all potential sources of children’s exposure. Exposures to pesticides may be overt or subacute, and effects range from acute to chronic toxicity. In 2008, pesticides were the ninth most common substance reported to poison control centers, and approximately 45% of all reports of pesticide poisoning were for children. Organophosphate and carbamate poisoning are perhaps the most widely known acute poisoning syndromes, can be diagnosed by depressed red blood cell cholinesterase levels, and have available antidotal therapy. However, numerous other pesticides that may cause acute toxicity, such as pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides, also have specific toxic effects; recognition of these effects may help identify acute exposures. Evidence is increasingly emerging about chronic health implications from both acute and chronic exposure. A growing body of epidemiological evidence demonstrates associations between parental use of pesticides, particularly insecticides, with acute lymphocytic leukemia and brain tumors. Prenatal, household, and occupational exposures (maternal and paternal) appear to be the largest risks. Prospective cohort studies link early-life exposure to organophosphates and organochlorine pesticides (primarily DDT) with adverse effects on neurodevelopment and behavior. Among the findings associated with increased pesticide levels are poorer mental development by using the Bayley index and increased scores on measures assessing pervasive developmental disorder, inattention, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Related animal toxicology studies provide supportive biological plausibility for these findings. Additional data suggest that there may also be an association between parental pesticide use and adverse birth outcomes including physical birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death, although the data are less robust than for cancer and neurodevelopmental effects. Children’s exposures to pesticides should be limited as much as possible.
Emergency Contraception
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE, Upadhya Krishna K. , Breuner Cora C. , Trent Maria E. , Blythe Margaret J. , Adelman William P. , Levine David A. , Marcell Arik V. , Murray Pamela J. , O’Brien Rebecca F. , Seigel Warren M.
Published: November 2012

Despite significant declines over the past 2 decades, the United States continues to have teen birth rates that are significantly higher than other industrialized nations. Use of emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy if used up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure and is most effective if used in the first 24 hours. Indications for the use of emergency contraception include sexual assault, unprotected intercourse, condom breakage or slippage, and missed or late doses of hormonal contraceptives, including the oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch, contraceptive ring (ie, improper placement or loss/expulsion), and injectable contraception. Adolescents younger than 17 years must obtain a prescription from a physician to access emergency contraception in most states. In all states, both males and females 17 years or older can obtain emergency contraception without a prescription. Adolescents are more likely to use emergency contraception if it has been prescribed in advance of need. The aim of this updated policy statement is to (1) educate pediatricians and other physicians on available emergency contraceptive methods; (2) provide current data on safety, efficacy, and use of emergency contraception in teenagers; and (3) encourage routine counseling and advance emergency-contraception prescription as 1 part of a public health strategy to reduce teen pregnancy. This policy focuses on pharmacologic methods of emergency contraception used within 120 hours of unprotected or underprotected coitus for the prevention of unintended pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive medications include products labeled and dedicated for use as emergency contraception by the US Food and Drug Administration (levonorgestrel and ulipristal) and the “off-label” use of combination oral contraceptives.
Adenovirus infections in immuncompromised patients
Authors: Stercz Balázs , Nagy Károly , Ongrádi József
Published: November 2012

Human adenoviruses function as genetic models and vectors for gene therapy. Upper respiratory, gastrointestinal or ocular infections usually have mild course without any major complication in immuncompetent individuals. However, reactivation from latency in immuncompromised patients may lead to death. Depending on the underlying diseases, different adenovirus serotypes damage different organs. In children with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, serotypes of species A and C induce lung, liver or bladder inflammation. Paediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is frequently followed by serotype 31-induced pneumonia, enteritis, cystitis. B serotypes can destroy transplanted organs. In AIDS patients, D and novel F serotypes cause enteritis. Recombinants of B serotypes induce urinary tract infections. Progression of lymphomas, tumours, and systemic lupus erythematosus might be facilitated by immunsuppressive effects of adenoviruses. As far as the diagnostic work-up of adenoviruses, detection of viral DNA and virus copy number is predictive, while serology testing is quite unrealiable. For treatment, cidofovir derivates, ribavirin, ganciclovir, vidarabine and microRNA have been used. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1896–1904.
3D Heterogeneous Integration using MEMS Devices for RF Applications
Authors: Nakazawa Fumihiko , Mi Xiaoyu , Shimanouchi Takeaki , Nakatani Tadashi , Katsuki Takashi , Inoue Hiroaki , Toyoda Osamu , Ueda Satoshi
Published: November 2012

This paper presents novel 3D heterogeneous integrations using MEMS Devices for RF applications. We propose a 3D heterogeneous integration method that combines the advantages of LTCC, passive integration, and MEMS technologies. The basic concept is to form a large-size LTCC wiring wafer and then to form high-Q passives or MEMS filters directly on the wafer surface. Other functional devices such as ICs, SAWs, and MEMS switches are mounted above the surface-formed devices. A miniaturized duplexer consisted of IPD, SAW, and film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR); and a next generation duplexer module consisted of an MEMS tunable filter and a piezoelectric transducer (PZT)-actuated RF MEMS switch were constructed to demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness.
Polysilicon Nanowires for chemical sensing applications
Authors: Jacques E. , Ni L. , Salaün A. C. , Rogel R. , Pichon L.
Published: November 2012

Polycrystalline silicon nanowires are synthesized using a classical fabrication method commonly used in microelectronic industry: the sidewall spacer formation technique. Assets of this technological process rest on low cost lithographic tools use, classical silicon planar technology compatibility and the possibility to get by direct patterning numerous parallel nanowires with precise location on the substrate. Grounded and suspended polycrystalline silicon nanowires with a curvature radius as low as 150nm are integrated into resistors and used as gas (ammonia) sensors. Results show potential use of these nanowires for charged chemical species detection with an increase of the sensitivity with the increase of SiNWs exchange surface with the environment.
Pozzolanic behaviour of a bagasse ash from the boiler of a Cuban sugar factory
Authors: Villar-Cociña Ernesto , Frías Moisés , Hernández-Ruiz Jesús , Savastano Holmer
Published: November 2012

The paper presents a study of the pozzolanic reaction kinetics between calcium hydroxide and sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBAB) from the boiler of a sugar factory. A pozzolanic activity method (conductometric method) based on measurement of the electrical conductivity of the SCBAB/calcium hydroxide solution as the reaction proceeds is applied and the kinetic parameters are then quantified by applying a kinetic–diffusive model to the process. The kinetic parameters that characterise the process (in particular, the reaction rate constant and the free energy of activation) were determined with relative accuracy in the fitting process of the model. The pozzolanic activity is quantitatively evaluated according to the obtained values of the kinetic parameters. Other experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, are also employed. Comparison with another bagasse ash calcined under controlled conditions in the laboratory is carried out. The results show the good pozzolanic properties of the SCBAB from the boiler of the sugar factory.
Influence of bearing pressure on liquefaction-induced settlement of shallow foundations
Authors: BERTALOT D. , BRENNAN A.J. , VILLALOBOS F.A.
Published: November 2012

Earthquake-induced soil liquefaction continues to pose problems for structures on shallow foundations. One particular problem is the excessive settlement that such structures undergo as a consequence of earthquake shaking. For design and insurance purposes it is therefore necessary to be able to estimate the magnitude of these settlements. Current procedures relate the potential settlement to foundation size and liquefiable depth. However, the influence of foundation bearing pressure is also a significant factor. In particular, experimental results have indicated that large bearing pressures may inhibit liquefaction underneath a shallow foundation, resulting in lower induced settlement. By collecting new data from 23 buildings that suffered settlement and tilting as a consequence of soil liquefaction during the 27 February 2010 Maule earthquake in Chile, the existing method of estimating liquefaction-induced settlement is reassessed and shown to require bearing pressure information. Based on both the new and previously available data, a maximum potential settlement based on both foundation area and bearing pressure is proposed.
Polymer-derived ceramics as anode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries: a review
Authors: Bhandavat Romil , Pei Zhijian , Singh Gurpreet
Published: November 2012

Lithium ion batteries (LIB) is currently the most promising of all battery technologies for efficient storage of electrical energy and powering of electric vehicles. However, the ongoing LIB research faces multiple issues pertaining to materials, cost and safety. One of the major factors that dictate the performance of LIB is its electrode’s Li-storage (anode/cathode) capacity, cycleability and efficiency. In this article, the authors evaluate the recent experimental progress made in LIB anode materials prepared from polymer-derived ceramics (PDC). PDCs have several unique characteristics that differentiate them from other conventional carbon or silicon-based anodes. Most notably PDCs exhibit high chemical and thermodynamic stability under adverse operational conditions. Learnings from the analysis of experimental observations can be carried forward to design advanced PDCs, thereby improving overall performance of the battery, particularly for automotive applications.
Is global ocean sprawl a cause of jellyfish blooms?
Authors: Duarte Carlos M , Pitt Kylie A , Lucas Cathy H , Purcell Jennifer E , Uye Shin-ichi , Robinson Kelly , Brotz Lucas , Decker Mary Beth , Sutherland Kelly R , Malej Alenka , Madin Laurence , Mianzan Hermes , Gili Josep-Maria , Fuentes Verónica , Atienza Dacha , Pagés Francesc , Breitburg Denise , Malek Jennafer , Graham William M , Condon Robert H
Published: November 2012

Jellyfish (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) blooms appear to be increasing in both intensity and frequency in many coastal areas worldwide, due to multiple hypothesized anthropogenic stressors. Here, we propose that the proliferation of artificial structures – associated with (1) the exponential growth in shipping, aquaculture, and other coastal industries, and (2) coastal protection (collectively, “ocean sprawl”) – provides habitat for jellyfish polyps and may be an important driver of the global increase in jellyfish blooms. However, the habitat of the benthic polyps that commonly result in coastal jellyfish blooms has remained elusive, limiting our understanding of the drivers of these blooms. Support for the hypothesized role of ocean sprawl in promoting jellyfish blooms is provided by observations and experimental evidence demonstrating that jellyfish larvae settle in large numbers on artificial structures in coastal waters and develop into dense concentrations of jellyfish‐producing polyps.
A New One-Dimensional Flow Theory of the Jet Pump for Pumping Crude Oil with Different Viscosities and Densities Using Water Powered Flow
Authors: Abdou Hesham A.M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Many researches had been carried out on the water jet pumps during the last few decades, and discussed the effect of changing the pump geometric parameters on its performance. Some other researches investigated pump performance with Two-phase (liquid-gas) and (liquid-solid) flow. In spite of the several researches, which investigated the case of liquid-liquid flow (almost as water-water), neither of them did have examined the case in which the secondary flow liquid differs from the power flow liquid in density and viscosity, which is the main objective of this paper. The subject is treated experimentally on a special test rig, with the primary fluid jet water and the secondary fluid of different types of oils. Performance of the jet pump and static wall pressure inside the mixing chamber, were measured as a function of the mixture Reynolds number. A one-dimensional analysis is also carried out, taking into account the difference of the viscosity and density of the two liquids (each primary and secondary fluids).

One-Dimensional Equations for the Jet Pump Performance

The one-dimensional flow assumptions are:-

1- Streams are one-dimensional at the entrance and exit of the mixing chamber.

2- Mixing is completed in the mixing chamber area.

3- Spacing between the nozzle exit and inlet of mixing chamber is zero, which is attainable due to the small nozzle diameter, relative to the large diameter of the mixing chamber. Momentum and continuity equations [3] were applied to different sections of the jet pump, namely the suction, inlet and outlet of the mixing chamber and the outlet of the diffuser. From this, the relationships between M, N & h and the performance of the jet pump were determined.
Assessing the Agricultural Reference Index for Drought (ARID) Using Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analyses
Authors: Woli Prem , Jones James W. , Ingram Keith T.
Published: November 2012

The Agricultural Reference Index for Drought (ARID) is a newly designed decision support tool to quantify plant water deficit and predict the effect of deficit on crop yields. This study explored uncertainties in ARID associated with its parameters and the sensitivity of ARID to its parameters. Daily values of ARID were computed for five selected locations in the southeastern United States using historical weather data for a 30‐yr period (1971–2000). Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were performed using the Fourier amplitude sensitivity test. According to the results, available water capacity was the most influential parameter, explaining about 60% of the total variance in ARID, followed by root zone depth, which contributed about 30% to the total variance. Of the five parameters, runoff curve number and drainage coefficient had insignificant influence. The effect of the water uptake coefficient was negligible in most cases, and this parameter never contributed more than 15% of the total variance. Except for soils with large moisture content, ARID had small uncertainties associated with its parameters. Even under wet conditions, ARID mostly concentrated around its default values, indicating small uncertainties, which were mainly due to available water capacity. The type of distribution selected for the parameters was found to have significant influence on sensitivity and uncertainty. With a shift from uniform to normal distribution, uncertainty in ARID decreased by 15 to 50%. Results indicated that although ARID uses a fixed set of parameter values, it is applicable to a wide range of crops, soils, topographies, and management and has fairly small uncertainties.
Nitrogen Fertilization Effect on Soil Water and Wheat Yield in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Wen‐Zhao , Dang Ting‐Hui , Sainju Upendra M.
Published: November 2012

Long‐term N fertilization may increase dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield but also result in adverse effects, e.g., soil acidity development and water storage or increased N leaching. This study examined if long‐term N fertilization affected the soil water balance and dryland winter wheat yield. We evaluated the effect of five N fertilization rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha−1) on the soil water balance, precipitation‐storage efficiency (PSE), winter wheat yield, and water‐use efficiency (WUE) from 2005 to 2010 in an experiment initiated in 1984 in a Heilutu silt loam in the Loess Plateau of China. Soil water contents at wheat planting and harvest were lower with N fertilization than without. Nitrogen fertilization increased soil water storage during the fallow period (SWSF) from 19 to 22%, water uptake during the growing season from 21 to 25%, PSE from 19 to 22%, and evapotranspiration from 7 to 8% compared to no N fertilization. Increased N rate enhanced soil organic C but had no impact on soil pH in 2005. Wheat yield increased up to 244% and WUE to 220% as the N rate increased. Although more soil water was depleted, N fertilization increased winter wheat yield and WUE by enhancing SWSF and PSE, and increased the water holding capacity by increasing soil organic matter compared to no N fertilization. Long‐term N fertilization can increase winter wheat yield by utilizing soil water more efficiently, with minimum impact on soil acidity, in the Chinese Loess Plateau.
Estimation of Plants’ Growth Parameters via Image‐Based Reconstruction of Their Three‐Dimensional Shape
Authors: Lati Ran Nisim , Filin Sagi , Eizenberg Hanan
Published: November 2012

Biomass, height, and leaf cover are indicative parameters of a plant’s growth stage and physiological condition, and their estimation establishes the basis for biological modeling and application of precision‐agriculture practices. Autonomous estimation of these parameters can be obtained via single‐image, two‐dimensional analysis, but accuracy is subject to imaging setups. Rapid increases in computational power have made stereovision models (i.e., three‐dimensional geometrical models obtained from two images) an attractive alternative by yielding detailed plant models. Nonetheless, the three‐dimensional models that have been proposed are limited in their application because of the inherent difficulty in modeling the plant’s complex shapes using only radiometric information; moreover, the important aspect of biomass estimation has been ignored. This study evaluated the potential of a three‐dimensional plant‐oriented stereovision model for biomass estimations and its additive value compared with commonly used methods. The three‐dimensional reconstruction part of the algorithm integrates local and global optimization criteria, which enables handling low‐textured plant scenes. It reconstructs the geometric shape of plants with no particular setups or adaptations. The algorithm was tested on different plants species, from young seedlings to fully developed growth stages, and accurately estimated their height (error ∼4%) and leaf cover area (error ∼4.5%). Furthermore, a strong correlation (R2 ∼0.94) was found between the plant’s estimated volume and measured biomass, providing an accurate biomass estimator in the validation tests (error ∼4%). Biomass estimations remained accurate at various plant densities, imaging positions, and illumination, suggesting an advantage of the three‐dimensional modeling approach over the commonly used one.
First‐Year Corn after Alfalfa Showed No Response to Fertilizer Nitrogen under No‐Tillage
Authors: Yost Matt A. , Coulter Jeffrey A. , Russelle Michael P.
Published: November 2012

Although fertilizer N response of first‐year corn (Zea mays L.) following alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has been reported for more than 350 site‐years of research, N responses under no‐tillage have been reported for only 17 site‐years. To determine the rate of N fertilizer required for first‐year corn after alfalfa in no‐tillage systems, on‐farm experiments were conducted at seven locations in southern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. The accuracy of the presidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) and basal stalk nitrate test (BSNT) to identify the need for supplemental N in first‐year, no‐tillage corn also was evaluated. Across seven site‐years, no yield response to fertilizer N was observed for corn grain, cob, stover, or silage yield, confirming that alfalfa N credits can supply the entire N requirement of no‐tillage corn following alfalfa. Critical levels of PSNT used in other U.S. Corn Belt states, incorrectly predicted responses to supplemental N at all six locations where PSNT was measured (soil NO3–N concentrations were ≤18 mg kg−1), suggesting that critical levels may need to be reduced in no‐tillage corn following alfalfa. In this first report under no‐tillage conditions, the BSNT concentrations in nonfertilized corn after alfalfa were in the marginal range at two locations (between 250 and 700 mg NO3–N kg−1) and optimum or above at the other five locations, indicating that the BSNT incorrectly characterized N supply in two of seven cases.
Automated parameter optimization of a water distribution system
Authors: Méndez Maikel , Araya José A. , Sánchez Luís D.
Published: November 2012

The hydraulic model EPANET was applied and calibrated for the water distribution system (WDS) of La Sirena, Colombia. The Parameter ESTimator (PEST) was used for parameter optimization and sensitivity analysis. Observation data included levels at water storage tanks and pressures at monitoring nodes. Adjustable parameters were grouped into different classes according to two different scenarios identified as constrained and unconstrained. These scenarios were established to evaluate the effect of parameter space size and compensating errors over the calibration process. Results from the unconstrained scenario, where 723 adjustable parameters were declared, showed that considerable compensating errors are introduced into the optimization process if all parameters were open to adjustment. The constrained scenario on the other hand, represented a more properly discretized scheme as parameters were grouped into classes of similar characteristics and insensitive parameters were fixed. This had a profound impact on the parameter space as adjustable parameters were reduced to 24. The constrained solution, even when it is valid only for the system's normal operating conditions, clearly demonstrates that Parallel PEST (PPEST) has the potential to be used in the calibration of WDS models. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to determine PPEST's performance in complex WDS models.
Comparison of three global optimization algorithms for calibration of the Xinanjiang model parameters
Authors: Xu Dong-mei , Wang Wen-chuan , Chau Kwok-wing , Cheng Chun-tian , Chen Shou-yu
Published: November 2012

The Xinanjiang model, a conceptual rainfall-runoff (CRR) model with distributed parameters, has been successfully and widely applied to flood forecasting of large basins in humid and semi-humid regions of China. With an increasing demand for timely and accurate forecasts in hydrology, how to obtain more appropriate parameters for CRR models has long been an important topic. These models have a large number of parameters which cannot be directly obtained from measurable quantities of catchments characteristics. In this study, three different optimization methods are used to calibrate the Xinanjiang streamflow model: genetic algorithm (GA), shuffled complex evolution of the University of Arizona (SCE-UA) and the recently developed shuffled complex evolution Metropolis algorithm of the University of Arizona (SCEM-UA), using streamflow data of the Shuangpai Reservoir in China. Two different time steps of 1 and 3 hr are used in the analysis. The results indicate that the SCEM-UA algorithm can infer the most probable parameter set and furnish useful information about the nature of the response surface in the vicinity of the optimum. Moreover, there is larger uncertainty for 1 hr forecasting than for 3 hr forecasting. This is significant in assessing risks in likely applications of Xinanjiang models.
A conceptual grey rainfall-runoff model for simulation with uncertainty
Authors: Alvisi Stefano , Bernini Anna , Franchini Marco
Published: November 2012

This paper presents an approach based on grey numbers to represent the total uncertainty of a conceptual rainfall-runoff model. Using this approach, once the grey numbers representing the model parameters have been properly defined, it is possible to obtain simulated discharges in the form of intervals (grey numbers) whose envelope defines a band which represents the total model uncertainty. The application to a real case showed that the construction of this band, according to a rigorous application of grey number theory, involves long computational times. However, these times can be significantly reduced using a simplified computing procedure with minimal approximations in the quantification of the simulated grey discharge. Relying on this simplified procedure, the conceptual rainfall-runoff grey model was then calibrated in order to respect a predefined level of model uncertainty, i.e. the band obtained from the envelope of simulated grey discharges had to include an assigned percentage of observed discharges and was at the same time as narrow as possible. Finally, the uncertainty bands were compared with the ones obtained using a well-established approach for characterising uncertainty, the Generalised Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) method. The results of the comparison showed that the proposed approach may represent a valid tool for characterising the total uncertainty of a rainfall-runoff model.
Flood wave propagation in steep mountain rivers
Authors: Petaccia Gabriella , Natale Luigi , Savi Fabrizio , Velickovic Mirjana , Zech Yves , Soares-Frazão Sandra
Published: November 2012

Most of the recent developments concerning efficient numerical schemes to solve the shallow-water equations in view of real world flood modelling purposes concern the two-dimensional form of the equations or the one-dimensional form written for rectangular, unit-width channels. Extension of these efficient schemes to the one-dimensional cross-sectional averaged shallow-water equations is not straightforward, especially when complex natural topographies are considered. This paper presents different formulations of numerical schemes based on the HLL (Harten–Lax–van Leer) solver, and the adaptation of the topographical source term treatment when cross-sections of arbitrary shape are considered. Coupled and uncoupled formulations of the equations are considered, in combination with centred and lateralised source term treatment. These schemes are compared to a numerical solver of Lax Friedrichs type based on a staggered grid. The proposed schemes are first tested against two theoretical benchmark tests and then applied to the Brembo River, an Italian alpine river, firstly simulating a steady-state condition and secondly reproducing the 2002 flood wave propagation.