bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farelo de amêndoa da castanha de caju na alimentação de codornas japonesas na fase de postura
Authors: Soares Marcelo Borges , Fuentes Maria de Fátima Freire , Freitas Ednardo Rodrigues , Lopes Irani Ribeiro Vieira , Moreira Rafaele Ferreira , Sucupira Francislene Silveira , Braz Nádia de Melo , Lima Raffaella Castro
Published: September 2007

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de farelo de amêndoa da castanha de caju (FACC) sobre a utilização dos nutrientes da dieta, o desempenho e as características dos ovos de codornas japonesas. Duzentos e setenta codornas com 17 semanas de idade foram pesadas e distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis dietas e nove repetições de cinco aves. Foram testadas uma dieta controle (sem FACC) e cinco dietas com 4, 8, 12, 16 e 20% de FACC. A digestibilidade da MS e do nitrogênio reduziu linearmente, entretanto, apenas com o nível de 20% de FACC estes resultados foram menores que os obtidos com a dieta controle. A digestibilidade da gordura e da energia bruta e os valores de EM das dietas não foram influenciados pelos níveis de FACC na dieta. O consumo de ração não foi afetado pelos níveis desse alimento na dieta, mas a produção de ovos, o peso e a massa de ovo e a conversão alimentar decresceram linearmente com a inclusão de FACC na dieta. As porcentagens de albúmen e gema, assim como a coloração da gema, sofreram efeito quadrático dos níveis de FACC na dieta. A porcentagem de albúmen e a coloração da gema aumentaram e a porcentagem de gema reduziu com a inclusão de FACC em níveis superiores a 9%. Em comparação à dieta controle, apenas a dieta com 20% de FACC prejudicou a produção de ovos, o peso e a massa de ovo, a coloração da gema e a conversão alimentar. O farelo de amêndoa da castanha de caju pode ser incluído em níveis de até 16% em dietas para codornas japonesas em postura.
Milho com diferentes graus de moagem em combinação com polpa cítrica peletizada ou casca de soja para vacas leiteiras no terço médio da lactação
Authors: Santos Flávio Augusto Portela , Carmo Carolina de Almeida , Bittar Carla Maris Machado , Pires Alexandre Vaz , Pedroso Alexandre Mendonça , Pereira Eduardo Menegueli
Published: September 2007

Avaliou-se o efeito do grau de moagem do milho (moído fino ou moído grosso) em dietas com polpa cítrica peletizada ou casca de soja sobre o desempenho lactacional de vacas leiteiras. O período experimental teve duração de 56 dias, divididos em quatro períodos de 14 dias. Trinta e duas vacas holandesas (160 dias em lactação) foram alocadas em oito quadrados latinos, compostos de quatro períodos e quatro dietas: MFPC - milho moído fino + polpa cítrica; MGPC - milho moído grosso + polpa cítrica; MFCS - milho moído fino + casca de soja; e MGCS - milho moído grosso + casca de soja. A ingestão de MS, a produção de leite, os teores de gordura, proteína e lactose do leite e as concentrações de glicose e nitrogênio uréico plasmáticos não foram afetados pelas dietas. Houve efeito significativo da interação grau de moagem ´ fonte de energia sobre a produção de leite corrigida para gordura e a produção de gordura e de sólidos totais do leite. O grau de moagem do milho e o tipo de subproduto (polpa cítrica ou casaca de soja) não afetaram o desempenho de vacas leiteiras no terço médio da lactação com produção média de 24 kg de leite/dia.
Óxido de cálcio como aditivo na ensilagem de cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Balieiro Neto Geraldo , Siqueira Gustavo Rezende , Reis Ricardo Andrade , Nogueira José Ramos , Roth Marcella de Toledo Piza , Roth Anna Paula de Toledo Piza
Published: September 2007

Foram avaliados os efeitos do óxido de cálcio aplicado no momento da ensilagem nas doses de 0,5; 1 e 2% sobre a composição química de silagens de cana-de-açúcar durante a fermentação e pós-abertura. Antes da ensilagem, doses crescentes de óxido promoveram redução dos teores de FDN, FDA e lignina e aumento da hemicelulose e da digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS). No momento da abertura dos silos, os teores de FDN e FDA foram superiores aos observados antes da ensilagem e menores nas silagens com doses mais altas de aditivo. Nesta mesma fase, quanto maior o nível do aditivo maior a DIVMS. Do momento da abertura ao 3º dia, não houve alteração significativa nos teores de PB, FDN, FDA, lignina e hemicelulose ou na DIVMS. O teor de FDN das silagens controle e com 0,5% de aditivo aumentou do 3º ao 6º dia. Silagens com 0,5% de cal tiveram aumento do teor de FDN também do 6c ao 9ºdia, enquanto, nas silagens com 1% de cal, esse aumento ocorreu do 3º ao 9º dia e, nas silagens com 2%, não houve alteração após abertura. Na silagem com 2% de óxido de cálcio, a maior recuperação de matéria seca digestível verdadeira e de CNF ocorreu na ensilagem e, naquelas com 1 e 2% de aditivo, após a abertura do silo. A adição de cal virgem reduziu o teor de FDN das silagens em todos os momentos e manteve o teor de FDN mais estável após abertura.
Características estruturais do dossel de pastagens de capim-tanzânia mantidas sob três períodos de descanso com ovinos
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Gregório da , Cândido Magno José Duarte , Neiva José Neuman Miranda , Lôbo Raimundo Nonato Braga , Silva Divan Soares da
Published: September 2007

Avaliou-se a estrutura do dossel em pastagem de Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia sob lotação rotativa com três períodos de descanso (PD), definidos de acordo com o tempo para a expansão de 1,5; 2,5 e 3,5 novas folhas por perfilhos ao longo dos ciclos de pastejo. Estimaram-se as produções de massa seca de lâmina verde (MSLV), colmo verde (MSCV), de forragem morta (MSFM) e de altura; as relações folha-colmo (F/C), material vivo-morto (MV/MM), no pré e pós-pastejo; as taxas de crescimento da cultura (TCC) e acúmulo de forragem (TAC), a densidade populacional de perfilhos (DPP) no pré-pastejo e o índice de área foliar residual (IAFr). Com o avançar dos ciclos de pastejo, as diferenças entre os três períodos de descanso para as variáveis altura, produção de MSLV e MSCV foram acentuadas, especialmente no final do período experimental. A quantidade de MSFM se manteve semelhante dentro de cada período de descanso ao longo dos ciclos de pastejo, porém, na média dos ciclos de pastejo, o período de descanso para expansão de 3,5 folhas foi superior. As relações F/C e MV/MM foram maiores nos piquetes mantidos sob os períodos de descanso para expansão de 1,5 e 2,5 folhas em relação ao de 3,5 folhas. Os maiores valores para TCC e TAC foram obtidos nos piquetes mantidos sob períodos de descanso para expansão de 2,5 e 3,5 folhas. A densidade de perfilhos foi maior nos piquetes mantidos sob período de descanso para expansão de 2,5 folhas em relação ao de 3,5 folhas. O período de descanso para expansão de folhas é o mais indicado para o manejo de pastagens de Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia com ovinos, pois permite a obtenção de boas produções de folhas em relação aos colmos sem comprometer a densidade populacional de perfilhos. Entretanto, com esse período de descanso, verifica-se aumento da altura pós-pastejo, a qual deve ser controlada por meio de roçada mecânica ou manual.
Exigência nutricional de lisina para poedeiras leves e semipesadas nos períodos de 1 a 3 e de 4 a 6 semanas de idade
Authors: Rodrigueiro Ramalho José Barbosa , Rostagno Horacio Santiago , Albino Luiz Fernando Teixeira , Gomes Paulo Cezar , Nunes Ricardo Vianna , Neme Rafael
Published: September 2007

Com o objetivo de determinar a exigência nutricional de lisina para poedeiras leves e semipesadas em crescimento nos períodos de 1 a 3 e de 4 a 6 semanas de idade, foram utilizadas 480 aves no período de 1 a 3 semanas de idade e 432 aves no período de 4 a 6 semanas de idade. Em ambos os períodos, foram utilizadas aves Hy Line, 50% Hy-line W 36 (leves) e 50% Hy-line Brown (semipesadas), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 6 × 2, composto de seis níveis de lisina (0,00; 0,06; 0,12; 0,18; 0,24 e 0,30%) e duas linhagens de aves de postura. Considerando os resultados obtidos para as variáveis analisadas, a exigência de lisina total para o período de 1 a 3 semanas de idade foi 1,052% para aves leves e de 0,981% para aves semipesadas ou 207,38 mg de lisina total/dia para aves leves e 198,63 mg de lisina total/dia para aves semipesadas. Para o período de 4 a 6 semanas, a exigência de lisina foi de 0,939% de lisina para aves leves e de 0,889% de lisina para aves semipesadas ou 323,30 mg de lisina total/dia para aves leves e 300,29 mg de lisina total/dia para aves semipesadas.
Inclusão do ovo desidratado em rações peletizadas ou fareladas para frangos de corte
Authors: Teixeira Elisanie Neiva Magalhães , Silva José Humberto Vilar da , Costa Fernando Guilherme Perazzo , Ribeiro Marcelo Luís Gomes , Araujo Daniel de Magalhães , Jordão Filho José
Published: September 2007

Um experimento foi realizado para estudar o efeito da forma física da ração (farelada ou peletizada) e da inclusão de ovo desidratado na ração até os 21 dias de idade sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de frangos de corte da linhagem Cobb-500 aos 42 dias de idade. As aves com 1 dia de vida e peso médio de 42,94 ± 0,51 g foram alojadas em boxes de 1,0 × 1,5 m. O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial com dois níveis de ovo desidratado (0 e 0,5%) e duas formas físicas da ração (farelada e peletizada), resultando em quatro rações com 18 repetições de 16 aves durante as fases de 1 a 7; de 8 a 21; de 22 a 33 e de 34 a 42 dias de idade. A inclusão de 0,5% de ovo desidratado nas rações pré-inicial e inicial não influenciou o desempenho, porém, a ração peletizada melhorou o desempenho dos frangos de corte aos 42 dias de idade. A peletização da ração também melhorou o rendimento de peito, do Pectoralis minor e do filé de peito em relação ao peso da carcaça e aumentou os pesos do proventrículo e do intestino delgado, enquanto a ração farelada aumentou o peso da moela.
Substituição total do milho e parcial do feno de capim-tifton por palma forrageira em dietas para vacas em lactação: consumo e digestibilidade
Authors: Oliveira Veronaldo Souza de , Ferreira Marcelo de Andrade , Guim Adriana , Modesto Elisa Cristina , Lima Luiz Evandro , Silva Fabiana Maria da
Published: September 2007

Para avaliação do consumo e da digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes de dietas contendo diferentes níveis (0; 12,0; 25,0; 38,0 e 51,0%) de palma forrageira (Opuntia ficus indica Mill) em substituição total ao milho (Zea mays L.) e parcial ao feno de capim-tifton (Cynodon spp), foram utilizadas cinco vacas da raça Holandesa, distribuídas em quadrado latino 5 × 5. No início do experimento, os animais apresentavam 583 ± 7,07 kg de peso corporal (PC) e período de lactação em torno de 110 dias. Cada período experimental teve duração de 17 dias, dez dias para adaptação dos animais à dieta e sete dias para coleta de dados. O consumo de MS (kg/dia, %PC e g/kg0,75) e os consumos de MO, EE, PB, carboidratos totais (CT), FDN, FDA e NDT (kg/dia) diminuíram linearmente conforme aumentaram os níveis de palma forrageira na dieta. O consumo de CNF, no entanto, aumentou com a inclusão de palma forrageira na dieta. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente de MS, MO, EE, PB, CT e CNF não foram influenciados pela inclusão de palma forrageira na dieta. Entretanto, o coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente da FDN reduziu linearmente com a inclusão de palma forrageira na dieta. A inclusão da palma forrageira nas dietas influenciou negativamente no consumo dos nutrientes e no coeficiente de digestibilidade da FDN.
Fixação biológica de nitrogênio por plantas de trevo (Trifolium spp) em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Assmann Tangriani Simioni , Assmann Alceu Luiz , Soares André Brugnara , Cassol Luís César , Giasson Margareth Steiner , Giasson Nizio Fernando
Published: September 2007

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da inclusão de plantas de trevo (Trifolium spp) sob pastejo em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária sobre a quantidade de N fixada, a produtividade, os componentes de rendimento da cultura de milho e os teores de nitrato no solo. O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, em que as parcelas foram constituídas dos resíduos de espécie forrageira (trevo e aveia) e as subparcelas, das quatro doses de N em cobertura (0; 60; 120; e 240 kg/ha). Durante o período de cultivo do milho (2004/2005), as parcelas contendo resíduo de trevo apresentaram maiores de teores de N-nitrato na profundidade de 0-5 cm em comparação àquelas cultivadas anteriormente com aveia, indicando que a cultura de milho encontraria praticamente todo o suprimento de nitrogênio, em decorrência do cultivo anterior de trevos pastejados. Não foram observados indícios de lixiviação de nitratos provocados pelos resíduos de leguminosas até a camada de 20 cm de profundidade do solo. No segundo ano de experimento, plantas de trevo pastejadas contribuíram, no mínimo, com suprimento de N de 90 kg/ha, como resultado da fixação biológica para a cultura de milho. No entanto, plantas de milho cultivadas sobre resíduos de aveia apresentaram máxima produtividade de grãos com aplicação de 180 kg/ha de N.
First occurrence of the family Paralacydoniidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Rizzo Alexandra Elaine , Amaral Antonia Cecília Zacagnini
Published: September 2007

Paralacydoniid polychaetes belonging to the genus Paralacydonia Fauvel 1913 were collected during the REVIZEE Program/South Score/Benthos ("Avaliação do Potencial Sustentável dos Recursos Vivos na Zona Econômica Exclusiva") on the outer shelf and continental slope off the south-southeastern coast of Brazil between 156 and 400 m depth. This new report extends the known geographic distribution of the family, which had previously been recorded in the North Atlantic as far as the Gulf of Mexico. Paralacydonia is here treated as monotypic; P. mortenseni Augener 1924 and P. weberi Horst 1923 are considered synonyms of Paralacydonia paradoxa Fauvel 1913.
Efeito do grau de exposição às ondas sobre a comunidade de peixes juvenis em praias arenosas do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Vasconcellos Ruan Managna , Santos Joaquim Neto de Sousa , Silva Márcio de Araújo , Araújo Francisco Gerson
Published: September 2007

A distribuição e abundância da ictiofauna na zona de arrebentação de praias arenosas do Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, foram estudadas objetivando detectar variações sazonais ou influências do grau de exposição na estrutura da comunidade de peixes jovens. Amostras trimestrais foram realizadas em 10 praias sendo agrupadas de acordo com o nível de exposição (abrigada, exposta e muito exposta), entre Janeiro e Novembro de 2004, com os arrastos tendo sido efetuados perpendiculares à linha de costa. Foram registrados 6.464 peixes, distribuídos em 38 espécies e 22 famílias, com o predomínio de formas juvenis ou de pequeno porte. As famílias Clupeidae, Carangidae e Sciaenidae representaram 79% do número total de indivíduos e 61% da biomassa total. As espécies de maior participação na biomassa, representando 81% do peso total, foram Harengula clupeola (36%), Orthopristis ruber (14%), Mugil liza (10%), Trachinotus goodei (8%), Trachinotus carolinus (7%) e Umbrina coroides (6%). Três espécies apresentaram maior abundância relativa, tendo cada uma, contribuído acima de 10% do número total (Harengula clupeola, Umbrina coroides e Trachinotus carolinus), mas somente T. carolinus apresentou um padrão bem definido, sendo mais abundante nas zonas abrigadas. As maiores CPUEs (número de indivíduos e biomassa) e o número de espécies foram encontradas nas zonas abrigadas (p < 0,05); sazonalmente nenhum destes indicadores apresentou diferença significativa (p > 0,05). O grau de exposição às ondas foi confirmado como um fator primário na estruturação da comunidade de peixes, com os locais mais abrigados provavelmente associados à maior disponibilidade de organismos planctônicos, menores turbulências e maior estabilidade do substrato.
Hábitos alimentares de tubarões-martelo jovens, Sphyrna zygaena (Carcharhiniformes: Sphyrnidae), no litoral sul do Brasil
Authors: Bornatowski Hugo , Costa Luciano , Robert Maurício de Castro , Pina Juliana Ventura da
Published: September 2007

O presente estudo foi conduzido em duas comunidades da pesca artesanal nas cidades Guaratuba (Paraná) e Itapoá (Santa Catarina), no sul da costa brasileira. Os conteúdos estomacais de indivíduos Sphyrna zygaena foram identificados, sendo os itens alimentares agrupados em três categorias. As categorias mais importantes foram teleósteos (78,6%) e cefalópodes (60,7%), representados pela sardinha Harengula clupeola e a lula Loligo sp., ambos considerados como principais itens alimentares de S. zygaena na região estudada.
Preliminary data on the feeding habits of the freshwater stingrays Potamotrygon falkneri and Potamotrygon motoro (Potamotrygonidae) from the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil
Authors: Silva Thiago Buosi , Uieda Virgínia Sanches
Published: September 2007

Stingrays of the Potamotrygonidae family are a singular group of Neotropical ichthyofauna. Although ancient reports exist about the group, there are still many questions that need to be clarified, such as the biology of the species that occur in the Paraná-Paraguay River system. In the present work, the diet of Potamotrygon falkneri and Potamotrygon motoro, captured in the Upper Paraná River, downstream from the Engenheiro Souza Dias Hydroelectric Power Station (UHE Jupiá), was analyzed. Both species showed a diversified diet, consisting of 14 food items, including Mollusca, Crustacea, Insecta and fish, with the predominance in diversity and abundance of aquatic insects. Only one individual of each species ingested fish. Potamotrygon motoro consumed mainly Ephemeroptera, while P. falkneri consumed mainly Mollusca, Hemiptera and Trichoptera. The data apparently indicate a more specialized diet for P. motoro, consuming more Ephemeroptera (Baetidae), and a more generalized diet for P. falkneri. The analysis of individuals captured in three microhabitats that differ in function of the substrate type and presence of marginal vegetation, suggests differences in the food items consumed.
Enoxaparin Dosage Adjustment in Patients with Severe Renal Failure: Antifactor Xa Concentrations and Safety
Authors: Lachish Tamar , Rudensky Bernard , Slotki Itzchak , Zevin Shoshana
Published: September 2007

Study Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy by measuring antifactor Xa levels, of enoxaparin 1 mg/kg subcutaneously once every 24 hours in patients with severe renal failure.

Design. Prospective study.

Setting. Emergency, internal medicine, geriatrics, and cardiology departments of a medical center in Israel.

Patients. Nineteen patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease who required full anticoagulation.

Intervention. Patients received enoxaparin 1 mg/kg subcutaneously every 24 hours for 2 or more days, as determined by a treating physician.

Measurements and Main Results. Data on patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Blood samples for peak and trough antifactor Xa levels were obtained during the enoxaparin treatment period. Of the 19 study patients, 14 (74%) had peak antifactor Xa levels within the recommended range for full anticoagulation of 0.5‐1.0 U/ml after their first enoxaparin dose; no concentration exceeded 1.0 U/ml. The mean peak antifactor Xa level was not significantly different after the first enoxaparin dose compared with the second and third doses. The mean ± SD trough antifactor Xa level, thought to be an indicator of drug accumulation, was 0.12 ± 0.12 U/ml; its clinical significance and target range are still unknown. No major bleeding events were noted.

Conclusion. Enoxaparin 1 mg/kg once every 24 hours in patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease who required full anticoagulation was safe, and this dose did not exceed recommended concentrations. The significance of enoxaparin trough levels remains unclear and should be investigated in future studies. Other dosing regimens of enoxaparin for specific patient populations should also be assessed for safety and efficacy.
Anticonvulsant Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Implications for Pharmaceutical Care
Authors: Bohan KarenBeth H. , Mansuri Tarannum F. , Wilson Natalie M.
Published: September 2007

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) is a delayed adverse drug reaction associated with the use of aromatic anticonvulsant drugs. It has been most commonly reported with the use of phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital. Although its occurrence is rare, 1 in every 1000–10,000 exposures, AHS is a serious adverse event often resulting in hospitalization and even death. The clinical manifestations of AHS include a triad of symptoms consisting of dermatologic rashes, fever, and evidence of systemic organ involvement. Diagnosis is most frequently based on the recognition of this triad of symptoms and clinical judgment. The exact mechanism of AHS remains to be determined but is thought to have at least three components: deficiency or abnormality of the epoxide hydroxylase enzyme that detoxifies the metabolites of aromatic amine anticonvulsants, associated reactivation of herpes‐type viruses, and ethnic predisposition with certain human leukocyte antigen subtypes. Arene oxides, the toxic intermediaries in the metabolism of anticonvulsant drugs, can accumulate and directly bind to macromolecules, causing cell death, as well as act as prohaptens that bind to T cells, initiating an immune response and systemic reactions. Management of AHS primarily includes discontinuation of the associated anticonvulsant drug. Systemic corticosteroids are usually required for full recovery. An important issue regarding AHS is the cross‐sensitivity among aromatic anticonvulsant drugs, which has been reported to be 40–80%. This means that patients with a history of AHS should avoid further use of any aromatic anticonvulsant drug. In addition, a familial association with AHS exists, and family members of the patient with AHS should be educated that they may be at increased risk for developing AHS if they use aromatic anticonvulsant drugs. Anticonvulsant drugs that are generally considered safe are valproic acid and benzodiazepines. Other nonaromatic anticonvulsant drugs should also be acceptable. Pharmacists as health care providers can play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AHS.
Microdisplay‐based optical module for avionic display applications
Authors: Musazzi S. , Perini U. , Grassetti R.
Published: September 2007

Abstract— A new optical scheme for a LCOS‐based rear‐projection system utilizing an LED illumination source is presented. The proposed optical module could conveniently replace conventional aircraft panel instrumentation not only because it achieves major standard avionics application requirements, such as the capability to withstand mechanical shocks, high reliability, and weight and power‐consumption minimization, but also as a consequence of the fact that it allows the display image area to be properly matched to the shape of the instrument panel more easily than with conventional displays.
Invited Paper: New technology for HTPS‐LCD panels for projection systems
Authors: Tanaka Takaaki , Ito Akihiko , Yasukawa Masahiro
Published: September 2007

Abstract— A new technology has been developed for high‐temperature‐polysilicon (HTPS) TFT liquid‐crystal panels employed in projection systems. It consists of vertically aligned nematic (VAN) liquid‐crystal, inorganic alignment layers, and a new driving technique. Full‐HD (1080p) resolution was realized in a 0.7‐in.‐diagonal device with high contrast and low power consumption.
Preparation of monodisperse polystyrene microspheres and optical performance of its diffusive‐agent application
Authors: Chen Ching‐Wen , Chen Chuh‐Yung
Published: September 2007

Abstract— Two monodisperse polystyrene microspheres, 2.76 and 9.25 μm in diameter, were prepared by dispersion polymerization in an ethanol/iso‐propanol/water media. 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were utilized as the initiator and steric stabilizer, respectively. Optical properties including total transmittance (T%) and transmittance haze (H%) were determined when these two monodisperse polystyrene microspheres were applied as diffusive agents. This paper mainly discusses (1) different particle‐size effects and its hybrid behavior, (2) different thicknesses for the diffusion‐layer effect, and (3) the effects of diffusion‐layer arrangement and direction of incident light on the total transmittance (T%) and transmittance haze (H%).
Ferroelectric liquid crystal aligned on SiO2 thin films using ion‐beam deposition
Authors: Li Xihua , Murauski Anatoli , Chigrinov Vladimir G. , Khokhlov A. , Khokhlov E.
Published: September 2007

Abstract— Results for a ferroelectric‐liquid‐crystal (FLC) display cell, aligned on inorganic SiO2 thin‐film surfaces by using oblique ion‐beam sputtering deposition on the substrates, is presented. A large deposition angle from 60° to 80° can be employed for the thin alignment layer, with thicknesses varying from 5 to 40 nm. Two types of uniform alignment, chevron (before electrical treatment) and quazi‐bookshelf (after electrical treatment), were studied. High‐quality alignment on large‐sized substrates was also easily be achieved because of the linear design of the ion‐beam sputtering source, which was previously a significant challenge for FLC on SiOx layers.
Fault tree analysis of the causes of waterborne outbreaks
Authors: Risebro Helen L. , Doria Miguel F. , Andersson Yvonne , Medema Gertjan , Osborn Keith , Schlosser Olivier , Hunter Paul R.
Published: September 2007

Prevention and containment of outbreaks requires examination of the contribution and interrelation of outbreak causative events. An outbreak fault tree was developed and applied to 61 enteric outbreaks related to public drinking water supplies in the EU. A mean of 3.25 causative events per outbreak were identified; each event was assigned a score based on percentage contribution per outbreak. Source and treatment system causative events often occurred concurrently (in 34 outbreaks). Distribution system causative events occurred less frequently (19 outbreaks) but were often solitary events contributing heavily towards the outbreak (a mean % score of 87.42). Livestock and rainfall in the catchment with no/inadequate filtration of water sources contributed concurrently to 11 of 31 Cryptosporidium outbreaks. Of the 23 protozoan outbreaks experiencing at least one treatment causative event, 90% of these events were filtration deficiencies; by contrast, for bacterial, viral, gastroenteritis and mixed pathogen outbreaks, 75% of treatment events were disinfection deficiencies. Roughly equal numbers of groundwater and surface water outbreaks experienced at least one treatment causative event (18 and 17 outbreaks, respectively). Retrospective analysis of multiple outbreaks of enteric disease can be used to inform outbreak investigations, facilitate corrective measures, and further develop multi-barrier approaches.
An ecosystem modelling approach for deriving water quality criteria
Authors: De Laender F. , De Schamphelaere K.A.C. , Janssen C.R. , Vanrolleghem P.A.
Published: September 2007

Ecological effects of chemicals on ecosystems are the result of direct effects of the chemical, determined in single-species toxicity testing, and indirect effects due to ecological interactions between species. Current experimental methods to account for such interactions are expensive. Hence, mathematical models of ecosystems have been proposed as an alternative. The use of these models often requires extensive calibration, which hampers their use as a general tool in ecological effect assessments. Here we present a novel ecosystem modelling approach which assesses effects of chemicals on ecosystems by integrating single-species toxicity test results and ecological interactions, without the need for calibration on case-specific data. The methodology is validated by comparing predicted ecological effects of copper in a freshwater planktonic ecosystem with an experimental ecosystem data set. Two main effects reflected by this data set (a decrease of cladocerans and an increase of small phytoplankton) which were unpredictable from single-species toxicity test results alone, were predicted accurately by the developed model. Effects on populations which don't interact directly with other populations, were predicted equally well by single-species toxicity test results as by the ecosystem model. The small amount of required data and the high predictive capacity can make this ecosystem modelling approach an efficient tool in water quality criteria derivation for chemicals.
Ensemble modeling of E. coli in the Charles River, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Hellweger F.L.
Published: September 2007

A case study of ensemble modeling of Escherichia coli (E. coli) densities in surface waters in the context of public health risk prediction is presented. The output of two different models, mechanistic and empirical, are combined and compared to data. The mechanistic model is a high-resolution, time-variable, three-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic and water quality model. It generally reproduces the mechanisms of E. coli fate and transport in the river, including the presence and absence of a plume in the study area under similar input, but different hydrodynamic conditions caused by the operation of a downstream dam and wind. At the time series station, the model has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 370 CFU/100mL, a total error rate (with respect to the EPA-recommended single sample criteria value of 235 CFU/100mL) (TER) of 15% and negative error rate (NER) of 30%. The empirical model is based on multiple linear regression using the forcing functions of the mechanistic model as independent variables. It has better overall performance (at the time series station), due to a strong correlation of E. coli density with upstream inflow for this time period (RMSE =200 CFU/100mL, TER =13%, NER =1.6%). However, the model is mechanistically incorrect in that it predicts decreasing densities with increasing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) input. The two models are fundamentally different and their errors are uncorrelated (R2 =0.02), which motivates their combination in an ensemble. Two combination approaches, a geometric mean ensemble (GME) and an “either exceeds” ensemble (EEE), are explored. The GME model outperforms the mechanistic and empirical models in terms of RMSE (190 CFU/100mL) and TER (11%), but has a higher NER (23%). The EEE has relatively high TER (16%), but low NER (0.8%) and may be the best method for a conservative prediction. The study demonstrates the potential utility of ensemble modeling for pathogen indicators, but significant further research is needed to establish the approach for the Charles River, as outlined in the paper.
Biological nutrient removal in membrane bioreactors: denitrification and phosphorus removal kinetics
Authors: Parco V. , du Toit G. , Wentzel M. , Ekama G.
Published: September 2007

The impact of including membranes for solid liquid separation on the kinetics of nitrogen and phosphorus removal was investigated. To achieve this, a membrane bioreactor (MBR) biological nutrient removal (BNR) activated sludge system was operated. From batch tests on mixed liquor drawn from the MBR BNR system, denitrification and phosphorus removal rates were delineated. Additionally the influence of the high total suspended solids concentrations present in the MBR BNR system and of the limitation of substrate concentrations on the kinetics was investigated. Moreover the ability of activated sludge in this kind of system to denitrify under anoxic conditions with simultaneous phosphate uptake was verified and quantified.

The denitrification rates obtained for different mixed liquor (ML) concentrations indicate no effect of ML concentration on the specific denitrification rate. The denitrification took place at a single specific rate (K2) with respect to the ordinary heterotrophic organisms (OHOs, i.e. non-PAOs) active mass. Similarly, results have been obtained for the P removal process kinetics: no differences in specific rates were observed for different ML or substrate concentrations. From the P removal batch tests results it seems that the biological phosphorus removal population (PAO) consists of 2 different sets of organisms denitrifying PAO and aerobic PAO.
Interleukin-6 Receptor Gene Variations, Plasma Interleukin-6 Levels, and Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Women
Authors: Qi Lu , Rifai Nader , Hu Frank B.
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE— To examine the associations between common variations in the IL6R gene and circulating interleukin (IL)-6 levels and diabetes risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We determined 10 linkage disequilibrium (LD)-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (SNP1 to SNP10) for the IL6R gene in a nested case-control study of 672 diabetic and 1,058 healthy European Caucasian women (IL-6 levels were measured in a subgroup of 1,348 women).

RESULTS— In both control and diabetic patients, polymorphisms within an LD block spanning ∼42 kb were significantly associated with plasma IL-6 levels. A missense variant SNP7 in exon 9 (rs8192284, Asp358Ala) showed the strongest association (P = 0.0005 in control and P = 0.004 in case subjects). The corresponding false-discovery rates, which accounts for multiple testing, were 0.008 and 0.02, respectively. We inferred five common haplotypes to capture 94% allele variance of the LD block using SNP5, -7, -8, -9, and -10. Compared with the most common haplotype 12111 (one codes the common and two codes the minor alleles), haplotypes 11211 [difference in log(IL-6) = −0.11 (95% CI −0.23 to −0.01); P = 0.01] and 21122 (−0.15 [−0.27 to −0.03]; P = 0.01) were associated with significantly lower IL-6 levels (global test, P = 0.01). However, IL6R genotypes were not significantly associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS— IL6R genetic variations, especially SNP7 (rs8192284, Asp358Ala), were significantly associated with plasma IL-6 levels but not with diabetes risk in women. The strong associations between IL6R genetic variability and IL-6 concentrations deserve further investigation.
Subclinical Neuropathy Among Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Participants Without Diagnosable Neuropathy at Trial Completion
Authors: Albers James W. , Herman William H. , Pop-Busui Rodica , Martin Catherine L. , Cleary Patricia , Waberski Barbara ,   for the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complications (EDIC) Research Group
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—We sought to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical neuropathy in intensive and conventional treatment groups at completion of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We assessed neuropathy using nerve conduction results obtained at DCCT completion after stratifying the DCCT cohort to exclude subjects with progressively less severe degrees of diagnosable neuropathy. We began with those who had confirmed clinical neuropathy (the primary DCCT end point) and eventually excluded all subjects with any clinical or electrodiagnostic evidence of neuropathy.

RESULTS—After excluding subjects with confirmed clinical neuropathy at DCCT completion, 8 of 10 nerve conduction measures (including all lower-extremity measures) were significantly improved in the intensive treatment group (O'Brien rank-sum test across all nerve conduction measures, P < 0.0001). Conduction velocity group differences were substantial, and the peroneal conduction velocity averaged 3.1 m/s faster in the intensive compared with the conventional treatment group (45.1 vs. 42.0 m/s, P < 0.0001). Numerous significant differences in median and peroneal motor conduction velocities favoring the intensive treatment group persisted, regardless of the exclusion criteria applied.

CONCLUSIONS—Intensive and conventional treatment group subjects without diagnosable neuropathy at DCCT completion had significant differences in electrophysiologic measurements favoring the intensive treatment group. Differences in subsequent incident neuropathy between the original treatment groups may reflect, in part, their levels of subclinical neuropathy at DCCT completion, rather than persistent metabolic effects.
Reproductive efficiency of Flatrace and National Hunt Thoroughbred mares and stallions in England
Authors: ALLEN W. R. , BROWN L. , WRIGHT M. , WILSHER S.
Published: September 2007

Reasons for performing study: Previous surveys of reproductive efficiency in British Thoroughbreds included only mares and stallions standing on studfarms in and around Newmarket. The present study was widened to compare Flatrace (FR) (Group A) and National Hunt (NH) (Group B) mares and stallions on studfarms throughout England.

Objectives: To assess the influences of mare type, status and age, and veterinary manipulations on reproductive efficiency parameters. To compare the inherent fertility of stallions, based on singleton and twin pregnancy rates and pregnancy loss rates, in Groups A and B Thoroughbred breeding stock.

Methods: Managers of 24 FR and 9 NH public studfarms were asked to complete a questionnaire for each mated oestrous cycle shown by 2321 Group A and 1052 Group B mares throughout the 2002 mating season. Parameters such as per cycle singleton and twin pregnancy rates, and pregnancy loss rates were noted, and the success of hormone treatments to induce oestrus and ovulation assessed. The number of matings per oestrus and per pregnancy were recorded, together with the incidence and effectiveness of uterine and other veterinary treatments. The inherent fertility of 84 Group A and 43 Group B stallions in the study, as measured by the singleton and twin early pregnancy rates and the pregnancy loss rates recorded in the mares they mated, was also estimated.

Results: Per cycle early pregnancy (Days 13–16) was 63.2% for Group A and 65.3% for Group B mares; and 10.3% and 13.1%, respectively, of those pregnancies were twins or triplets. Early, middle and late pregnancy loss rates were 7.2% vs. 8.0% (Days 15–42), 3.6% vs. 6.1% (Days 42–1st October) and 2.7% vs. 2.1% (October‐foaling), respectively. Matings per oestrus and per early pregnancy were significantly higher in Group B vs. Group A mares. For stallions that mated ≥30 mares, overall early pregnancy rates per cycle in mares mated ranged from 30–89% across the 2 groups.

Conclusions: No major differences in reproductive efficiency were identified between FR and NH mares and stallions. Increasing mare age was the single biggest limiting factor to an otherwise high rate of fertility in well‐managed English Thoroughbreds.

Potential relevance: This study identified factors that influence reproductive efficiency in the Thoroughbred.
Equine influenza vaccine containing older H3N8 strains offers protection against A/eq/South Africa/4/03 (H3N8) strain in a short‐term vaccine efficacy study
Authors: DALY J. M. , SINDLE T. , TEARLE J. , BARQUERO N. , NEWTON J. R. , CORNING S.
Published: September 2007

Reasons for performing study: Surveillance of equine influenza viruses has suggested that strains included in currently licensed vaccines are a poor match for those predominantly circulating in the field.

Objective: To assess the ability of Duvaxyn IE‐T Plus to provide cross protection against the newly evolved South Africa/4/03 (H3N8) strain of equine influenza virus.

Methods: The vaccine efficacy was evaluated by challenge infection with influenza strain A/eq/South Africa/4/03 (H3N8) 2 weeks after a primary course of 2 vaccinations with Duvaxyn IE‐T Plus given at a 4‐week interval. The outcome of challenge in vaccinated ponies was compared with that in unvaccinated animals.

Results: At the time of challenge, all vaccinated ponies had high levels of antibody to Newmarket/1/93, Newmarket/2/93 and South Africa/4/03 strains measured by single radial haemolysis. After challenge infection, there were statistically significantly decreased clinical scores and virus shedding was significantly lower in the vaccinated ponies compared to unvaccinated controls.

Conclusion: Two doses of Duvaxyn IE‐T Plus provides good clinical and virological protection against challenge with a variant virus 2 weeks after the 2 doses of vaccine.

Potential relevance: When variant strains of equine influenza virus first emerge, booster immunisations with currently available vaccines may limit infection provided sufficiently high antibody levels are achieved, suggesting that vaccination in the face of an outbreak may be beneficial.
Risk factors for Thoroughbred racehorse fatality in jump starts in Victoria, Australia (1989–2004)
Authors: BODEN L. A. , ANDERSON G. A. , CHARLES J. A. , MORGAN K. L. , MORTON J. M. , PARKIN T. D. H. , CLARKE A. F. , SLOCOMBE R. F.
Published: September 2007

Reasons for performing study: The risk of fatality is greater in jump than in flat racing in Victoria, Australia. This is the first study to identify risk factors specific to jump starts in Victoria.

Objective: To identify risk factors for fatality of Thoroughbred racehorses in jump starts on all racecourses in Victoria, Australia between 1989 and 2004.

Methods: Fatalities comprised all horses that died during or immediately after a jump (hurdle or steeplechase) race or official jump trial and all horses that were subjected to euthanasia within 24 h of an event in which an injury was sustained. The retrospective study involved 191 case starts and 2324 control starts. Univariable and multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for fatality at any one start. A multiple level model was used with racecourse included as a random effect.

Results: In the final multivariable model, the duration of the racing career of the horse, the number of flat, hurdle and steeple starts accumulated in the 60 days prior to the case or control start, the number of flat and jump starts accumulated over the racing career, if the horse had had a start between 1 and 14 days prior to the case or control start, the type of jump race (hurdle or steeple), the calendar year of the start and the location of the racecourse were associated with fatality.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to investigate further the differences between hurdle and steeplechase events and the adverse effect of prolonged prior flat racing careers on the risk of fatality in jump starts.

Potential relevance: This is the first study to examine risk factors for fatality in jump starts in Victoria. The results should shape the development of interventions to reduce the risk in jump starts in the future.
Rhodococcus equiinfection in foals: the science of ‘rattles’
Authors: MUSCATELLO G. , LEADON D. P. , KLAY M. , OCAMPO‐SOSA A. , LEWIS D. A. , FOGARTY U. , BUCKLEY T. , GILKERSON J. R. , MEIJER W. G. , VAZQUEZ‐BOLAND J. A.
Published: September 2007

Infection withRhodococcus (Corynebacterium) equiis a well‐recognised condition in foals that represents a consistent and serious risk worldwide. The condition manifests itself primarily as one of pulmonary abscessation and bronchitis, hence the terminology of ‘rattles’ derived from its most obvious clinical sign, frequently terminal when first identified.

This review addresses the clinical manifestation, bacteriology and pathogenesis of the condition together with recent developments providing knowledge of the organism in terms of virulence, epidemiology, transmission and immune responses.

Enhanced understanding ofR. equivirulence mechanisms and biology derived from the recently available genome sequence may facilitate the rational development of a vaccine and the improvement of farm management practices used to controlR. equion stud farms in the future. Reliance on vaccines alone, in the absence of management strategies to control the on‐farm challenge is likely to be disappointing.
Using the Kernel Method of Test Equating for Estimating the Standard Errors of Population Invariance Measures
Authors: Moses Tim
Published: September 2007

Equating functions are supposed to be population invariant, meaning that the choice of subpopulation used to compute the equating function should not matter. The extent to which equating functions are population invariant is typically assessed in terms of practical difference criteria that do not account for equating functions’ sampling variability. This article shows how to extend the framework of kernel equating so that the standard errors of the root mean square difference (RMSD) and of the difference between two subpopulations’ equated scores can be estimated. An investigation of population invariance for the equivalent groups design is discussed. The accuracies of the derived standard errors are evaluated with respect to empirical standard errors. This evaluation shows that the accuracy of the standard error estimates for the equated score differences is better than for the RMSD and that accuracy for both standard error estimates is best when sample sizes are large.
Bias Mechanisms in Intention-to-Treat Analysis With Data Subject to Treatment Noncompliance and Missing Outcomes
Authors: Jo Booil
Published: September 2007

An analytical approach was employed to compare sensitivity of causal effect estimates with different assumptions on treatment noncompliance and non-response behaviors. The core of this approach is to fully clarify bias mechanisms of considered models and to connect these models based on common parameters. Focusing on intention-to-treat analysis, systematic model comparisons are performed on the basis of explicit bias mechanisms and connectivity between models. The method is applied to the Johns Hopkins school intervention trial, where assessment of the intention-to-treat effect on school children’s mental health is likely to be affected by assumptions about intervention noncompliance and nonresponse at follow-up assessments. The example calls attention to the importance of focusing on each case in investigating relative sensitivity of causal effect estimates with different identifying assumptions, instead of pursuing a general conclusion that applies to every occasion.
Analysis of X-ray extinction due to homogeneously distributed dislocations – Bragg case
Authors: Masimov Magsud
Published: September 2007

Different phenomenological approximations for the analysis of the primary X-ray extinction due to homogeneously and randomly distributed dislocations have been discussed. It has been shown that the primary extinction coefficient calculated according to the models proposed by Ivanov et al. and Olekhnovich is in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data for silicon single crystals with a dislocation density of up to 106 cm−2, in which no correlation between dislocations exists. The model of randomly distributed dislocations proposed by Molodkin was also analysed and improved.
Integrated Assessment of the Dynamics, Stability and Resilience of the Inner Mongolian Grazing Ecosystems
Authors: Christensen Lindsey , Burnsilver Shauna , Coughenour Michael
Published: September 2007

This paper presents results from an ecological assessment of land use and climate change in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Using a combination of fieldwork, rangeland monitoring, and simulation analyses, this study tackles the socio-economic issues faced by pastoralists in this region, focusing on linkages between climate, land use and human welfare. Employing a systems approach, we use the SAVANNA ecosystem simulation model to examine the long-term effects of anthropogenic pressures on the biophysical system. Our model demonstrates that in order to maintain grassland sustainability, climate variations must be considered by land managers making decisions on grazing. Our model indicates that traditional ways of nomadic herding, where nomads were able to move their herds in response to changing distributions of available forage, would be more adaptive in spatially and temporally variable climate and foraging conditions. In contrast, increased sedentarisation and restrictions on grazing movements imposed by political boundaries or fenced croplands may endanger sustainability by reducing options for adaptive grazing tactics. We suggest that new grazing systems must be developed to mitigate these changes in land use and land tenure.