bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Response of Steel High Rise Buildings to Fire: System Characteristics and Failure Mechanisms
Authors: Gentili Filippo , Giuliani Luisa , Bontempi Franco
Published: March 2013

Due to the significant vertical elevation and complexity of the structural system, high rise buildings may suffer from the effects of fire more than other structures. For this reason, in addition to evacuation strategies and active fire protection, a careful consideration of structural response to fire is also very important. In this context, it is of interest to investigate the characteristics of the structural system that could possibly reduce local damages or mitigate the progression of failures in case of fire. In this paper, a steel high rise building is taken as case study and the response of the building is investigated up to the crisis of the structure with respect to a standard fire in a lower and in a higher storey: the comparison of the fire induced failures at the different height allows highlighting the role played in the resulting collapse mechanisms by the beam-column stiffness ratio and by the loading condition.
Cethromycin: A New Ketolide Antibiotic
Authors: Mansour Hanine , Chahine Elias B , Karaoui Lamis R , El-Lababidi Rania M
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE

To review the pharmacology, chemistry, microbiology, in vitro susceptibility, mechanism of resistance, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, drug interactions, dosage, and administration of cethromycin, a new ketolide antibiotic.

DATA SOURCES

Literature was obtained through searching PubMed (1950-October 2012), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-October 2012), and a bibliographic review of published articles. Search terms included cethromycin, ABT-773, ketolide antibiotic, and community-acquired pneumonia.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All available in vitro and preclinical studies, as well as Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical studies published in English were evaluated to summarize the pharmacology, chemistry, microbiology, efficacy, and safety of cethromycin in the treatment of respiratory tract infections.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Cethromycin, a new ketolide, has a similar mechanism of action to telithromycin with an apparently better safety profile. Cethromycin displays in vitro activity against selected gram-positive, gram-negative, and atypical bacteria. The proposed indication of cethromycin is treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in patients aged 18 years or older. Based on clinical studies, the recommended dose is 300 mg orally once a day without regard to meals. Cethromycin has an orphan drug designation for tularemia, plague, and anthrax prophylaxis. The Food and Drug Administration denied approval for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in 2009; a recent noninferiority trial showed comparable efficacy between cethromycin and clarithromycin. Preliminary data on adverse effects suggest that cethromycin is safe and gastrointestinal adverse effects appear to be dose-related.

CONCLUSIONS

Cethromycin appears to be a promising ketolide for the treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia. It was denied approval by the FDA in 2009 pending more evidence to show its efficacy, with more recent studies showing its noninferiority to antibiotics for the same indication.
Parental Expectations Regarding Postschool Social Attainments of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Singapore
Authors: Poon Kenneth K.
Published: March 2013

This study sought to understand the parental expectations of social attainments in the postschool years. The parents of 20 adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) attending special schools were interviewed. Most expected their children would be working in sheltered workshops or unemployed. All parents indicated that their children would live with them until they were unable to provide appropriate care, and nearly half expressed wishes for relatives to care for them thereafter. None expected any independent access to the community. Analysis of the interviews suggested that the adolescents' learning and behavior, parental concerns, availability of formal resources, and societal factors influenced parents' expectations. Implications for working with Asian populations and for service delivery in Singapore are discussed.
Endocannabinoid-Dependent Long-Term Depression in a Nociceptive Synapse Requires Coordinated Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Transcription and Translation
Authors: Yuan Sharleen , Burrell Brian D.
Published: March 2013

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) play an important role in long-term regulation of synaptic signaling in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In this study, the role of transcription- and translation-dependent processes in presynaptic versus postsynaptic neurons was examined during eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity in the CNS of the leech. Low-frequency stimulation (LFS) of non-nociceptive afferents elicits eCB-dependent long-term depression (eCB–LTD) heterosynaptically in nociceptive synapses that lasts at least 2 h. Bath application of emetine, a protein synthesis inhibitor, blocked eCB–LTD after afferent LFS or exogenous eCB application, indicating that this depression was translation dependent. Bath application of actinomycin D, an irreversible RNA synthesis inhibitor, or 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole 1-β-d-ribofurandoside (DRB), a reversible RNA synthesis inhibitor, also prevented eCB–LTD. Selective injection of DRB or emetine into the presynaptic or postsynaptic neuron before LFS indicated that eCB–LTD required transcription and translation in the postsynaptic neuron but only translation in the presynaptic cell. Depression observed immediately after LFS was also blocked when these transcription- and translation-dependent processes were inhibited. It is proposed that induction of eCB–LTD in this nociceptive synapse requires the coordination of presynaptic protein synthesis and postsynaptic mRNA and protein synthesis. These findings provide significant insights into both eCB-based synaptic plasticity and understanding how activity in non-nociceptive afferents modulates nociceptive pathways.
Effect of Limb Lengthening on Internodal Length and Conduction Velocity of Peripheral Nerve
Authors: Simpson A. Hamish , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Anderson Heather , Cottrell David , Sherman Diane L. , Ribchester Richard R. , Brophy Peter J.
Published: March 2013

The influences of axon diameter, myelin thickness, and internodal length on the velocity of conduction of peripheral nerve action potentials are unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated a strong dependence of conduction velocity on internodal length. However, a theoretical analysis has suggested that this relationship may be lost above a nodal separation of ∼0.6 mm. Here we measured nerve conduction velocities in a rabbit model of limb lengthening that produced compensatory increases in peripheral nerve growth. Divided tibial bones in one hindlimb were gradually lengthened at 0.7 mm per day using an external frame attached to the bone. This was associated with a significant increase (33%) of internodal length (0.95–1.3 mm) in axons of the tibial nerve that varied in proportion to the mechanical strain in the nerve of the lengthened limb. Axonal diameter, myelin thickness, andg-ratios were not significantly altered by limb lengthening. Despite the substantial increase in internodal length, no significant change was detected in conduction velocity (∼43 m/s) measured eitherin vivoor in isolated tibial nerves. The results demonstrate that the internode remains plastic in the adult but that increases in internodal length of myelinated adult nerve axons do not result in either deficiency or proportionate increases in their conduction velocity and support the view that the internodal lengths of nerves reach a plateau beyond which their conduction velocities are no longer sensitive to increases in internodal length.
Illusory Movement of Stationary Stimuli in the Visual Periphery: Evidence for a Strong Centrifugal Prior in Motion Processing
Authors: Zhang Ruyuan , Kwon Oh-Sang , Tadin Duje
Published: March 2013

Visual input is remarkably diverse. Certain sensory inputs are more probable than others, mirroring statistical regularities of the visual environment. The visual system exploits many of these regularities, resulting, on average, in better inferences about visual stimuli. However, by incorporating prior knowledge into perceptual decisions, visual processing can also result in perceptions that do not match sensory inputs. Such perceptual biases can often reveal unique insights into underlying mechanisms and computations. For example, a prior assumption that objects move slowly can explain a wide range of motion phenomena. The prior on slow speed is usually rationalized by its match with visual input, which typically includes stationary or slow moving objects. However, this only holds for foveal and parafoveal stimulation. The visual periphery tends to be exposed to faster motions, which are biased toward centrifugal directions. Thus, if prior assumptions derive from experience, peripheral motion processing should be biased toward centrifugal speeds. Here, in experiments with human participants, we support this hypothesis and report a novel visual illusion where stationary objects in the visual periphery are perceived as moving centrifugally, while objects moving as fast as 7°/s toward fovea are perceived as stationary. These behavioral results were quantitatively explained by a Bayesian observer that has a strong centrifugal prior. This prior is consistent with both the prevalence of centrifugal motions in the visual periphery and a centrifugal bias of direction tuning in cortical area MT, supporting the notion that visual processing mirrors its input statistics.
Perineurial Glia Require Notch Signaling during Motor Nerve Development but Not Regeneration
Authors: Binari Laura A. , Lewis Gwendolyn M. , Kucenas Sarah
Published: March 2013

Motor nerves play the critical role of shunting information out of the CNS to targets in the periphery. Their formation requires the coordinated development of distinct cellular components, including motor axons and the Schwann cells and perineurial glia that ensheath them. During nervous system assembly, these glial cells must migrate long distances and terminally differentiate, ensuring the efficient propagation of action potentials. Although we know quite a bit about the mechanisms that control Schwann cell development during this process, nothing is known about the mechanisms that mediate the migration and differentiation of perineurial glia. Usingin vivoimaging in zebrafish, we demonstrate that Notch signaling is required for both perineurial migration and differentiation during nerve formation, but not regeneration. Interestingly, loss of Notch signaling in perineurial cells also causes a failure of Schwann cell differentiation, demonstrating that Schwann cells require perineurial glia for aspects of their own development. These studies describe a novel mechanism that mediates multiple aspects of perineurial development and reveal the critical importance of perineurial glia for Schwann cell maturation and nerve formation.
Predominance of D2 Receptors in Mediating Dopamine's Effects in Brain Metabolism: Effects of Alcoholism
Authors: Volkow Nora D. , Tomasi Dardo , Wang Gene-Jack , Telang Frank , Fowler Joanna S. , Logan Jean , Maynard L. Jayne , Wong Christopher T.
Published: March 2013

Dopamine signals through D1-like and D2-like receptors, which can stimulate or inhibit, respectively, neuronal activity. Here we assessed the balance between D1 or D2 receptor signaling in the human brain and how it is affected in alcoholism. Using PET, we measured the relationship between changes in dopamine and brain glucose metabolism induced by methylphenidate in controls and alcoholics. We show that methylphenidate induced significant DA increases in striatum, amygdala, and medial orbitofrontal cortex, whereas it decreased metabolism in these brain regions. Methylphenidate-induced dopamine increases were greater in controls than in alcoholics, whereas methylphenidate-induced metabolic decreases were greater in alcoholics. For both groups, methylphenidate-induced dopamine increases were associated with decreases in regional brain metabolism, and the correlations were strongest in subthalamic nuclei, anterior cingulate, and medial orbitofrontal cortex. These correlations were more extensive and robust and the slopes steeper in alcoholics than in controls despite their attenuated dopamine responses to methylphenidate, which suggests an impaired modulation of dopamine signals in the brain of alcoholic subjects. These findings are consistent with a predominant inhibitory effect of dopamine in the human brain that is likely mediated by the prominence of dopamine D2/D3 receptors.
A Sympathetic Neuron Autonomous Role for Egr3-Mediated Gene Regulation in Dendrite Morphogenesis and Target Tissue Innervation
Authors: Quach David H. , Oliveira-Fernandes Michelle , Gruner Katherine A. , Tourtellotte Warren G.
Published: March 2013

Egr3 is a nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced transcriptional regulator that is essential for normal sympathetic nervous system development. Mice lacking Egr3 in the germline have sympathetic target tissue innervation abnormalities and physiologic sympathetic dysfunction similar to humans with dysautonomia. However, since Egr3 is widely expressed and has pleiotropic function, it has not been clear whether it has a role within sympathetic neurons and if so, what target genes it regulates to facilitate target tissue innervation. Here, we show that Egr3 expression within sympathetic neurons is required for their normal innervation since isolated sympathetic neurons lacking Egr3 have neurite outgrowth abnormalities when treated with NGF and mice with sympathetic neuron-restricted Egr3 ablation have target tissue innervation abnormalities similar to mice lacking Egr3 in all tissues. Microarray analysis performed on sympathetic neurons identified many target genes deregulated in the absence of Egr3, with some of the most significantly deregulated genes having roles in axonogenesis, dendritogenesis, and axon guidance. Using a novel genetic technique to visualize axons and dendrites in a subpopulation of randomly labeled sympathetic neurons, we found that Egr3 has an essential role in regulating sympathetic neuron dendrite morphology and terminal axon branching, but not in regulating sympathetic axon guidance to their targets. Together, these results indicate that Egr3 has a sympathetic neuron autonomous role in sympathetic nervous system development that involves modulating downstream target genes affecting the outgrowth and branching of sympathetic neuron dendrites and axons.
Multivoxel Patterns Reveal Functionally Differentiated Networks Underlying Auditory Feedback Processing of Speech
Authors: Zheng Zane Z. , Vicente-Grabovetsky Alejandro , MacDonald Ewen N. , Munhall Kevin G. , Cusack Rhodri , Johnsrude Ingrid S.
Published: March 2013

The everyday act of speaking involves the complex processes of speech motor control. An important component of control is monitoring, detection, and processing of errors when auditory feedback does not correspond to the intended motor gesture. Here we show, using fMRI and converging operations within a multivoxel pattern analysis framework, that this sensorimotor process is supported by functionally differentiated brain networks. During scanning, a real-time speech-tracking system was used to deliver two acoustically different types of distorted auditory feedback or unaltered feedback while human participants were vocalizing monosyllabic words, and to present the same auditory stimuli while participants were passively listening. Whole-brain analysis of neural-pattern similarity revealed three functional networks that were differentially sensitive to distorted auditory feedback during vocalization, compared with during passive listening. One network of regions appears to encode an “error signal” regardless of acoustic features of the error: this network, including right angular gyrus, right supplementary motor area, and bilateral cerebellum, yielded consistent neural patterns across acoustically different, distorted feedback types, only during articulation (not during passive listening). In contrast, a frontotemporal network appears sensitive to the speech features of auditory stimuli during passive listening; this preference for speech features was diminished when the same stimuli were presented as auditory concomitants of vocalization. A third network, showing a distinct functional pattern from the other two, appears to capture aspects of both neural response profiles. Together, our findings suggest that auditory feedback processing during speech motor control may rely on multiple, interactive, functionally differentiated neural systems.
Perpetual American options in a diffusion model with piecewise-linear coefficients
Authors: Gapeev Pavel V. , Rodosthenous Neofytos
Published: March 2013

We derive closed form solutions to the discounted optimal stopping problems related to the pricing of the perpetual American standard put and call options in an extension of the Black–Merton–Scholes model with piecewise-constant dividend and volatility rates. The method of proof is based on the reduction of the initial optimal stopping problems to the associated free-boundary problems and the subsequent martingale verification using a local time-space formula. We present explicit algorithms to determine the constant hitting thresholds for the underlying asset price process, which provide the optimal exercise boundaries for the options.
Placental growth factor supports neuroendocrine tumor growth and predicts disease prognosis in patients
Authors: Hilfenhaus Georg , Göhrig Andreas , Pape Ulrich-Frank , Neumann Tabea , Jann Henning , Zdunek Dietmar , Hess Georg , Stassen Jean Marie , Wiedenmann Bertram , Detjen Katharina , Pavel Marianne , Fischer Christian
Published: March 2013

Placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF-homolog implicated in tumor angiogenesis and adaptation to antiangiogenic therapy, is emerging as candidate target in malignancies. Here, we addressed the expression, function, and prognostic value of PlGF in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). PlGF was determined in NET patients' sera collected retrospectively (n=88) and prospectively (n=87) using Roche-Elecsys and correlated with clinicopathological data. Tumoral PlGF was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, effects of PlGF on proliferation and migration in vitro were assessed using different NET cell lines and effects on tumor growth in vivo in orthotopic xenografts. Circulating and tumoral PlGF was elevated in patients with pancreatic NETs (pNETs) compared with control sera and respective healthy tissue. De novo PlGF expression occurred primarily in the tumor stroma, suggesting paracrine stimulatory circuits. Indeed, PlGF enhanced NET proliferation and migration in vitro and, conversely, neutralizing antibodies to PlGF reduced tumor growth in vivo. Elevated circulating PlGF levels in NET patients correlated with advanced tumor grading and were associated with reduced tumor-related survival in pNETs. Subsequent determinations confirmed and extended our observation of elevated PlGF levels in a prospective cohort of grade 1 and grade 2 pNETs (n=30) and intestinal NETs (n=57). In low-grade pNETs, normal circulating PlGF levels were associated with better survival. In intestinal NETs, circulating PlGF above median emerged as an independent prognostic factor for shorter time-to-progression in multivariate analyses. These data assign to PlGF a novel function in the pathobiology of NETs and propose PlGF as a prognostic parameter and therapeutic target.
Prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with severe peripheral artery disease
Authors: Fehérvári Mátyás , Krepuska Miklós , Csobay-Novák Csaba , Lakatos Péter , Oláh Zoltán , Acsády György , Szeberin Zoltán
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Recent studies highlighted a significant association between bone mineral density and atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in Western countries, while the prevalence of osteoporosis reached 9% in Hungary. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with peripheral vascular disease. Methods: In a cross-sectional study bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 172 patients with lower limb ischemia was investigated. According to previous medical history and blood tests, risk factors of atherosclerosis were also assessed and serum markers of bone turnover and other factors that could influence osteoporosis were evaluated. Results: Prior to bone mineral density screening, osteoporosis was known in 9% of patients. Based on osteodensitometric evaluation, 37% of the patients were diagnosed as having osteopenia and 31% as having osteoporosis. According to risk factors, different patient groups were created. Significantly more female than male patients had osteoporosis, while smoking, age and body mass index failed to affect the prevalence of osteoporosis. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with severe atherosclerosis need to be regularly screened and, if necessary, treated for osteoporosis. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 369–375.
Teenage and adult pregnancy: A differential relationship between socio-economic status and smoking
Authors: Kakuszi Brigitta , Bácskai Erika , Gerevich József , Czobor Pál
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Smoking occurs frequently during pregnancy, thereby putting mother and child at health risks. Low socio-economic status is a risk factor for smoking. Aim: To investigate the relationship between smoking and low income in teenage and adult pregnancy, which is an important measure of poor socioeconomic status. Method: The authors used subject-level data from the US NSDUH database, which contains information on pregnancies and smoking. Results: Teenage pregnancy is are associated with higher, whereas adult pregnancies with lower prevalence of smoking compared to the age-matched female population. The association between income and smoking is age-dependent. Among adults there is an inverse relationship (high income – low-risk of smoking), while in teenage pregnancy smoking increases with income. Conclusions: To investigate in teenage and adult pregnancy the relationship between smoking and low income, which is an important measure of poor socio-economic status. Higher socioeconomic status may be associated with risky behaviour, thereby increasing both the risk of smoking and early pregnancy. Orv Hetil., 2013, 154, 376–381.
Comments to the interpretation of the term “medical devices”
Authors: Ferge Zsigmond
Published: March 2013

The Court of Justice of the European Union made a decision on medical devices as non-medicinal products for intended use in interpreting the concept of free movement of goods, such as operating principles concerning the subject matter of the interpretation of Directive 93/42/ EEC – in preliminary ruling according to article 267 of TFEU – on 22 November 2012. With its decision, given assigned explained the concept of the scope of medical devices. The decision of the Court is binding not only for the national court initiating a request for the preliminary ruling, but also for all courts of the Member States. Official reference: Dated judgement 22 November 2012 of the Court of Justice of the European Union to C-219/ Case no. 11 – in preliminary ruling according to article 267 of TFEU. Interpreted provisions: Directive 2007/47/EC of The Europen Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 as amended by the Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices 1st (2) a) first, second and third indent. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 391–393.
Coupled microstructural-compositional evolution informed by a thermodynamic database using the hybrid Potts-phase field model
Authors: Cox Jordan J. , Homer Eric R. , Tikare Veena
Published: March 2013

A recently introduced hybrid Potts-phase field method has demonstrated the ability to evolve microstructures in conjunction with compositional fields tied to different phases. In this approach, Monte Carlo Potts methods are used to evolve the microstructure while phase field methods are used to evolve the composition, and the two fields are coupled through free energy functionals. Recent developments of the model allow different multi-component alloy systems to be simulated by using thermodynamic databases and kinetic quantities to dictate the behavior. An example of the method using the aluminum-silicon binary system is demonstrated.
ON ENABLING NANOCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND FOR DEVICE USE: NOVEL ION BEAM METHODOLOGY AND THE REALIZATION OF SHALLOW N-TYPE DIAMOND
Authors: Khan A.H. , Sumant A.V.
Published: March 2013

Despite the many superior attributes of diamond, electronic device performance to date has fallen well behind theoretical expectation. The potential realization of highly efficient electronic polycrystalline diamond devices has been more than limited by certain technological challenges such as maintaining efficient/shallow n-type doping without higher density of defects or incorporation of sp2 bonded carbon as a result of doping(during ion implantation process). Specific n-type diamond reports demonstrating phosphorus doping (with activation energy reported in the range of 485 meV to 600 meV in (100) oriented systems have been particularly problematic as a lower solubility is found as compared to (111) oriented synthesis efforts, in addition to the reported self-compensating nature. Amongst the previous reports of Phosphorus-doped diamond nearly all experimental reports to date show visual crystallographic dislocation/pitting on the (100) facet with even moderate doping where dislocations have been observed to be incorporated into the bulk volume during growth. These dislocations, which are known carrier scattering sites, subsequently lower mobility rendering poor conductance and high resistivity. Due to this well-known sensitivity of phosphorus incorporation to the crystal quality, typically lower in polycrystalline than homoepitaxial films, polycrystalline-based experimental reports have been largely absent. With respect to Phosphorus in-situ doping based efforts, rendered films demonstrate both the visually identifiable pitting and electronically identifiable poor conduction characteristic, and with respect to ion beam doping efforts, complete graphitic flaking at even moderate doses (i.e. greater than 3x1017cm−3). Motivated by these shortcomings and the success of recent experimentation, we present the methodology and data from our recent successful fabrication of polycrystalline diamond P+-i-N junction (diode) with high crystal quality, high power handling capability, high current density, low threshold voltage, and ohmic contact, under room temperature operation, previously undemonstrated across all diamond material types. The superior electrical performance of the device was obtained by novel ion beam methodology designed to resolve previously unaddressed issues relating to n-type doping of diamond materials. A high current density of approximately 104 A/cm2 is attained at 20V forward bias.
Fabrication of Large-Area Organic Photovoltaics Using a Draw-Bar Coating Technique
Authors: Mulligan Cara J. , Nicolaidis Nicolas C. , Vaughan Ben , Zhou Xiaojing , Belcher Warwick J. , Dastoor Paul C.
Published: March 2013

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices were fabricated using a novel draw bar premetered coating technique, whereby a meniscus of fluid is dragged across a substrate to leave a trailing wet film. The results showed that coating thickness could be controlled by varying the coating speed, rod diameter, gap height, amount of solution injected, rod diameter, rod composition material and number of layers. Devices on PET with active areas of 10 cm2 and active layer thicknesses ranging from 35 to 475 nm were produced using the technique. Active layers of 160 nm were the optimum of thicknesses trialled, achieving typical best efficiencies around 0.4 %. Devices with films thinner than 90 nm did not function due to short-circuiting. The draw-bar coating method has the advantage of allowing controlled deposition of a wide range of film thicknesses with no solution wastage.
Avaliação da qualidade do cuidado hospitalar no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Machado Juliana Pires , Martins Ana Cristina Marques , Martins Mônica Silva
Published: March 2013

A avaliação da qualidade de serviços hospitalares vem ganhando importância no mundo, sendo impulsionada pela demanda de financiadores, prestadores, profissionais e pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar a literatura sobre estudos de avaliação da qualidade hospitalar no Brasil e analisar as principais abordagens, metodologias e indicadores utilizados. Foi aplicada revisão sistemática de artigos científicos, dissertações e teses com análises empíricas sobre o tema, publicados entre 1990 e 2011. Foram identificados 2.169 documentos e incluídos 62 documentos na revisão, que representam 48 estudos distintos. Predominou o uso de fontes de dados secundárias com análise das dimensões efetividade, adequação, segurança e eficiência, destacando-se a aplicação da taxa de mortalidade, taxa de adequação, taxa de eventos adversos e tempo de permanência. Métodos que controlam diferenças de risco dos pacientes foram majoritariamente aplicados. Busca-se com esta revisão contribuir apontando elementos centrais para o desenvolvimento do tema no país e para a qualificação do cuidado prestado.
The relationship between low birth weight and exposure to inhalable particulate matter
Authors: Romão Rodrigo , Pereira Luiz Alberto Amador , Saldiva Paulo Hilário Nascimento , Pinheiro Patricia Matias , Braga Alfésio Luiz Ferreira , Martins Lourdes Conceição
Published: March 2013

Atmospheric pollution is a global public health problem. The adverse effects of air pollution are strongly associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and, to a lesser extent, with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study analyzes the relationship between exposure to PM10 and low birth weight in the city of Santo André, São Paulo State, Brazil. We included babies born to mothers resident in Santo André between 2000 and 2006. Data on daily PM10 levels was obtained from the São Paulo State Environmental Agency. We performed descriptive analysis and logistic regressions. The prevalence rate of low birth weight was 5.9%. There was a dose-response relationship between PM10 concentrations and low birth weight. Exposure to the highest quartile of PM10 (37,50µg/m³) in the third trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of low birth weight by 26% (OR: 1.26; 95%CI: 1.14-1.40) when compared to the first quartile. The same effect was observed in the remaining trimesters. This effect was observed for ambient particle concentrations that met the current air quality standards.
Aspectos nutricionais associados à infecção crônica pelo Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas 1909) entre idosos: Projeto Bambuí
Authors: Santos João Paulo dos , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Peixoto Sérgio Viana
Published: March 2013

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar os aspectos nutricionais associados à infecção crônica pelo Trypanosoma cruzi entre os participantes da linha de base da coorte de idosos de Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A análise incluiu 84,9% (1.479) de todos os residentes com 60 anos ou mais na cidade em 1997. A infecção pelo Tr. cruzi foi avaliada por três testes sorológicos e o perfil nutricional foi caracterizado por variáveis antropométricas e bioquímicas. As associações foram avaliadas pelas razões de prevalência e intervalos de 95% de confiança, utilizando a regressão de Poisson robusta e ajustando por potenciais fatores de confusão. A infecção foi observada em 38,1% dos idosos. Todas as variáveis antropométricas apresentaram associação significativa com a infecção, evidenciando menores valores entre os idosos com sorologia positiva. As variáveis bioquímicas não foram associadas ao evento estudado. Os resultados evidenciaram a concomitância da doença de Chagas crônica e pior estado nutricional nessa população, reforçando a importância da avaliação nutricional entre idosos com infecção crônica pelo Tr. cruzi.
Risk factor control in hypertensive and diabetic subjects attended by the Family Health Strategy in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil: the SERVIDIAH study
Authors: Fontbonne Annick , Cesse Eduarda Ângela Pessoa , Sousa Islândia Maria Carvalho de , Souza Wayner Vieira de , Chaves Vera Lúcia de Vasconcelos , Bezerra Adriana Falangola Benjamin , Carvalho Eduardo Freese de
Published: March 2013

The SERVIDIAH study (Evaluation of Health Services for Diabetic and Hypertensive Subjects) was conducted in 2010 in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. A multi-stage random sample of 785 hypertensive and 823 diabetic patients was drawn from 208 Family Health Strategy (FHS) units selected throughout 35 municipalities. Patients underwent a structured interview and weight, height, blood pressure and HbA1c levels (for diabetic patients) were measured. Mean age was approximately 60 years, and women were overrepresented in the sample (70%). 43.7% of hypertensive subjects and 25.8% of diabetic subjects achieved adequate blood pressure control and 30.5% of diabetic subjects had HbA1c levels below 7%. Despite 70% of the patients being overweight or obese, few had adhered to a weight-loss diet. The study of this representative sample of hypertensive and diabetic patients attended by the FHS in the State of Pernambuco shows that improvements in the management of hypertension and diabetes are needed in order to prevent the occurrence of serious and costly complications, especially given the context of increasing incidence of these two conditions.
Análise de custos da atenção hospitalar a recém-nascidos de risco: uma comparação entre Unidade Intermediária Convencional e Unidade Canguru
Authors: Entringer Aline Piovezan , Gomes Maria Auxiliadora de Sousa Mendes , Pinto Márcia , Caetano Rosângela , Magluta Cynthia , Lamy Zeni Carvalho
Published: March 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise comparativa entre o custo da Unidade Canguru e da Unidade Intermediária Convencional sob a perspectiva do SUS, no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A população de referência é de recém-nascidos estáveis clinicamente, que podem receber assistência nas duas modalidades de cuidado. Um modelo de análise de decisão para uma coorte hipotética de mil recém-nascidos elegíveis foi elaborado para comparar os custos em cada estratégia avaliada. As probabilidades dos eventos e o consumo de recursos de saúde foram incorporados ao modelo com base na literatura e consulta a especialistas. O custo da diária foi de R$343,53 para a 2ª etapa da Unidade Canguru e de R$394,22 para a Unidade Intermediária Convencional. O custo para a coorte hipotética foi de R$5.710.281,66 para a assistência na 2ª e 3ª etapa da Unidade Canguru e de R$7.119.865,61 para a Unidade Intermediária Convencional. A Unidade Intermediária Convencional apresentou custos 25% superiores aos da Unidade Canguru. O estudo pode contribuir para a tomada de decisão na área da saúde, além de fornecer subsídios para pesquisas relacionadas à avaliação econômica na área neonatal.
Development of a Coupled Dual Continuum and Discrete Fracture Model for the Simulation of Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Moinfar Ali , Varavei Abdoljalil , Sepehrnoori Kamy , Johns Russell T.
Published: March 2013

Accurate modeling of hydrocarbon production is a necessary, yet challenging step for economic exploitation of unconventional resources. One of the main challenges is to model flow to a horizontal well from a complex network of hydraulic and natural fractures. Many unconventional reservoirs comprise well-developed natural fracture networks with multiple orientations and complex hydraulic fracture patterns based on microseismic data. Conventional dual porosity and dual permeability models are not adequate for modeling these complex networks of natural and hydraulic fractures. Also, it is neither practical nor advantageous to model a large number of pre-existing fractures with a discrete fracture model. Therefore, an appropriate approach to model production from low-permeability reservoirs is to perform discrete fracture modeling for hydraulic fractures and employ a dual continuum approach for numerous natural fractures.

We have developed a coupled dual continuum and discrete fracture method to simulate production from unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Large-scale hydraulic fractures (macro-fractures) are modeled explicitly using a discrete fracture model, called EDFM, and numerous small-scale natural fractures (micro-fractures) are modeled using a dual continuum approach. The hybrid model includes three domains: matrix, discrete-fracture, and continuum-fracture domains. A systematic approach is devised to calculate transport parameters between all three domains. Moreover, EDFM allows for not only transverse and longitudinal hydraulic fractures but also macro-fractures of any orientation. Thus, the coupled model provides an effective and reliable environment to improve stimulation designs and completion strategies.

We present several examples in this study to show the applicability, robustness, and performance of the hybrid method for the simulation of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. We examine multi-stage hydraulic fractures with multiple configurations in the presence of numerous pre-existing fractures. Simulations show a noticeable contribution from natural fracture networks on total production. Furthermore, for the tight oil reservoir examined in this study, the stimulation scheme with longer hydraulic fractures improves cumulative oil production compared to the scheme with larger number of shorter hydraulic fractures. We also examine production from a tight gas reservoir wherein hydraulic fractures partially penetrate the formation height. Simulations indicate that inefficient fracture treatment can result in significant loss of production.
Coupled Geomechanics and Flow Simulation for an Embedded Discrete Fracture Model
Authors: Moinfar Ali , Sepehrnoori Kamy , Johns Russell T. , Varavei Abdoljalil
Published: March 2013

The effect of geomechanics on fluid flow is more crucial in fractured reservoirs due to presence of fissures, which might be more stress-sensitive than the rock matrix. The flow characteristics of fractures are significantly affected by effective normal stress exerting on them. In spite of extensive experimental and field studies that have demonstrated the dynamic behavior of fractures, fracture properties have been often treated as static parameters in the simulations of naturally fractured reservoirs. Realistic modeling of production in fractured systems requires including the dynamic behavior of fractures into a discrete fracture model.

We have incorporated the dynamic behavior of fractures into an embedded discrete fracture model, called EDFM. The coupled model allows inclusion of the impact of stress regime on fluid flow in a 3D discrete fracture network. We use empirical joint models to represent normal deformation of pre-existing natural fractures and couple them with the EDFM approach. Using these models, the aperture and permeability of an arbitrary-oriented fracture become functions of the effective normal stress acting on the fracture plane. In addition, we allow for fracture-conductivity tables to model dynamic behavior of propped hydraulic fractures in stimulated reservoirs.

We present several examples in this study to show the applicability and performance of the coupled geomechanics-EDFM approach for the simulation of naturally fractured reservoirs. We examine the effect of pressure-dependent fracture properties on production leading to the conclusion that fracture deformation, caused by effective stress changes, substantially affects hydrocarbon recovery. Our simulations show that the significance of such effects on production strongly depends on parameters controlling the deformation behavior of fractures. Simulations also show that creating sufficiently high-conductivity fractures during stimulation treatment of unconventional reservoirs can mitigate the adverse effect of hydraulic fracture closure on production to a good extent. Furthermore, the coupled geomechanics-EDFM approach does not degrade the computational performance of EDFM, which is a promising new approach for modeling discrete fractures in a robust and efficient manner.
Performing Reservoir Simulation with Neural Network Enhanced Data
Authors: Isaiah J , Schrader S. , Reichhardt D. , Link C.
Published: March 2013

The use of artificial neural networks (ANN) for reservoir analysis now makes it possible to predict important reservoir properties from combinations of data such as well logs, production data, seismic data, etc. In this work, an ANN was combined with a geostatistical linear estimation algorithm in a technique called the hybrid approach, which was used to enhance sparse data to include in a reservoir simulation model with the goal of reducing history matching time. The case study field, Fort Collins Field, is situated on the N-S anticline on the western edge of the Denver Basin in Colorado. The available porosity and permeability data needed to build a reservoir simulation model are old and sparse.

Available well logs and cores were used as inputs to the hybrid model. This model was then used to predict porosity and permeability for the reservoir and these values were then included in a reservoir simulation model. To evaluate the hybrid approach, the reservoir simulation model was history matched with the case study historical production data and compared to a model with average data. The result confirms that the hybrid approach history matched better and faster compared to the simple averaging-technique. The history match results from both methods were compared based on the percentage error. This unique approach will benefit older fields with sparse data.
Real-Time Streaming Data Management as a Platform for Large-Scale Mission Critical Sensor Network Applications.
Authors: Beggs Ronnie , Abadie Victor H.
Published: March 2013

Oil and gas operators must process, analyze, and react in real time to increasing volumes and rates of streaming data in order to improve safety, compliance, and profit. For example, real-time analysis of streaming data from drilling rig sensors, intelligent wells, and digital oilfield installations enables early detection of drilling hazards and pending equipment failures, thereby reducing rig time, intervention, and shut-ins.

Data problems include the need for real-time integration of operational systems and an inability to maintain accurate and current information across all systems and data warehouses. Poor integration leads to duplication of data and systems, and a lack of visibility across all monitored assets, resulting in the delayed identification of the root cause of problems.

This paper presents a streaming data architecture that is capable of processing and analyzing rig data and smart oilfield data in real time. Further, the architecture supports the continuous, streaming integration of any and all of an organization's sensor data, operational platforms, and data warehouses. The approach aggregates and analyzes live, streaming data on the fly, without the need to store the data first. Large volumes of high velocity streaming data in any format and from all sources can be processed continuously and delivered to existing operational systems and data warehouses.

The architecture increases efficiency by removing data silos and by ensuring that all systems and data warehouses are kept accurate and up to date in real time. This results in faster decisions that are better informed and based on consistent, accurate, and timely information.
Design of an Automated Drilling Prediction System – Strengthening While-Drilling Decision Making
Authors: Pérez Bardasz Samuel R. , Hernández Alejadre Edwin David , León Armando Almeida
Published: March 2013

Real-Time systems and monitoring centers continue gaining interest as decision-makers face tight time constraints to discover and develop hydrocarbon fields, while the increased complexity of wells being drilled is coupled with reduced engineering workforce capacity.

The promise of remote data visualization and analysis, problem mitigation and optimal utilization of highly-skilled team members is being realized. The predictive side, however, is still a challenge for the industry. Anticipating unplanned drilling events such as stuck pipe, lost circulation and kicks, represents a tremendous opportunity to return value from data, in the form of unplanned downtime reduction, cost saving and even a safer operating environment.

Data mining processes are fundamental to obtain the predictive benefits of real-time systems, and have been progressing from descriptive to predictive optimization methods. In design of these systems, descriptive and predictive methods are enhanced by real-time and historic data corresponding to six drilling operations aspects: bottom hole assembly design, mud properties, equivalent circulation density, lithology column description, rock conductivity and well-correlation events. Algorithms and human participation are taken into account to generate "accurate alerts" rather than simple out-of-range alarms. Specific examples are provided in order to show how available technology, data mining and model development can increase drilling efficiency by enabling better while-drilling decision-making.

Advanced sensor technologies, improved data quality control, Wellsite Information Transfer Standard Markup Language (WITSML) data advantages, and virtual real-time drilling optimization concepts have been assimilated in the design and implementation of the prediction system. This paper aims to be useful as a reference to expand and improve decisions while drilling the well, by anticipating and identifying trouble zones using real-time predictive analyses.
Optimal Sensor Placement for Multi-Phase Flow Rate Estimation Using Pressure and Temperature Measurements
Authors: Kawaguchi K. , Takekawa M. , Wada H. , Ohtani T.
Published: March 2013

This paper discusses on uncertainty and optimal sensor placement for estimating multi-phase flow rates from the producing well by inversely solving the well flow model, given the down-hole temperature and pressure measurements. Uncertainty of the estimated multi-phase flow rates are evaluated by solving the error propagation from the given uncertainties of pressure and temperature measurements used to make the estimation. The uncertainties of the multi-phase flow rate estimations are studied for different sensor combination and location to search for the optimal sensor placement which gives the lowest uncertainty for multi-phase flow rate estimations. From the simulation study, preferred sensor combination and location of pressure and temperature measurements are found for typical oil gas 2-phase vertical well case. The methodology can be applied for reliable down-hole multi-phase flow monitoring and optimal sensor placement design for monitoring the multi-phase flow rate using temperature and pressure measurements within an allowable estimation uncertainty and sensor cost.