bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural diversity and ligand specificity of lectins. The Bangalore effort
Authors: Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat , Vijayan Mamannamana
Published: August 2014

Structural studies in this laboratory encompass four of the five major classes of plant lectins, including the one discovered by us. In addition to addressing issues specific to individual lectins, the work provided insights into protein folding, quaternary association and generation of ligand specificity. Legume and β-prism fold lectins constitute families of proteins in which small alterations in essentially the same tertiary structure lead to large variations in quaternary structure, including that involving an open structure. Strategies for generating ligand specificity include water bridges, variation in loop length, post translational modification and oligomerization. Three of the structural classes investigated have subunits with three-fold symmetry. The symmetry in the structure is reflected in the sequence to different extents in different sub-classes. The evolutionary implications of this observation have been explored. The work on lectins has now been extended to those from mycobacteria.
Preparation and surface modification of Mg(OH)2/siloxane nanocomposite flame retardant
Authors: Wang Qilei
Published: August 2014

In order to obtain flame retardants with good heat resistance, retardant properties and affinity, magnesium hydroxide (MH)/siloxane nanocomposite flame retardants were prepared by the hydrothermal and hypergravity method. The MH and MH/siloxane particles were characterized and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunner-Emment-Teller (BET) measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), etc. The results show that the stability of as-prepared MH/siloxane nanocomposite flame retardants is superior to MH particles prepared by other prepared methods, and the agglomeration is significantly reduced. The specific area of the composite particles was reduced, and the affinity and thermal stability were effectively improved. As a kind of filler for polymer, the MH/siloxane nanocomposite could help to improve the reinforcement of the polymer, and the heat resistant and flame retardant properties, which provide the foundation for further application of this nanocomposite as a flame retardant.
Performing Musical Dynamics
Authors: Bishop Laura , Bailes Freya , Dean Roger T.
Published: August 2014

Musicians anticipate and monitor the expressive effects of their actions during performance. Previous research suggests that the ability to imagine desired outcomes can partially compensate when auditory feedback is absent, permitting continued performance even though information about whether these outcomes are realized is unavailable. Research also suggests that musical imagery ability improves with increasing musical expertise. This study tested the hypothesis that expert musicians’ superior imagery abilities enable reduced reliance on auditory feedback, relative to novice musicians, during the performance of loudness changes (i.e., dynamics). Musicians reproduced the dynamic changes of sounded scales using a loudness slider as the availability of imagery and auditory feedback was manipulated. Contrary to expectations, only novices showed impairment in performing dynamics during imagery disruption and auditory feedback deprivation. Experts showed limited dependence on both sources of information, suggesting greater flexibility in how musical information is mentally represented, compared to novices, and an improved ability to adapt planning strategies.
The Coupling of Action and Perception in Musical Meaning Formation
Authors: Maes Pieter-Jan , Dyck Edith Van , Lesaffre Micheline , Leman Marc , Kroonenberg Pieter M.
Published: August 2014

The embodied perspective on music cognition has stressed the central role of the body and body movements in musical meaning formation processes. In the present study, we investigate by means of a behavioral experiment how free body movements in response to music (i.e., action) can be linked to specific linguistic, metaphorical descriptions people use to describe the expressive qualities they perceive in the music (i.e., perception). We introduce a dimensional model based on the Effort/Shape theory of Laban in order to target musical expressivity from an embodied perspective. Also, we investigate whether a coupling between action and perception is dependent on the musical background of the participants (i.e., trained versus untrained). The results show that the physical appearance of the free body movements that participants perform in response to music are reliably linked to the linguistic descriptions of musical expressiveness in terms of the underlying quality. Moreover, this result is found to be independent of the participants’ musical background.
Probabilistic Models of Melodic Interval
Authors: Temperley David
Published: August 2014

Two probabilistic models of melodic interval are compared. In the Markov model, the “interval probability” of a note is defined by the corpus frequency of its melodic interval (the interval to the previous note), conditioned on the previous one or two intervals; in the Gaussian model, the interval probability is a simple mathematical function of the size of the note’s melodic interval and its position in relation to the range of the melody. In both models, this interval probability is then multiplied by the probability of the note’s scale degree to yield its actual probability. The two models were tested on four corpora of tonal melodies using cross-entropy. The Markov model yielded a somewhat lower (better) cross-entropy than the Gaussian model, but is also much more complex, requiring far more parameters. The models were also tested on melodic expectation data, and on their ability to predict the distribution of intervals in a corpus. Possible ways of improving the models are discussed, as well as their broader implications for music cognition.
Limited Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Using Preprocedure Reverse Remodelling
Authors: Slotwiner David , Steinberg Jonathan ,   Assistant Professor of Cardiology, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, and Associate Director – Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore-LIJ Health System, 270-05 76th Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, US. E: dslotwin@NSHS.edu,   Adjunct Professor of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, and Director, Arrhythmia Institute, The Valley Health System, New York and New Jersey, USA
Published: August 2014

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been demonstrated to be a highly effective treatment option for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), but less effective for patients with persistent AF. The lower efficacy of PVI alone has been attributed to adverse atrial electrical and structural remodelling in the setting of AF. Strategies to improve efficacy of catheter ablation for persistent AF alter these pathophysiological characteristics of atrial tissue remodelling. Here we will review the physiology of atrial electrical remodelling observed during AF and evidence that it is reversible. Further, we will explore its uses to reduce the amount of atrial tissue that needs to be ablated to successfully treat patients with persistent AF.
Remote Monitoring for Follow-up of Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Ricci Renato Pietro , Morichelli Loredana , Varma Niraj ,   Department of Cardiology, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Via Martinotti, 20 00135 Rome, Italy; El: renatopietroricci@tin.it,   Department of Cardiology, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy,   Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, US
Published: August 2014

Follow-up of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices is challenging due to the increasing number and technical complexity of devices coupled to increasing clinical complexity of patients. Remote monitoring (RM) offers the opportunity to optimise clinic workflow and to improve device monitoring and patient management. Several randomised clinical trials and registries have demonstrated that RM may reduce number of hospital visits, time required for patient follow-up, physician and nurse time, hospital and social costs. Furthermore, patient retention and adherence to follow-up schedule are significantly improved by RM. Continuous wireless monitoring of data stored in the device memory with automatic alerts allows early detection of device malfunctions and of events requiring clinical reaction, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. Early reaction may improve patient outcome. RM is easy to use and patients showed a high level of acceptance and satisfaction. Implementing RM in daily practice may require changes in clinic workflow. To this purpose, new organisational models have been introduced. In spite of a favourable cost:benefit ratio, RM reimbursement still represents an issue in several European countries.
Inherited Arrhythmias – Where do we Stand?
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G , Gersh Bernard J , Camm A John ,   Athens Euroclinic, 9 Athanassiadou Street, Athens 11521, Greece. E: dkatritsis@euroclinic.gr, dgkatr@otenet.gr,   Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN, USA,   St George’s University of London, UK
Published: August 2014

This review discusses inherited arrhythmias and conduction disturbances due to genetic disorders. Known channel mutations that are responsible for these conditions are presented, the indications and value of genetic testing are discussed, and a glossary of terms related to the discipline of genetic cardiology has been compiled.
Pharmacological Treatment of Patients with Chronic Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Maack Christoph , Böhm Michael ,   Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg, Germany. E: christoph.maack@uks.eu,   Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
Published: August 2014

Chronic heart failure is characterised by neuroendocrine activation as an attempt of the body to maintain pump function of the heart and blood pressure for the perfusion of peripheral tissues. While this neuroendocrine activation is beneficial in the short term, it induces maladaptive remodeling of the heart with continuous deterioration of left ventricular function. Accordingly, pharmacological treatment of patients with heart failure aims at protecting the heart from this neuroendocrine activation, which is represented in particular by the sympathetic nervous and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems. While this concept is based on evidence from numerous large randomised placebo-controlled studies in patients with systolic heart failure, about half of the patients with heart failure have preserved systolic function, and most studies antagonising neuroendocrine activation were not successful in these latter patients. Here, we review the pathophysiological changes that occur in patients with heart failure and provide an overview on the mechanisms and clinical evidence of currently applied pharmacological treatment in patients with systolic heart failure.
Diabetes Management – Lowering Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Gaiţă Dan , Moşteoru Svetlana , Sperling Laurence ,   Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Institute for Cardiovascular Medicine Timişoara, Cardiology Department,   Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Institute for Cardiovascular Medicine Timişoara, Cardiology Department, Pta Murgu Eftimie, 2, Timis, Timisoara 300041, Romania. E: tanaly@gmail.com,   Emory University School of Medicine, Heart Disease Prevention Center, Atlanta, US
Published: August 2014

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases to plague the present day. Sixty percent of mortality in diabetic patients is caused by coronary artery disease. Numerous studies have shown that improving glycaemic control helps manage microvascular complications. On the other hand, some studies have shed light on the fact that a too tight glycaemic control can have adverse effects, especially on patients with high cardiovascular risk. Thus ‘the lower the better’ attitude should be exchanged for ‘the earliest the best’ attitude. A multidisciplinary approach should therefore be undertaken in order to achieve a proper management of the cardiovascular risk for diabetic patients. This includes using hypoglycaemic agents, antihypertensive medication and statins to balance the myriad of cardiovascular risk factors.
On certain invariants of idealizations
Authors: Hong Loan Nguyen
Published: August 2014

Let (R, m) be a Noetherian local ring and M a finitely generated R-module. In this paper, we study some invariants of the idealization R ⋉ M of R and M such as the polynomial type introduced by Cuong [2] and the polynomial type of fractions introduced by Cuong-Minh [3]. As consequences, we characterize the Cohen-Macaulay, generalized Cohen-Macaulay, pseudo Cohen-Macaulay and pseudo generalized Cohen-Macaulay properties of the idealization R ⋉ M.
Characterization of Bistre Pigment Samples by FTIR, SERS, Py-GC/MS and XRF
Authors: Roldan María L. , Centeno Silvia A. , Rizzo Adriana , van Dyke Yana
Published: August 2014

A combination of FTIR, normal Raman, SERS, Py-GC/MS and XRF was used to analyze commercial bistre samples to determine specific biomarkers that will allow for a rapid identification of the pigment in works of art. The results of the XRF analysis showed that potassium, calcium and iron are the main elements present. Characteristic bands belonging to phenolic components of lignin were observed in the FTIR spectra. The SERS analysis provided a fingerprint that may originate in the polymerization of the phenolic components catalyzed by the presence of the nanostructured silver surface under alkaline conditions. The Py-GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of lignin and cellulose biomarkers and a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The similarities observed between the commercial samples studied suggest that both originate in the same raw material, hardwood. The results demonstrate the potential of the multi-technique approach used for the characterization of this complex black-brown pigment.
Fine Pore Structure Characterization in Two Gessoes Using Focused Ion Bean Scanning
Authors: Doutre Michael , Freeman Ashley , Diak Brad , Murray Alison , Bevan George , Fuster-López Laura
Published: August 2014

The movement of fluids through a porous medium is a function of the material type and the size and morphology of the voids. In the conservation of painted artworks, the movement of materials (for example, cleaning solutions) is a major factor in how a work reacts to treatments and a large influence on how the work will change with time. Of particular importance in the conservation of painted surfaces is the preparatory layer. This is a highly active transport medium because it is generally highly porous and a comparatively large and uniform component of a painted surface. In this work, a gesso film of calcium carbonate and rabbit skin glue, typical of the preparatory layer of many painted works, and an acrylic-based gesso film were imaged by focused ion beam (FIB) scanning. The gessoes were milled and scanned with gallium ions serially, in sequential planes orthogonal to the plane of the film. This yielded quantifiable measurements of the fine internal structures at a resolution far higher than previously reported for this type of material. This enabled a greater understanding of the geometry of the internal surfaces, increasing the understanding of the mechanics of capillary flow and diffusive behavior in this extremely common and significant material.
Role of Weathering Layers on the Alteration Kinetics of Medieval Stained Glass in an Atmospheric Medium
Authors: Verney-Carron Aurélie , Michelin Anne , Gentaz Lucile , Lombardo Tiziana , Chabas Anne , Saheb Mandana , Ausset Patrick , Loisel Claudine
Published: August 2014

In order to model and predict the alteration of medieval potash-containing stained glass, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of alteration layer formation at the glass surface and its role on the evolution of alteration kinetics. Moreover, the alteration layers observed on stained glasses are particular, as they are often fractured and heterogeneous in terms of thickness, with the appearance of pits and the detachment of scales. Contrary to silicate glasses altered in aqueous environment where the gel layer has a protective role, cracks and scales are harmful to the durability of stained glasses altered in air. In order to address these mechanistic issues, a program of experiments in the laboratory and in the field were performed. The fracturing was shown to be caused by the growth of the alteration layers and amplified by the alternation of humid and dry periods changing the density of hydrated layers. The pitting is initiated by defects at the glass surface and increased in external atmospheric medium as these defects fix the precipitated salts. However, despite fracturing and pitting, the development of an altered layer imposes a diffusive transport of the solution between the external medium and the bulk glass.
Block Copolymer Thin Films Above and Below the Order-Disorder Transition Temperature
Authors: Limary Ratchana , Green Peter F.
Published: August 2014

Symmetric diblock copolymers undergo a disorder to order transition below a microphase separation transition temperature. In this temperature range the structure is characterized by alternating lamellae of thickness L. In thin film geometries, the lamellae are oriented normal to the substrate if there is a preferential interaction between either of the block constituents and the substrate/copolymer or copolymer/vacuum interfaces. Depending on the relation between the film thickness and L, the topography of the film might comprise of holes, islands or spinodal-like structures. We show that in a polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer of molecular weight 20, 000 g/mol, above the microphase separation transition temperature, the topography of the film depends on the thickness. A heirarchy of bicontinuous patterns and holes is observed with increasing film thickness for films thinner than 35 nm.
Electron Crystals and Phonon Glasses: A New Path to Improved Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Sales Brian C.
Published: August 2014

In materials that conduct both electricity and heat, the thermal and electrical currents are coupled. This thermoelectric coupling can be used to construct devices that act as temperature sensors, heat pumps, refrigerators, or power generators. A temperature difference ΔT across any electrical conductor will generate a corresponding voltage difference ΔV The ratio ΔV/ΔT is defined as the Seebeck coefficient S after Thomas See-beck who first discovered the effect in 1823. Probably the most familiar use of this effect is the thermocouple in which the union of two dissimilar metals generates a voltage in response to an imposed temperature difference. Interestingly an electrical current I passing through the junction of two dissimilar conductors results in the absorption or release of heat in the vicinity of the junction depending on the direction of the current. The ability to heat or cool in this manner was first discovered by Peltier and explained by Lord Kelvin. The latter showed that the amount of heat produced (or absorbed) near the junction is given by ΠI = STI where Π is called the Peltier coefficient and T is the temperature. It is primarily this effect that makes thermoelectric (Peltier) refrigeration possible. Thermoelectric refrigerators and power generators are attractive for many applications as they have no moving parts (except electrons and holes), use no liquid refrigerant, and last indefinitely.
Structure and Device Characteristics of SrBi2Ta2O9-Based Nonvolatile Random-Access Memories
Authors: Scott J.F. , Ross F.M. , de Araujo C.A. Paz , Scott M.C. , Huffman M.
Published: August 2014

Recently there has been a paradigm shift in nonvolatile computer memories from silicon-technology-based EEPROMs (electrically erasable, programmable read-only memories) to devices in which the stored information is coded into + and − polarizations in thin-film ferroelectric capacitors. Such devices have read and erase/rewrite speeds of the order of 1–35 ns, many orders of magnitude faster than the erase/rewrite speeds of the best EEPROMs (Table I). However, fundamental questions concerning their lifetimes had delayed full commercialization. Because ferroelectrics normally have extremely large dielectric constants, their use as nonswitching capacitors in dynamic random-access memories (DRAMs) is also rapidly evolving. The majority of studies to date have emphasized lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based capacitors for nonvolatile ferroelectric random-access memories (NVFRAMs) and barium strontium titanate-based capacitor DRAMs (see Table II).
Hepatic steatosis associated with microsporidiosis in teleost fishes from Marajó Island, Brazil
Authors: VIDEIRA MARCELA , VELASCO MICHELE , MATOS PATRÍCIA , CLEMENTE SÉRGIO C. DE SÃO , SANCHES OSIMAR , SANTOS PATRÍCIA , MATOS EDILSON
Published: August 2014

A total of 40 specimens of the teleost fish Gobioides grahamae Palmer & Wheeler, 1955 were obtained from the municipality of Salvaterra on Marajó Island in the Brazilian state of Pará. Their livers were removed and processed for light microscopy. Overall, 90% of the specimens presented some degree of steatosis of the liver, which was invariably associated with the presence of Microsporidium sp. The present study confirms the occurrence of steatosis in G. grahamae associated with parasitic infections by Microsporidium. The findings indicate that the condition of otherwise healthy fishes in their natural environment may be affected negatively by parasites.
Preparação da assistência farmacêutica para desastres: um estudo em cinco municípios brasileiros
Authors: Pimenta-de-Souza Paula , Miranda Elaine Silva , Osorio-de-Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa
Published: August 2014

Uma série de municípios brasileiros foram acometidos por desastres nos últimos anos. Neste sentido, os gestores precisam investir na preparação para mitigar o impacto dos eventos e aliviar o dano causado. A preparação para desastres deve ser realizada em diversos frentes, inclusive no setor saúde, em que se insere a assistência farmacêutica. Objetivou-se descrever e analisar a preparação da assistência farmacêutica para desastres em municípios recentemente acometidos por desastres. Para tal, foi realizado um estudo com desenho transversal em cinco municípios brasileiros, em duas regiões do país. Foram analisadas fontes documentais, matérias jornalísticas e bases de dado de acesso público, além de entrevistas a atores-chave da AF através de um instrumento baseado em um modelo lógico e indicadores. Foram identificadas poucas medidas de preparação da assistência farmacêutica nos municípios estudados. Ainda que o histórico dos municípios esteja ligado a eventos que redundaram em desastres, a gestão municipal da assistência farmacêutica não foi capaz de preparar-se. Espera-se que a apresentação da experiência desses municípios favoreça a preparação da assistência farmacêutica em outros municípios do país.
Contaminación del aire en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: el riesgo de hoy o el cambio climático futuro, una falsa opción
Authors: Abrutzky Rosana , Dawidowski Laura , Murgida Ana , Natenzon Claudia Eleonor
Published: August 2014

Desde el marco teórico del riesgo ambiental, el presente artículo aborda la gestión de la calidad del aire en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en relación con los impactos actuales y potenciales de los gases tóxicos y del cambio climático global sobre la salud de la población. Se vinculó información sobre gestión histórica y actual del aire con los resultados del proyecto de investigación South American Emissions, Megacities and Climate para evaluar peligrosidad, exposición, vulnerabilidad e incertidumbre como dimensiones del riesgo. Al contextualizar las políticas públicas desarrolladas en las últimas décadas sobre este tema, fue posible identificar configuraciones de riesgo y de incertidumbres emergentes, amplificadoras de la vulnerabilidad social. Por una parte se confirmó que existe una correlación positiva entre la mortalidad, los cambios en la temperatura y en la contaminación del aire. Por otra se constató la desvinculación entre la gestión de la calidad del aire y la gestión de salud, a la vez que se encontraron limitaciones en las medidas de mitigación propuestas en relación a las emisiones de gases efecto invernadero producidas por los combustibles, señalando las incertidumbres respecto a su eficacia.
Vulnerabilidade socioambiental, inundações e repercussões na Saúde em regiões periféricas: o caso de Alagoas, Brasil
Authors: Freire Neison Cabral Ferreira , Bonfim Cristine Vieira do , Natenzon Claudia Eleonor
Published: August 2014

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a vulnerabilidade socioambiental das populações afetadas por desastres, adotando como estudo de caso as inundações ocorridas no Estado de Alagoas, Brasil, em 2010. Para tanto, foram pesquisadas as bases de dados Scielo e Medline, livros, dissertações e teses. Além disso, foram levantadas e analisadas matérias publicadas na imprensa local e nacional sobre essas inundações. Realizou-se também uma visita à Colônia Prisional Santa Fé, localizada no município de União dos Palmares (AL), onde se encontra abrigada parte da população afetada por inundações. A vulnerabilidade resulta, entre outras coisas, de condições de vida precárias dessa população. Mas, mesmo entre os vulneráveis há alguns grupos que se tornam ainda mais vulneráveis, vivenciando sem possibilidades de mudança uma situação de cronificação do desastre, de perpetuação do ciclo vicioso da pobreza e das precárias condições de vida.
Eventos de vida estressores e episódios de humor: uma amostra comunitária
Authors: Jansen Karen , Cardoso Taiane de Azevedo , Mondin Thaíse Campos , Matos Mariana Bonati de , Souza Luciano Dias de Mattos , Pinheiro Ricardo Tavares , Magalhães Pedro Vieira da Silva , Silva Ricardo Azevedo da
Published: August 2014

Transtornos de humor são consequentes de uma interação entre fatores biológicos e ambientais. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar associações entre eventos vitais estressores e transtornos de humor em uma amostra comunitária de jovens do Sul do Brasil. Trata-se de estudo transversal de base populacional com jovens de 18 a 24 anos. A seleção da amostra foi realizada por conglomerados. Os episódios de alteração do humor foram avaliados através da Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview , enquanto os eventos vitais estressores foram mensurados através da escala de reajustamento social de Holmes e Rahe. A amostra foi de 1172 jovens. A proporção de eventos vitais estressores no último ano, em cada categoria, no total da amostra, foi de: 53,8% trabalho, 42,4% perda de suporte social, 63,8% família, 50,9% mudanças ambientais, 61,1% dificuldades pessoais e 38,7% finanças. Houve associação significativa entre eventos vitais estressores e episódios de alteração de humor. Foi verificada maior ocorrência de eventos vitais estressores entre os jovens em episódio misto, quando comparados aos jovens em episódio depressivo, (hipo) maníaco e controles. Esses achados sugerem uma interação psicossocial entre eventos vitais estressores e os episódios de alteração de humor.
Rendimento e correlações da mamoneira consorciada com feijão-caupi e gergelim no semiárido paraibano
Authors: Furtado Guilherme de F. , Souza Anielson dos S. , Sousa Júnior José R. de , Sousa Jônatas R. M. de , Lacerda Rodolfo R. de A. , Silva Saulo S. da
Published: August 2014

Cultivos consorciados representam benefícios econômicos e ambientais, por diversificar a produção na propriedade rural. Propôs-se, então, avaliar o rendimento e o grau de relacionamento entre características agronômicas da mamoneira em cultivo isolado e consorciado com feijão-caupi e gergelim. O experimento foi desenvolvido no período de março a novembro de 2011 em condições de campo, em Pombal, PB. Foram utilizados o delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 + 2, sendo 2 cultivares de mamona (IAC 2028 e BRS Nordestina), 3 sistemas de cultivo (monocultivo e consórcio com feijão-caupi ou gergelim) mais 2 tratamentos adicionais (feijão-caupi e gergelim em monocultivo) com 4 repetições. Avaliaram-se, também, as seguintes características: produção de grãos por planta (g), rendimento relativo (%), contribuição relativa das ordens dos racemos na produtividade total e estudo de correlações. Ocorreu em média maior contribuição de racemos secundários na produtividade total. O comprimento do racemo e o número de frutos por racemo são características altamente correlacionadas; dentre as culturas avaliadas a melhor opção de cultura companheira para o cultivo consorciado da mamoneira na região é o feijão-caupi.
Yield and growth characteristics of sunflower sown from August to February in Santa Maria, RS
Authors: Heldwein Arno B. , Loose Luis H. , Lucas Dionéia D. P. , Hinnah Fernando D. , Bortoluzzi Mateus P. , Maldaner Ivan C.
Published: August 2014

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an oilseed crop that can be grown in different regions and sowing dates, but not all regions and sowing dates are appropriate for the crop development. The aim of this study was to determine yield and growth characteristics of sunflower on seven sowing dates, in Santa Maria, from 2007 to 2012. Five experiments were carried out in a completely randomized factorial design with four replications. The factor "A" was monthly sowing dates from the beginning of August to February and the factor "D" was two sunflower hybrids. Capitulum diameter, maximum leaf area index, maximum height of plants, weight of thousand achenes and yield were determined. In normal or La Niña years the highest yield is reached in September sowing dates, while in El Niño years, the crop growth and yield in early sowings are affected negatively, due to heavy rainfall, soil water excess and plant diseases.
A FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES NA PERSPECTIVA DA EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA EM MOÇAMBIQUE: UMA PERSPECTIVA CRÍTICA
Authors: Chambal Luís Alfredo , Bueno José Geraldo Silveira
Published: August 2014

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a incorporação das políticas de formação docente pelas instituições de formação de professores de Moçambique, na perspectiva da educação inclusiva. Como procedimento de coleta de dados, utilizou-se a análise documental da organização acadêmica e curricular dos cursos ministrados nos Institutos de Formação de Professores (ensino médio) e cursos de nível superior. A análise dos dados, com base nas contribuições de Bernstein (1988) e Gimeno Sacristán (2000), centrou-se em duas fontes básicas: organização curricular e planos/programas de disciplinas. Por meio desses instrumentos, pode-se constatar a pouca importância que esses temas assumem nas proposições curriculares do Ministério da Educação, que redunda em uma situação de precariedade na formação docente na perspectiva da educação inclusiva nos Institutos de Formação de Professores (nível médio). Por outro lado, a formação docente nas universidades, em razão do seu caráter autônomo, caracteriza-se pela diversificação, dispersão e diferenciação na denominação, conteúdo e bibliografia dos cursos e disciplinas específicas oferecidas.
Upper esophageal sphincter resting pressure varies during esophageal manometry
Authors: REZENDE Daniel Tavares , HERBELLA Fernando A. M. , SILVA Luciana C. , PANOCCHIA-NETO Sebastião , PATTI Marco G.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND: The upper esophageal sphincter is composed of striated muscle. The stress of intubation and the need to inhibit dry swallows during an esophageal manometry test may lead to variations in basal pressure of this sphincter. Upper esophageal sphincter is usually only studied at the final part of the test. Was observed during the performance of high resolution manometry that sphincter pressure may vary significantly over the course of the test. AIM: To evaluate the variation of the resting pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter during high resolution manometry. METHODS: Was evaluated the variation of the basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter during high resolution manometry. Were reviewed the high resolution manometry tests of 36 healthy volunteers (mean age 31 years, 55% females). The basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter was measured at the beginning and at the end of a standard test. RESULTS: The mean time of the test was eight minutes. The basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter was 100 mmHg at the beginning of the test and 70 mmHg at the end (p<0.001). At the beginning, one patient had hypotonic upper esophageal sphincter and 14 hypertonic. At the end of the test, one patient had hypotonic upper esophageal sphincter (same patient as the beginning) and seven hypertonic upper esophageal sphincter. CONCLUSION: A significant variation of the basal pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter was observed in the course of high resolution manometry. Probably, the value obtained at the end of the test may be more clinically relevant.
Unfeasible experimental model of normothermic hepatic ischemia and reperfusion in rats using the Pringle maneuver
Authors: GOMES Helbert Minuncio Pereira , SERIGIOLLE Leonardo Carvalho , RODRIGUES Daren Athiê Boy , LOPES Carolina Marques , STUDART Sarah do Valle , LEME Pedro Luiz Squilacci
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND: The negative result of a research does not always indicate failure, and when the data do not permit a proper conclusion, or are contrary to the initial project, should not simply be discarded and archived. AIM: To report failure after performing experimental model of liver ischemia and reperfusion normothermic, continuous or intermittent, in small animals aiming at the study of biochemical and histological parameters after postoperative recovery. METHODS: Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups of five animals each; all underwent surgery, the abdomen was sutured after the proposed procedures for each group and the animals were observed for 6 h or until they died, and then were reoperated. In Group 1, control (sham-operated): dissection of the hepatic hilum was performed; in Group 2: clamping of the hepatic hilum for 30 m; in Group 3: clamping of the hepatic hilum for 15 m, reperfusion for 5 m and another 15 m of clamping. Data from Groups 2 and 3 were compared with Student's t test. RESULTS: All animals of Group 1 survived for 6 h. Two animals in Group 2 died before the 6 h needed to validate the experiment; two did not recover from anesthesia and one survived until the end. In Group 3, four animals died before the 6 h established and one of them survived the required time. Only one animal in Group 2 and one in Group 3 survived and were able to accomplish the study. There was no statistical significance when the results of Groups 2 and 3 were compared (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The death of six animals before the necessary period of observation turned the initial proposal of the experiment unfeasible.
Adoption of MELD score increases the number of liver transplant
Authors: NACIF Lucas Souto , ANDRAUS Wellington , MARTINO Rodrigo Bronze , SANTOS Vinicius Rocha , PINHEIRO Rafael Soares , HADDAD Luciana BP , D'ALBUQUERQUE Luiz Carneiro
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is performed at large transplant centers worldwide as a therapeutic intervention for patients with end-stage liver diseases. AIM: To analyze the outcomes and incidence of liver transplantation performed at the University of São Paulo and to compare those with the State of São Paulo before and after adoption of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. METHOD: Evaluation of the number of liver transplantations before and after adoption of the MELD score. Mean values and standard deviations were used to analyze normally distributed variables. The incidence results were compared with those of the State of São Paulo. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of male patients, with a predominance of middle-aged. The main indication for liver transplantation was hepatitis C cirrhosis. The mean and median survival rates and overall survival over ten and five years were similar between the groups (p>0.05). The MELD score increased over the course of the study period for patients who underwent liver transplantation (p>0.05). There were an increased number of liver transplants after adoption of the MELD score at this institution and in the State of São Paulo (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The adoption of the MELD score led to increase the number of liver transplants performed in São Paulo.
INSEMINAÇÃO TRANSCERVICAL COM SÊMEN CONGELADO EM OVINOS
Authors: Souza Maria Inês Lenz , Luz Sérgio Luis Nadal da , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard Dias , Neves Jairo Pereira
Published: August 2014

O presente experimento teve por finalidade verificar o efeito na prenhez de diferentes técnicas de inseminação cervical com sêmen congelado, em 234 ovelhas Corriedale, em cio natural. Utilizou-se sêmen congelado em peletes de três carneiros Suffolk e um Corriedale. Cento e trinta e seis ovelhas foram inseminadas por via cervical, com (60) e sem (76) tração cervical. Como grupo controle, noventa e oito ovelhas foram submetidas à inseminação laparoscópica. Para a análise do índice de prenhez, verificado através da ecografia, os graus de penetração foram classificados em cervical superficial e profundo. Considerando-se todas as ovelhas submetidas à inseminação cervical, obteve-se resultados de prenhez de 44,19% e 32,26%, respectivamente para maior e menor profundidade de deposição. A inseminação cervical sem tração resultou em 28,95% de prenhez, o que é estatisticamente inferior aos resultados observados por laparoscopia (57,14%; p < 0,001) e similares aos obtidos com tração cervical (45,00%). No entanto, a percentagem de prenhez foi semelhante entre a inseminação por tração cervical e laparoscópica. Os resultados são indicativos de que a inseminação com tração cervical proporciona resultados de prenhez análogos aos obtidos com a laparoscopia.
Brain-Oriented Care in the NICU: A Case Study
Authors: Bader Lisa
Published: August 2014

With the advances of technology and treatment in the field of neonatal care, researchers can now study how the brains of preterm infants are different from full-term infants. The differences are significant, and the outcomes are poor overall for premature infants as a whole. Caregivers at the bedside must know that every interaction with the preterm infant affects brain development—it is critical to the developmental outcome of the infant. The idea of neuroprotection is not new to the medical field but is a fairly new idea to the NICU. Neuroprotection encompasses all interventions that promote normal development of the brain. The concept of brain-oriented care is a necessary extension of developmental care in the NICU. By following the journey of 26-week preterm twin infants through a case study, one can better understand the necessity of brain-oriented care at the bedside.
State of the Art of Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics in the E&P Industry: A Technology Survey
Authors: Bravo César , Saputelli Luigi , Rivas Francklin , Pérez Anna Gabriela , Nikolaou Michael , Zangl Georg , de Guzmán Neil , Mohaghegh Shahab , Nunez Gustavo
Published: August 2014

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used for more than 2 decades as a development tool for solutions in several areas of the exploration and production (E&P) industry: virtual sensing, production control and optimization, forecasting, and simulation, among many others. Nevertheless, AI applications have not been consolidated as standard solutions in the industry, and most common applications of AI still are case studies and pilot projects.

In this work, an analysis of a survey conducted on a broad group of professionals related to several E&P operations and service companies is presented. This survey captures the level of AI knowledge in the industry, the most common application areas, and the expectations of the users from AI-based solutions. It also includes a literature review of technical papers related to AI applications and trends in the market and in research and development.

The survey helped to verify that (a) data mining and neural networks are by far the most popular AI technologies used in the industry; (b) approximately 50% of respondents declared they were somehow engaged in applying workflow automation, automatic process control, rule-based case reasoning, data mining, proxy models, and virtual environments; (c) production is the area most affected by the applications of AI technologies; (d) the perceived level of available literature and public knowledge of AI technologies is generally low; and (e) although availability of information is generally low, it is not perceived equally among different roles.

This work aims to be a guide for personnel responsible for production and asset management on how AI-based applications can add more value and improve their decision making. The results of the survey offer a guideline on which tools to consider for each particular oil and gas challenge. It also illustrates how AI techniques will play an important role in future developments of information-technology (IT) solutions in the E&P industry.
A New Approach to Wellbore Sand Cleanout Using Electric-Line Technology
Authors: Giang Ha The , Trung Chu Duc , Nayak Jyoti Prakash
Published: August 2014

Using coiled tubing (CT) to clean sand from wellbores to improve production is a field proven, practical, and effective method. However, large CT units are often unavailable and unsupported by the wellhead platform (WHP), or may require a workover rig to support their use offshore, which can also have limited availability, causing non-productive time (NPT) and delayed production. In addition, other technical concerns related to CT, such as potential formation damage while circulating in low-pressure reservoirs or a lack of solid lifting ability at low circulating rates mean that it is not suitable for every situation.

In August 2011, an operator tried a new approach to clean out sand from an oil-producing offshore well using an electric-line (e-line) cleaning tool as an alternative to CT sand cleanout. The main benefit of the e-line system is avoiding the 24hr heavy duty CT operation on the remote, unmanned wellhead platform, especially in the unfavorable weather condition offshore. The e-line cleaning tool was applied and successfully cleaned 1,456 m of sand-bridge interval in the wellbore, recovering a total of 881 liters of sand to surface. Full flow path was re-established and the well was re-instated to normal production.

This paper describes the review of the alternative e-line solution compared to CT operations, planning and execution of the e-line cleaning tool operation, and the results of this first successful application in offshore Vietnam. Furthermore, the e-line cleaning tool has been used successfully in other fields and wells. It can be applied in nearly any field or well with sand problems or to remove similar kinds of debris.
An Innovative Approach to Cementation of Monobore Completion Tubing to Maximise Access to the Bottom Most Reservoirs
Authors: Sheikh Veisi M. , Salehpour A. Gh. , Wedhaswari V. R. , Bianchi Neto N. , Panjaitan R.
Published: August 2014

Cementation of the monobore completion strings for Total in Tunu field of Indonesia is a balancing act. The bottommost reservoir sands are within 30-ft of a high-pressure zone. Therefore, having a conventional length of shoe track, two to three tubing joints, will block the access to the bottom sands. Furthermore, any error in displacement volumes of these cement jobs would lead to costly remediation. Drilling out cement inside the small tubing sizes would force Total to use special drilling techniques, and displacing extra mud volumes would wet the shoe, which could jeopardize the well integrity. To tackle the challenges, shoe track length was minimized with the float shoe and collar placed only 1 m apart. A custom-made calibration plug, with proper burst disc pressure rating, was designed and used prior to cementation; this plug allowed the tubing volume to be measured physically. Based on observing the pressure spikes on the rig floor, the displacement volumes for all the cement jobs are known prior to the cement job.

As it is proven to be valuable, this innovative cementation method continues to be used by Total ever since its introduction. The calibration plug has been used in more than 200 wells with the total depths of 13,000-ft to 17,000-ft. The cement displacement was done accurately, and top plug was bumped successfully. This has saved 100-ft—the conventional shoe track length—of drilling on each well. Also, the plug contributes to the safe exploitation of the bottom targets without encountering the high-pressure zones. This innovative technique is applicable to cementation of all completion strings with reservoir targets close to the tubing shoe. It has been proven to be a reliable method in eliminating the shoe track and can be applied to any similar cementation operations.
Salt-Tolerant Cement Systems to Mitigate Gelling Effect
Authors: Campos Gilson , Simao Cristina Alex , de Miranda Cristiane Richard , Patil Sandip , Deshpande Abhimanyu , Patil Rahul , Ravi Kris
Published: August 2014

A number of reservoirs around the globe are deep, and often it is necessary to drill and cement through salt zones to reach the reservoir section. Brazil offshore is one example where reservoirs are buried deep, and the salt zones there are quite challenging to drill through and cement. Many of these salt zones contain chemically reactive salts, such as magnesium and calcium chloride, and usually pose unique challenges during placement of the slurry and subsequent cement slurry hydration and compressive strength development.

These salts, especially MgCl2, chemically interact with the cement slurry, thereby altering the mechanism and kinetics of cement hydration, leading to premature gelation and shorter thickening times. Mitigating these effects is a challenge and is important to successfully place the cement slurry in the annulus and for the slurry to develop the required mechanical properties, such as compressive strength.

In the present study, slurries were formulated to overcome gelation issues with the required compressive strength for successful zonal isolation. The slurries were designed in such a way that they can take up to 12% contamination by weight of water (bwow) of the MgCl2-based salts known as carnalite and tachyhydrite. Pertinent data that characterize performance of these slurries are presented in this paper.