bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Science in the Global Governance of Desertification
Authors: Bauer Steffen , Stringer Lindsay C.
Published: July 2009

The problem of desertification sits at the interface of environmental and developmental concerns. In this article, we examine the institutional relationship between desertification science and policy through focus on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and its subsidiary body, the Committee on Science and Technology. We argue that the UNCCD’s limited impact on fighting desertification to date may be partly attributed—among other factors—to an inadequate institutional interface between the political convention process and the scientific community. A huge body of international scientific expertise could help to further operationalize the normative provisions of the convention for on-the-ground implementation; yet the institutional architecture for ideational interplay between the UNCCD and scientific community concerned with desertification restricts the extent to which this potential is harnessed. Decisions adopted at the most recent Conference of the Parties of the UNCCD in 2007 seek to rectify this, and although these mark an important step forward, it remains doubtful whether they are sufficient to curb the root causes of the convention’s underlying problems.
Dose-Related Shortening of Ventricular Tachycardia Cycle Length After Administration of the KATP Channel Opener Bimakalim in a 4-Day-Old Chronic Infarct Anesthetized Pig Model
Authors: Aidonidis Isaac , Poyatzi Aphrodite , Stamatiou Georgia , Lymberi Maria , Stamatoyannis Nikolaos , Molyvdas Paschalis-Adam
Published: July 2009

Potassium channel openers are known to act on potassium ATP-dependent channels in cardiac tissue. Such agents may exacerbate acceleration of acute ischemia-induced ventricular repolarization and aggravate arrhythmias. To test whether activation of KATPchannels during the healing period of myocardial infarction (MI) can still influence the electrophysiologic properties and the type of inducible arrhythmias, we investigated the effects of bimakalim (BIM) on sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) 4 days after ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in pigs. Programmed stimulation was performed to elicit VT prior to and after intravenous (IV) BIM. Combination monophasic action potential (MAP)/PACING catheters were used to enable simultaneous ventricular MAP recording and pacing. Ventricular effective refractory period (ERP) and MAP duration determined at 50% and 90% repolarization were measured prior to and after BIM. After completion of baseline measurements, BIM was consecutively given at 0.5, 1, and 3 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg per minute maintenance infusion, respectively. From a total of 23 pigs subjected to LAD ligation, 4 animals succumbed to infarction and the remaining 19 animals were studied by programmed stimulation. Only animals that exhibited reproducible and hemodynamically stable monomorphic VTs during control stimulation were selected for evaluation (n = 14). After the first, second, and third dose of BIM, the mean VT rate was increased by 6%, 14% (P <. 01), and 47% (P < .001) compared to control values, respectively. Ventricular ERP and repolarization were significantly shortened only by the second and third dose of BIM. Of 14 pigs receiving the highest BIM dosage, 3 revealed polymorphic VTs degenerating into ventricular fibrillation (VF). Our data suggest that high BIM doses may lead to faster and more aggressive pacing-induced reentrant VTs after subacute MI. This is consistent with the drug-induced acceleration of ventricular repolarization with shortening of MAP duration and refractoriness.
Dirigism and Déjà Vu Logic
Authors: Weiner Elaine
Published: July 2009

This article examines the transference of the European Union's equal opportunity directives to the new post-socialist accessor states, most especially to Bulgaria and Romania. Drawing upon 13 interviews in Bulgaria and 12 in Romania with local institutional stakeholders — e.g. trade union deputies, ministry officials — the article shows how politico-ideological differences have bred very different gender sensibilities across Europe, East and West. It further reveals how these disparities have been downplayed, if not wholly ignored in the EU's extension eastward. The study concludes that continued disregard of the historical and cultural specificities of power relations between men and women in the formerly socialist, new EU member states threatens the efficacy of the EU's `gender equality agenda' and more generally, the integrity of the EU as a self-purported democratic body.
Four-corner bone arthrodesis with dorsal rectangular plate: series and personal technique
Authors: ESPINOZA D. P. , SCHERTENLEIB P.
Published: July 2009

Controversy exists about the best method to achieve bone fusion in four-corner arthrodesis. Thirty-five patients who underwent this procedure by our technique were included in the study. Surgical indications were stage II–III SLAC wrist, stage II SNAC wrist and severe traumatic midcarpal joint injury. Mean follow-up was 4.6 years. Mean active flexion and extension were 34° and 30° respectively; grip strength recovery was 79%. Radiological consolidation was achieved in all cases. The mean DASH score was 23 and the postoperative pain improvement by visual analogue scale was statistically significant. Return to work was possible at 4 months for the average patient. Complications were a capitate fracture in one patient and the need for hardware removal in four cases. Four-corner bone wrist arthrodesis by dorsal rectangular plating achieves an acceptable preservation of range of motion with good pain relief, an excellent consolidation rate and minimal complications.
Interleukin (IL)-10 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-6 production via inhibition of IκB-ζ activity by Bcl-3
Authors: Dagvadorj Jargalsaikhan , Naiki Yoshikazu , Tumurkhuu Gantsetseg , Abu Shadat Mohammod Noman  , Iftekar-E-Khuda Imtiaz , Koide Naoki , Komatsu Takayuki , Yoshida Tomoaki , Yokochi Takashi
Published: July 2009

The inhibitory effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-6 production was characterized by simultaneous stimulation of RAW 264.7 cells with LPS and IL-10. The presence of IL-10 significantly inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 production at a transcriptional level. The expression of IκB-ζ, which promotes IL-6 production, was induced in response to LPS and it was definitely suppressed in the presence of IL-10. Further, IL-10 inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation. A pharmacological inhibitor of NF-κB prevented LPS-induced IκB-ζ expression, suggesting that IL-10 might inhibit LPS-induced IκB-ζ expression via the inactivation of NF-κB. In LPS- and IL-10-stimulated cells, the expression of Bcl-3 that inhibits NF-κB activation was significantly augmented. Introduction of Bcl-3 siRNA abolished IL-10-mediated IκB-ζ inhibition. In the presence of Bcl-3, siRNA IL-10 failed to inhibit LPS-induced IL-6 production. Therefore, it was suggested that Bcl-3 induced by IL-10 might reduce LPS-induced IκB-ζ activity via inactivation of NF-κB and that reduced IκB-ζ activity failed to promote LPS-induced IL-6 production.
Inhibitory role of cholinergic system mediated via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in LPS-induced neuro-inflammation
Authors: Tyagi Ethika , Agrawal Rahul , Nath Chandishwar , Shukla Rakesh
Published: July 2009

This study investigated the influence of the cholinergic system on neuro-inflammation using nicotinic and muscarinic receptor agonists and antagonists. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50 µg) was used to induce neuro-inflammation in rats and estimations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) mRNA expression were done in striatum, cerebral cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus at 24 h after LPS injection. Nicotine (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) or oxotremorine (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 2 h prior to sacrifice. We found that only nicotine was able to block the proinflammatory cytokines induced by LPS whereas, oxotremorine was found ineffective. Methyllycaconitine (MLA; 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.), an α7 nAChR antagonist or dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE; 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.), an α4β2 nAChR antagonist, was given 20 min prior to nicotine in LPS-treated rats. Methyllycaconitine antagonized the anti-inflammatory effect of nicotine whereas DHβE showed no effect demonstrating that α7 nAChR is responsible for attenuation of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study suggests that the inhibitory role of the central cholinergic system on neuro-inflammation is mediated via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and muscarinic receptors are not involved.
Endotoxin-induced translocation of interleukin-6 from lungs to the systemic circulation
Authors: Tamagawa Eiji , Suda Koichi , Yuan Wei  , Li Xing  , Mui Tammy , Yuexin Li  , van Eeden Stephan F. , Man S.F. Paul , Sin Don D.
Published: July 2009

It is widely postulated that systemic inflammation related to lung infections is largely caused by cytokine translocation from the lungs into the systemic circulation but there is a paucity of animal models to evaluate this hypothesis. In this proof-of-concept study, we developed a murine model to determine whether interleukin (IL)-6, a primary inflammatory cytokine, translocates following airway exposure to endotoxin. We collected central venous blood from the right atrium and arterial blood from the aorta simultaneously at 4 h and 24 h following intratracheal exposure to endotoxin (25 mg) and measured IL-6 in the serum and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (n = 33 mice). We repeated the experiment following 3 d of treatment with dexamethasone (n = 31 mice). Without stimulation, there was no significant arteriovenous gradient (3 pg/ml with interquartile range [IQR] of 3—5 pg/ml in arterial versus 18 pg/ml with IQR of 8—24 pg/ml in venous serum; P = 0.86). A significant arteriovenous difference was observed by 4 h post-exposure to endotoxin (2813 pg/ml with IQR of 1578—4316 pg/ml in arterial versus 1282 pg/ml with IQR of 778—2699 pg/ml in venous serum; P50.0001). The rise in the BAL IL-6 levels correlated with the increases in the arterial serum levels (P50.0001). Administration of intraperitoneal dexamethasone for 3 d attenuated the increased arteriovenous gradient. This murine model facilitates the estimation of cytokine translocation across the lungs and evaluation of compounds to modulate this gradient.
Production of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid using two sequential enzymes overexpressed as double-tagged fusion proteins
Authors: Wang Tzu-Hsien , Chen Ying-Yin , Pan Hsin-Hung , Wang Feng-Pao , Cheng Chung-Hsien , Lee Wen-Chien
Published: July 2009

Background

Two sequential enzymes in the production of sialic acids, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 2-epimerase (GlcNAc 2-epimerase) and N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid aldolase (Neu5Ac aldolase), were overexpressed as double-tagged gene fusions. Both were tagged with glutathione S-transferase (GST) at the N-terminus, but at the C-terminus, one was tagged with five contiguous aspartate residues (5D), and the other with five contiguous arginine residues (5R).

Results

Both fusion proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and retained enzymatic activity. The fusions were designed so their surfaces were charged under enzyme reaction conditions, which allowed isolation and immobilization in a single step, through a simple capture with either an anionic or a cationic exchanger (Sepharose Q or Sepharose SP) that electrostatically bound the 5D or 5R tag. The introduction of double tags only marginally altered the affinity of the enzymes for their substrates, and the double-tagged proteins were enzymatically active in both soluble and immobilized forms. Combined use of the fusion proteins led to the production of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) from N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc).

Conclusion

Double-tagged gene fusions were overexpressed to yield two enzymes that perform sequential steps in sialic acid synthesis. The proteins were easily immobilized via ionic tags onto ionic exchange resins and could thus be purified by direct capture from crude protein extracts. The immobilized, double-tagged proteins were effective for one-pot enzymatic production of sialic acid.
Functional annotations of diabetes nephropathy susceptibility loci through analysis of genome-wide renal gene expression in rat models of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hu Yaomin , Kaisaki Pamela J , Argoud Karène , Wilder Steven P , Wallace Karin J , Woon Peng Y , Blancher Christine , Tarnow Lise , Groop Per-Henrik , Hadjadj Samy , Marre Michel , Parving Hans-Henrik , Farrall Martin , Cox Roger D , Lathrop Mark , Vionnet Nathalie , Bihoreau Marie-Thérèse , Gauguier Dominique
Published: July 2009

Background

Hyperglycaemia in diabetes mellitus (DM) alters gene expression regulation in various organs and contributes to long term vascular and renal complications. We aimed to generate novel renal genome-wide gene transcription data in rat models of diabetes in order to test the responsiveness to hyperglycaemia and renal structural changes of positional candidate genes at selected diabetic nephropathy (DN) susceptibility loci.

Methods

Both Affymetrix and Illumina technologies were used to identify significant quantitative changes in the abundance of over 15,000 transcripts in kidney of models of spontaneous (genetically determined) mild hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance (Goto-Kakizaki-GK) and experimentally induced severe hyperglycaemia (Wistar-Kyoto-WKY rats injected with streptozotocin [STZ]).

Results

Different patterns of transcription regulation in the two rat models of diabetes likely underlie the roles of genetic variants and hyperglycaemia severity. The impact of prolonged hyperglycaemia on gene expression changes was more profound in STZ-WKY rats than in GK rats and involved largely different sets of genes. These included genes already tested in genetic studies of DN and a large number of protein coding sequences of unknown function which can be considered as functional and, when they map to DN loci, positional candidates for DN. Further expression analysis of rat orthologs of human DN positional candidate genes provided functional annotations of known and novel genes that are responsive to hyperglycaemia and may contribute to renal functional and/or structural alterations.

Conclusion

Combining transcriptomics in animal models and comparative genomics provides important information to improve functional annotations of disease susceptibility loci in humans and experimental support for testing candidate genes in human genetics.
The role of VEGF-C/D and Flt-4 in the lymphatic metastasis of early-stage invasive cervical carcinoma
Authors: Yu Hao , Zhang Shiqian , Zhang Renhua , Zhang Linlin
Published: July 2009

Background

To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)-C/D and their receptor Flt-4 in the lymphatic metastasis of early-stage invasive cervical carcinoma.

Methods

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with the antibodies against VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and Flt-4 was used to examine the expression of them in 97 cases of early-stage cervical carcinoma (Ia-IIa). Meanwhile, the lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was measured using the antibody against lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1). We then analyzed the correlation between Flt-4-positive vessel density (FVD), LVD and clinicopathological features of the tumors.

Results

(1) The positive rates of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and Flt-4 were 57.7%, 60.8%, and 52.6% in the cervical tumor samples, respectively. (2) The expression levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and Flt-4 were significantly correlated with lymphatic metastasis and lymphatic vessel invasion. LVD was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and lymphatic vessel invasion. On the other hand, FVD was strongly associated with clinical staging. (3) The expression levels of VEGF-C and VEGF-D were significantly correlated with LVD and FVD, while Flt-4 levels showed no correlation with LVD or FVD.

Conclusion

VEGF-C/D and Flt-4 may play an important role in the process of lymphatic metastasis of early-stage invasive cervical carcinoma through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms.
Der Wechsel zu einer neuen grand strategy unter Augustus und seine langfristigen FolgenThe new concept of grand strategy under Augustus and its longterm effects
Authors: Eich Armin
Published: July 2009

Das Luttwaksche Konzept der grand strategy, das die Anordnung der militärischen, fiskalischen, infrastrukturellen und anderer Machtmittel einer Großmacht in einer Aktionseinheit bezeichnet, ist ein sinnvolles Interpretationsmittel, um die fundamentalstrategische Neuausrichtung des Imperium Romanum unter Augustus zu beschreiben. Nach der augusteischen Entscheidung für eine ständig unter Waffen stehende Berufsarmee mußte diese Armee selbst für die Mittel sorgen, die ihre Existenz ermöglichten. Zu ihren Aufgaben innerhalb der augusteischen grand strategy rechnete daher die permanente Führung fiskalischer Erfassungskriege, in deren Zuge unter anderem territoriale Lücken (beispielsweise Nordwestspanien, Pisidien) geschlossen und die fiskalischen Potentiale der eroberten Gebiete (demographische und territoriale Civitasgrößen, Bodenschätze u. a.) systematisch und zentral erfaßt wurden. In einer Art zweiten Eroberung wurde das Prinzip der fiskalischen und militärpolizeilichen Durchdringung einerseits auf das gesamte bestehende Imperium angewandt und zweitens in großen Expansionsbewegungen (Illyricum, Mitteleuropa) über die Grenzen hinausgetragen. In Mitteleuropa kann die Praxis des fiskalischen Durchdringungskrieges auf einer tabula rasa beobachtet werden. Mit dem Scheitern des Zugriffs auf die Germania libera (und anderer Expansionspläne) wurde eine Balance zwischen den langfristigen Heereskosten und der territorialen Einnahmebasis dauerhaft verfehlt. Das chronisch unterfinanzierte Imperium versuchte in den kommenden Jahrhunderten wiederholt, die Vorentscheidung von 6/9 n. Chr. Gewaltsam zu revidieren. Da entscheidende Erfolge ausblieben, lief die Uhr des Imperiums langsam aber sicher ab. Die Abwärtsentwicklung wird im zweiten Teil des Aufsatzes skizziert.
Bürokratische Funktionseliten und politische Integration im Deutschen Zollverein (18341871)Bureaucratic functional elites and political integration within the German Customs Union (1834-1871)
Authors: Kreutzmann Marko
Published: July 2009

Die Gründung des Deutschen Zollvereins im Jahr 1834 setzte zwischen den beteiligten Staaten neben den wirtschaftlichen auch politische Integrationsprozesse in Gang. Eine entscheidende Rolle spielte dabei die wachsende bürokratische Verflechtung. Die für den Zollverein tätigen höheren Beamten konstituierten sich durch ihre gemeinsame Arbeit zu einer überstaatlichen, an den übergeordneten Interessen des Zollvereins orientierten Funktionselite. Obwohl die höheren Zollvereinsbeamten eine eher lose vernetzte Gruppierung ohne gemeinsames Programm oder eine koordinierte Handlungsstrategie blieben, entwickelten sie eine zunehmend auf den Zollverein bezogene Handlungslogik. Dabei emanzipierten sie sich von der bloßen Vertretung einzelstaatlicher Interessen. Dies galt sowohl in den kleineren und mittleren Zollvereinsstaaten als auch in Preußen, das aufgrund wechselnder Machtverhältnisse in leitenden Regierungspositionen keineswegs eine kontinuierliche Zollvereinspolitik betrieb. Demgegenüber erwies sich das Eigengewicht der über ein spezifisches Fachwissen verfügenden Beamtenschaft ähnlich wie auf der europäischen Ebene im 20. Jahrhundert als wichtiger Faktor der überstaatlichen Integration. Der fachliche Wissensvorsprung der höheren Zollvereinsbeamten ließ nur begrenzte personalpolitische Eingriffe der Regierungen zu. Zur Identifikation der Beamten mit der neuen Institution trugen vermutlich auch die hier gebotenen beruflichen Aufstiegschancen bei. Die höheren Zollvereinsbeamten traten dabei oft nicht nur für die Modernisierung von Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft ein, sondern sympathisierten auch mit dem politischen Liberalismus. Die bürokratische Integration im Zollverein begünstigte also keineswegs einseitig die obrigkeitsstaatlich geprägte, politische Partizipationsansprüche zurückdrängende Reichsgründung von 1871. Vielmehr konnten die höheren Zollvereinsbeamten ihre meist an den Forderungen des liberalen Bürgertums orientierten Konzepte in den Prozeß der Nationsbildung einbringen.
Structure determination without Fourier inversion. Part IV: Using quasi-normalized data
Authors: Kirfel Armin , Fischer Karl F.
Published: July 2009

For a centric crystal structure represented by m equal point scatterers at rest, absolute scaling of a small number n of reflection data reduced to relative geometrical structure amplitudes g′(
h
) = K · |∑ cos (2πi

hr

j
)|, j = 1, …, m; K = scaling factor) is obtained by dividing each amplitude through the r.m.s. average of the amplitudes to be considered. For the same batch of reflections, the resulting values e(
h
, n) are proportional to the well known normalized structure amplitudes |E(
h
)| in Direct Methods. Choosing a set of n harmonic reflections of a central reciprocal lattice row, the e(
h
, n) serve to determine the m independent coordinates of the point scatterers projected onto the corresponding direct space direction, e.g. h00-reflections for coordinates xj
, hh0-reflections for (x + y)j (j = 1, …, m), etc.

This is achieved by applying the concept of an m-dimensional parameter space P

m
with asymmetric part A

m
containing (m – 1)-dimensional iso-surfaces E(
h
, n; e) determined by the values e(
h
, n), which define boundaries between forbidden and permitted solution regions (the latter containing test structure vectors
Xt
) based on observed inequalities, e.g. e(
h
, n) < e(
k
, n). Due to the spatial resolution potential of the concept even less than m data suffice to yield in A

m
tractable amounts of such test structure vectors ready for conventional least-squares refinement based on n > m data in order to obtain the “best” solution of the considered one-dimensional structure projection. The refined coordinates of various different projections can then be combined for reconstructing the three-dimensional structure. Properties of the e(
h
, n) and their iso-surfaces E(
h
, n; e) are discussed and determinations of two very small structures (centric and acentric) as well as of a centric 15-atom structure are presented as examples for the applicability of the method.
Structure and properties of Eu2Pt3Sn5
Authors: Harmening Thomas , Hermes Wilfried , Eul Matthias , Schappacher Falko M. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: July 2009

The new stannide Eu2Pt3Sn5 was synthesized by induction melting of the elements in a sealed tantalum tube in a water-cooled silica sample chamber. The structure was refined on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: Y2Rh3Sn5 type, Cmc21, a = 453.30(9), b = 2662.9(8), c = 731.8(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0472, 1493 F
2 values and 62 variables). The platinum and tin atoms build up a complex three-dimensional [Pt3Sn5] network with a broad range of Pt—Sn (264–293 pm) and Sn—Sn (308–373 pm) distances. The two crystallographically independent europium sites occupy large voids of coordination numbers 20 (Eu1) and 18 (Eu2) within the [Pt3Sn5] network. Eu2Pt3Sn5 shows Curie-Weiss behaviour in the temperature range 50–305 K with an experimental magnetic moment of 7.82(1) μ

B
per Eu atom indicating purely divalent europium. C

p
measurements show a broad anomaly with two maxima at 4.9(2) and 6.1(2) K. 151Eu Mössbauer spectra revealed both crystallographically independent europium sites to be divalent. At 4.2 K two rather different sizes of magnetic hyperfine field splittings are observed due to separate ordering of the two sites. The 119Sn Mössbauer spectrum shows complex superposition of the five signals in the paramagnetic range.
Produção, quantidade e concentração de macronutrientes do material morto de capim-mombaça, fertilizado com fontes de fósforo
Authors: Rodrigues A.M. , Cecato U. , Damasceno J. , Galbeiro S. , Gomes J.A.N. , Avanzzi L.
Published: July 2009

Avaliou-se o efeito da fonte de fósforo usado como fertilizante do capim-mombaça (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça) sob pastejo, sobre a produção de material morto, material senescente e liteira, e sobre a concentração e a quantidade de minerais (N, P, K, Ca e Mg) no material morto. No experimento, realizado no período de dezembro/2003 a abril/2004, utilizaram-se os tratamentos: testemunha (sem aplicação de fósforo), superfosfato simples+superfosfato triplo e Yoorin, os últimos usados como fonte de fósforo. O manejo do pasto foi realizado com novilhos em pastejo contínuo e cargas variáveis. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos completos ao acaso, com três repetições. A produção de material morto, senescente, liteira e a percentagem de material morto não foram diferentes segundo a fonte de fósforo. A produção de material morto variou de 4.521 a 5.097kg ha-1. A concentração e a quantidade de N, K, Ca e Mg no material morto foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos, a quantidade e a concentração de P foram diferentes segundo a fonte de fósforo, variando de 2,16 a 5,04kg ha-1 e 0,52 a 1,01gk g-1, respectivamente. O uso das fontes de fósforos não afetou a produção de massa seca de liteira, material senescente, material morto e a concentração e quantidade de minerais do material morto.
Effects of crossbreeding on carcass and meat quality of Mexican lambs
Authors: Hernández-Cruz L. , Ramírez-Bribiesca J.E. , Guerrero-Legarreta M.I. , Hernández-Mendo O. , Crosby-Galvan M.M. , Hernández-Calva L.M.
Published: July 2009

Twenty hair (Pelibuey x Katadin x BlackBelly) and 20 wool (Rambouillet x Criollo) lambs were fattened in an intensive feeding system to reach 40kg body weight at ten months of age. The yield of lamb sides and back fat (51.9%, 2.5mm vs. 47.0%, 2.3mm) were greater in wool lambs. Meat pH was not different between phenotypes but meat temperature was higher during the first hours postmortem in wool lamb sides (27, 23, and 20, vs. 24, 20, and 17ºC). Protein content in meat from the neck (braquicephalic and esternocephalic muscles) and loin (Longissimus lumborum muscle) were higher in hair lambs (21.1 and 20.4 vs. 19.7 and 19.3 %), while moisture of the same muscles was higher in wool lambs (75.6 and 75.9 vs. 73.6 and 74.3%). Ash content was similar in both phenotypes, but palmitoleic acid was greater in hair lambs (2.9 and 2.7 vs. 2.7 and 2.5%). In fresh meat, pH, meat toughness, and water activity (Wa) of loin did not differ; but water holding capacity (WHC) was higher in hair lambs, and the same response was observed for cooked meat toughness from the neck, and in raw and cooked meat from loin. There were differences in the colour of meat from the neck, having values for L*, b* and tonalities greater in wool lambs, and a* greater for hair lambs. Sensorial parameters were similar in both phenotypes.
Uma revisão da distribuição de Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello na região sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Arzolla Frederico Alexandre Roccia Dal Pozzo , Baitello João Batista , Shepherd George John , Paula Gláucia Cortez Ramos de , Bertoncello Ricardo
Published: July 2009

Este trabalho apresenta uma revisão da distribuição de Ocotea curucutuensis J.B. Baitello, na Região Sudeste do Brasil, ampliando substancialmente a extensão conhecida da sua ocorrência. Pela semelhança com Ocotea spixiana (Nees) Mez, essa espécie permaneceu confundida com esta e desconhecida por mais de cem anos, desde a primeira coleta por A. F. M. Glaziou, em 1888. Com base em novos registros para a Serra do Mar e para a Serra da Mantiqueira, sua distribuição foi revisada e ampliada. O. curucutuensis apresenta uma ampla distribuição nas florestas das partes altas da Serra do Mar e da Serra da Mantiqueira, nos Estados de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro, no sudeste do Brasil, enquanto O. spixiana possui uma distribuição mais ao norte do País.
The small mammals of the highly impacted North-eastern Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Pernambuco Endemism Center
Authors: Asfora Paulo Henrique , Pontes Antonio Rossano Mendes
Published: July 2009

The Atlantic forest of Brazil is nowadays reduced to less than 8% of its total original area and yet many species remain to be described. The Atlantic Forest north to the São Francisco river - The Pernambuco Endemism Center (CEPE) - has less than 2% of its original forest cover and yet the knowledge on small mammals is scarce. Aiming to assess the small mammal community of this region surveys were carried out in 12 forest fragments of different sizes in distinct geographic areas of the CEPE. The capture-mark-recapture technique was used with live-traps set along linear transects. We recorded 15 species, two of which are in the IUCN Red List, but not in the Brazilian List of Threatened Species. The highest richness and abundance indices were recorded in medium-sized fragments and in the rainy season. More marsupial species were recorded compared to rodents. Our results suggest that fragmentation caused the extinction of those most specialized species, currently remaining only those most tolerant to fragmentation and urbanization. It is recommended that urgent measures should be taken to reconnect and restore these fragments to allow recolonization and reestablishment of the gene flow among the populations.
Biologia reprodutiva de Tyrannus savana (Aves, Tyrannidae) em cerrado do Brasil Central
Authors: Marini Miguel Ângelo , Lobo Yonara , Lopes Leonardo Esteves , França Leonardo Fernandes , Paiva Luciana Vieira de
Published: July 2009

A tesourinha Tyrannus savana é um Passeriforme (Tyrannidae) migratório que ocorre no Planalto central entre os meses de agosto e fevereiro. Sua biologia reprodutiva é ainda pouco conhecida e foi abordada pelo presente estudo quanto aos seguintes aspectos: período reprodutivo, tamanho da ninhada, tempo de incubação e de permanência dos ninhegos no ninho, características dos ninhos e ovos, taxa de sucesso dos ninhos e taxa de predação. O estudo foi realizado na Estação Ecológica Águas Emendadas e em fragmentos do entorno, DF, nas estações reprodutivas de 2002 a 2007. Os ninhos (n = 78) foram monitorados em intervalos de 2-4 dias. O período reprodutivo estendeu-se de setembro a dezembro. O período médio de incubação foi de 13,6 ± 0,4 dias (n = 21) (média ± EP), e a permanência dos ninhegos no ninho foi de 15 ± 0,4 dias (n = 27). A maioria dos ninhos (n = 39) foi encontrada em cerrado ralo e em plantas-suporte do gênero Kielmeyera. O tamanho da ninhada variou de 1 a 3 ovos com média de 2,5 ± 0,3 ovos. O comprimento e a largura média dos ovos foram de 22,2 ± 0,2 mm e 15,8 ± 0,1 mm (n = 6), respectivamente, e o peso médio foi de 3,0 ± 0,2 g (n = 5). Trinta ninhos (52,5%) tiveram sucesso, 24 (43,8%) foram predados e apenas dois (3,7%) foram abandonados. O sucesso dos ovos foi de 39,2 ± 1,4%, sendo a taxa de eclosão de 0,6 ± 0,2 filhotes/ovo, a fecundidade de 1,5 ± 0,4 filhotes/fêmea e da produção anual de filhotes de 1,0 ± 0,3 filhotes/ninho. O sucesso dos ninhos (método de Mayfield) foi de 45,9% ± 1,1, não havendo diferença significativa entre a taxa média de sobrevivência diária nas fases de ovo e ninhego. Diversos parâmetros estimados para T. savana revelaram ser diferentes do esperado para um tiranídeo tropical.
Estrutura populacional de Macrobrachium potiuna (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) no Rio do Moinho, Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Mattos Luciana Antunes de , Oshiro Lídia Miyako Yoshii
Published: July 2009

Exemplares de Macrobrachium potiuna (Müller, 1880) foram coletados mensalmente no Rio do Moinho, no período de julho/2001 a junho/2002, com o objetivo de fornecer informações sobre a estrutura populacional dessa espécie. No laboratório os camarões foram separados por sexo, mensurados e classificados de acordo com o estágio de desenvolvimento: maturos, imaturos e sexualmente indiferenciados. Foi capturado um total de 1162 indivíduos, sendo 52% imaturos, 46% maduros e 2,6% sexualmente indiferenciados. Os indivíduos imaturos mostraram correlação positiva com a temperatura da água, ocorrendo com maiores freqüências até 21 °C. O comprimento total variou de 9,5 a 49,1 mm, sendo os machos os maiores indivíduos da população. A distribuição de freqüência de tamanho foi caracterizada por duas modas. A razão sexual observada foi de 1:1. Um maior número de machos foi registrado na primavera e de fêmeas ovígeras na primavera e verão. O recrutamento dos juvenis ocorreu durante o outono, registrando-se um atraso de quatro meses entre o pico de fêmeas ovígeras e a entrada dos recrutas.
Hábitos alimentares de Bryconamericus stramineus Eigenmann, 1908 (Characidae), em diferentes riachos da sub-bacia do Rio Guiraí, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Brandão-Gonçalves Lucas , Lima-Junior Eduardo , Suarez Yzel Rondon
Published: July 2009

Os hábitos alimentares de Bryconamericus stramineus foram estudados em riachos da sub-bacia do rio Guiraí, no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, centro-oeste do Brasil. As amostragens foram realizadas bimestralmente em sete riachos na bacia do rio Guiraí, Alto Rio Paraná, de outubro/2006 a agosto/2007. Foram capturados 960 exemplares. As amostragens foram divididas em estação chuvosa e estação seca. B. stramineus apresentou hábito alimentar insetívoro; a espécie utilizou 17 itens alimentares, sendo que a tática de consumo das presas variou entre as estações a as localidades. Durante a estação chuvosa nos estômagos prevaleceram as Ordens Hymenoptera, Diptera e Coleoptera, durante a seca predominaram as Ordens Megaloptera e Diptera. Em todos os riachos analisados, B. stramineus apresentou dieta basicamente composta por insetos, sendo os demais itens consumidos ocasionalmente, confirmando a literatura.
Herpetofauna da Estação Ambiental de Peti, um fragmento de Mata Atlântica do estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Bertoluci Jaime , Canelas Marco Antonio Schettino , Eisemberg Carla Camilo , Palmuti Cesar Felipe de Souza , Montingelli Giovanna Gondim
Published: July 2009

Fornecemos aqui uma lista de espécies de anfíbios e répteis da Estação de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ambiental de Peti, uma reserva de Mata Atlântica localizada nas montanhas da Cadeia do Espinhaço, estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. Essa lista originou-se de um inventário conduzido durante 78 dias de trabalhos de campo, 13 anos após a realização de um primeiro levantamento. Entre abril de 2002 e outubro de 2004, aplicamos o método de procura visual durante caminhadas nas trilhas da floresta, em diversos corpos d'água e nos sítios reprodutivos dos anuros. Foram registradas 48 espécies, incluídas nas ordens Anura (29), Gymnophiona (1), Chelonia (1), Crocodylia (1) e Squamata (16 espécies: uma anfisbena, cinco lagartos e 11 serpentes). Treze espécies não haviam sido registradas no inventário anterior, e 14 espécies registradas anteriormente não foram detectadas em nosso inventário. São discutidas possíveis explicações para as diferenças observadas. Embora nenhuma espécie esteja incluída nas listas de espécies ameaçadas do Estado de Minas Gerais e do Brasil, a reserva deve ser considerada importante para a manutenção das populações da herpetofauna local.
Ictiofauna dos córregos do Parque Nacional de Brasília, bacia do Alto Rio Paraná, Distrito Federal, Brasil Central
Authors: Aquino Pedro De Podestà Uchôa de , Schneider Mariana , Silva Maria Júlia Martins , Fonseca Claudia Padovesi , Arakawa Henrique Breda , Cavalcanti Douglas Rodrigues
Published: July 2009

O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar o inventário da fauna íctica dos córregos do Parque Nacional de Brasília no Distrito Federal e caracterizar a estrutura da comunidade íctica ao longo dos cursos d'água. Foram amostrados córregos das sub-bacias do Bananal e Santa Maria/Torto na região hidrográfica do Alto Rio Paraná. Esses cursos d'água apresentam bom estado de preservação, evidenciado na integridade de suas características ambientais naturais e na manutenção dos componentes biológicos nativos. Um total de 8.614 indivíduos, distribuídos em quatro ordens e nove famílias, foram coletados. A ordem com maior número de espécies foi a Characiformes, seguida por Siluriformes. Das 28 espécies encontradas 11 são novas para a ciência. Apenas a espécie exótica Poecilia reticulata foi encontrada. Astyanax sp. e Hyphessobrycon balbus foram as espécies com maior distribuição na área de estudo e Knodus moenkhausii apresentou a maior abundância (64,5% dos indivíduos). Nos trechos com maiores larguras e profundidades foram encontrados maiores valores de riqueza de espécies e abundância de indivíduos.
Microestruturas de pêlos de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores: chave para identificação de espécies de agroecossistemas do estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Martin Paula Sanches , Gheler-Costa Carla , Verdade Luciano Martins
Published: July 2009

Características microestruturais dos pêlos vêm sendo usadas para identificação de espécies em pesquisas taxonômicas, ecológicas, paleontológicas, arqueológicas e forenses. Este estudo tem como objetivo a descrição da estrutura dos pêlos de algumas espécies de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores comumente encontrados em agroecossistemas do Estado de São Paulo. Os pêlos foram coletados do dorso de espécimes previamente identificados coletados em áreas de agricultura (canavial), pastagens, silvicultura (plantio de eucalipto) e fragmentos de vegetação nativa (floresta semidecídua e cerrado). O microscópio óptico apresentou limitações para a descrição do formato e borda das escamas, os quais foram descritos através do uso de microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Uma chave de identificação dicotômica é apresentada para 11 espécies de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores (sete roedores e quatro marsupiais).
First recorded of Pontomyia Edwards, 1926 (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanytarsini) in Brazil
Authors: Henriques-Oliveira Ana Lucia , Silva Rodrigo Adelson , Nessimian Jorge Luiz
Published: July 2009

Some Pontomyia Edwards, 1926 larvae were sampled associated with algae and sediment at Atol das Rocas, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. This is the first record of the genus from South Atlantic Ocean.
Distribution and abundance of the Lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers, 1831) (Elasmobranchii: Narcinidae) in southern Brazil in relation to environmental factors
Authors: Vianna Gabriel Maciel de Souza , Vooren Carolus Maria
Published: July 2009

The distribution and abundance of the lesser electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis, was assessed based on bottom-trawl survey data collected off the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Between 1980 and 1984 and in 2005, 416 bottom trawl hauls were carried out at depths of 10-100 m. Narcine brasiliensis occurred mainly in waters with bottom temperature between 20 and 25ºC. Density of the species was higher between the depths of 10 and 20 m, during the summer and autumn. The seasonal pattern of N. brasiliensis in the shallow coastal water of Rio Grande do Sul reflects a southward migration in summer. This is conditioned by the southward advance of warmer and high-salinity Tropical Water of the Brazil Current In winter, the return or northward migration is a response to seasonal cooling of the coastal waters and to the northward advance of cold Coastal Water of lower salinity. The latitudinal gradient in density of N. brasiliensis was related to the latitudinal gradient in salinity of the bottom waters. This was caused by the freshwater runoff from the Patos Lagoon establishing a physical barrier to the occurrence of the species farther south than the city of Rio Grande.
Feeding and decoration preferences of the epialtidae crab Acanthonyx scutiforms
Authors: Vasconcelos Marcelo Augusto , Mendes Thiago Costa , Fortes Wagner Luiz Soares , Pereira Renato Crespo
Published: July 2009

Studies on the feeding preferences of marine herbivores are very important for our better understanding of the biology and the ecological role of these organisms. Members of the family Epialtidae are usually herbivores that mask themselves with pieces of seaweed and other materials to avoid predation. In order to better understand the mechanisms of food and decorating choices of the decorator crab Acanthonyx scutiformis, two multiple-choice feeding assays were performed using fresh seaweeds and artificial food containing crude extracts of the four seaweeds Osmundaria obtusiloba, Plocamium brasiliense, Sargassum sp., and Dictyota menstrualis, offered simultaneously to this crab species. In both assays the seaweed most consumed was O. obtusiloba, followed by P. brasiliense and Sargassum sp., while D. menstrualis was the least consumed. It is suggested that A. scutiformis is a generalist feeder, but with some preference for the perennial red seaweed O. obtusiloba and the chemically-defended seaweed P. brasiliense. Decorating behavior observations revealed the preferences of A. scutiformis by P. brasiliense. This decorating behavior can be interpreted as a mechanism to avoid generalist predators, since feeding and decorating preference were not associated and the crab used only small pieces of chemically defended algae.
Genetic background influences embryonic lethality and the occurrence of neural tube defects in Men1 null mice: relevance to genetic modifiers
Authors: Lemos Manuel C , Harding Brian , Reed Anita A C , Jeyabalan Jeshmi , Walls Gerard V , Bowl Michael R , Sharpe James , Wedden Sarah , Moss Julie E , Ross Allyson , Davidson Duncan , Thakker Rajesh V
Published: July 2009

Germline mutations of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene cause parathyroid, pancreatic and pituitary tumours in man. MEN1 mutations also cause familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism (FIHP) and the same MEN1 mutations, in different families, can cause either FIHP or MEN1. This suggests a role for genetic background and modifier genes in altering the expression of a mutation. We investigated the effects of genetic background on the phenotype of embryonic lethality that occurs in a mouse model for MEN1. Men1+/− mice were backcrossed to generate C57BL/6 and 129S6/SvEv incipient congenic strains, and used to obtain homozygous Men1−/− mice. No viable Men1−/− mice were obtained. The analysis of 411 live embryos obtained at 9.5–16.5 days post-coitum (dpc) revealed that significant deviations from the expected Mendelian 1:2:1 genotype ratio were first observed at 12.5 and 14.5 dpc in the 129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6 strains respectively (P<0.05). Moreover, live Men1−/− embryos were absent by 13.5 and 15.5 dpc in the 129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6 strains respectively thereby indicating an earlier lethality by 2 days in the 129S6/SvEv strain (P<0.01). Men1−/− embryos had macroscopic haemorrhages, and histology and optical projection tomography revealed them to have internal haemorrhages, myocardial hypotrophy, pericardial effusion, hepatic abnormalities and neural tube defects. The neural tube defects occurred exclusively in 129S6/SvEv embryos (21 vs 0%, P<0.01). Thus, our findings demonstrate the importance of genetic background in influencing the phenotypes of embryonic lethality and neural tube defects in Men1−/− mice, and implicate a role for genetic modifiers.
Briefing: Overview of the work of the Sue waste consortium
Authors: Powrie W. , Riley K. , Salter A. M.
Published: July 2009

he Sue waste consortium was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under its sustainable urban environment (Sue) programme to carry out an integrated, multi-disciplinary programme of research into waste resource management in the urban environment. The consortium aimed to address some of the most pressing issues facing modern-day waste management practitioners and policy makers. This briefing provides an overview of the background, mode of operation and outputs of the consortium, which have yielded potential benefits both for UK research capabilities and the waste management industry. It has advanced the knowledge base in a way that should enable more informed policy and decision making. This will in turn contribute to the ultimate goal of sustainability in urban waste resource management.
Evaluation of bulky waste and reuse schemes in England
Authors: Alexander C. , Curran A. , Smaje C. , Williams I.
Published: July 2009

The bulky waste fraction of municipal waste arisings is under-exploited in terms of recycling and reuse. Currently, third-sector bulky waste recycling and reuse schemes (e.g. furniture reuse organisations (FROs)) redistribute approximately 2·5 million items annually, largely to needy families and individuals, thus diverting – or at least delaying – landfill disposal. At the same time, several other benefits can be derived from the actions of bulky waste recycling schemes. This paper brings together a range of studies assessing the volume of bulky waste in terms of estimated tonnages and percentage of municipal waste arisings, and possibilities for augmenting current reuse. Turning to the efficacy of existing collection and reuse services, this paper considers: the various routes available for disposal; the operational effectiveness of FROs; and key aspects of the relationship between local authorities and FROs, such as coordination in communication and collection, funding and management of partnerships. Despite the apparent availability of bulky items for redistribution, current funding and institutional constraints may prevent FROs reusing all such items.
Editorial
Authors: Palacios Erwin , Cortés-Ortiz Liliana , Bicca-Marques Júlio César , Heymann Eckhard , Alfaro Jessica Lynch
Published: July 2009

No abstract
Distribution of the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) and the mantled howler monkey (A. palliata) in their contact zone in eastern Guatemala
Authors: Baumgarten Amrei , Williamson G. Bruce
Published: July 2009

We studied the geographic distribution of the endangered black howler monkey, Alouatta pigra, in its southeastern range in eastern Guatemala along its putative contact zone with the mantled howler monkey, A. palliata. A distributional survey of both species was conducted through direct observations and interviews, and the data analyzed with GIS to detect potentially limiting geographic and ecological factors. Alouatta pigra was not associated with any specific vegetation type or altitudinal range, as it occurred in many forest types from the lowlands up to elevations of 2705 m a.s.l., in contrast to prior reports of it being restricted to elevations below 400 m a.s.l. and having a strong affinity for riverine forests. Alouatta palliata did not occur at the higher elevations. Distribution of both howler monkey species was unaffected by the presence of Ateles, by protection status of the survey site, or by hunting activities. Deforestation appears to have restricted both species in some areas. Throughout the southeastern range of A. pigra, we found no evidence for current sympatry with A. palliata, as their distributions are separated by a river barrier and unsuitable dry shrubland. Ecological preferences also seem to reinforce allopatry, with only A. pigra occurring in wet and cold montane forests of the Sierra de las Minas. Our data indicate that highland habitats in Mexico and Guatemala, previously considered unsuitable for A. pigra, may need to be evaluated for distribution assessments and management plans. Populations of A. pigra in the diverse protected ecosystems in eastern Guatemala may be an important component for conservation of the species.
Extragroup copulations among brown howler monkeys in southern Brazil
Authors: Fialho Marcos Souza , Setz Eleonore Z. F.
Published: July 2009

No abstract