bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The crystal structures and the disorder behaviour of NO[SbCl6] and NO[TaCl6]
Authors: Burger Joachim , Henke Henning
Published: July 2009

Despite the fact that both nitrosonium salts NO[SbCl6] and NO[TaCl6] crystallize in the same space group C2/c with Z = 4, their disorder behaviour is different. While in the antimony compound the reorientation jumps of the NO+ ions are restricted to two alignments of equal weight, the NO+ disorder of NO[TaCl6] is in principle six fold, but with two of the alignments underrepresented. NO[SbCl6] undergoes a phase transformation to C-1 at T
c = 104 K. NO[TaCl6] stays monoclinic down to 10 K. An extrapolation of the isotropic displacements against abso lute zero reveals permanent components due to genuine dis order. A computer simulation is used to investigate the unusual population of the NO+ sites.
Morfometria e distribuição de leite alveolar e cisternal na glândula mamária de vacas Holandesa e Girolanda
Authors: Porcionato M.A.F. , Negrão J.A. , Paiva F.A.
Published: July 2009

Estudaram-se a distribuição do leite nas porções alveolar e cisternal e a morfometria da glândula mamária de 14 vacas, sete da raça Holandesa, grupo H, e sete da Girolanda, grupo G, com ordem e dias de lactação semelhantes, ordenhadas duas vezes ao dia. A produção de leite foi mensurada diariamente, enquanto as frações de leite cisternal e alveolar foram medidas uma vez por semana. Durante o experimento, também foram realizadas medidas de ultrassonografia e morfometria da glândula mamária. As vacas Girolandas apresentaram úberes e tetos maiores que as vacas Holandesas. Diâmetro, espessura da parede e comprimento do canal do teto, medidos por imagens de ultrassom, também foram maiores nas Girolandas, mas a área de cisterna da glândula mamária foi maior nas Holandesas. Não houve diferença na produção de leite e nas frações de leite cisternal e alveolar entre as raças.
Pontos críticos de controle de Salmonella spp. no abate de frangos
Authors: Von Rückert D.A.S. , Pinto P.S.A. , Santos B.M. , Moreira M.A.S. , Rodrigues A.C.A.
Published: July 2009

Avaliou-se a presença de Salmonella spp. em esfregaços superficiais em 135 carcaças de frangos, coletadas em cinco diferentes fases do abate, utilizando os métodos de microbiologia convencional, reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) e imunoanálise. Os três métodos resultaram em tendência semelhante de detecção de Salmonella spp. nas carcaças de frango, ao longo da linha de abate. A maior frequência de Salmonella spp. foi determinada após o chuveiro de lavagem das carcaças, localizado entre a evisceração e o pré-resfriamento. Vinte (14,8%) esfregaços foram determinados pela metodologia convencional, 52 (38,5%) pela PCR e 66 (48,8%) pela imunoanálise. A menor contaminação foi encontrada na saída do pré-resfriamento, com frequências de 3,7%, 0% e 16,7%, respectivamente. Salmonella spp. foi encontrada em todas as fases de abate, mostrando a importância do monitoramento de diferentes pontos críticos de controle eventualmente identificados no abate de frangos.
Emprego da microscopia eletrônica na avaliação pós-vacinal de epitélio traqueal de patos (Anas platyrhynchos) imunizados contra a doença de Newcastle
Authors: Franzo V.S. , Paulillo A.C. , Nakaghi L.S.O. , Amoroso L.
Published: July 2009

Avaliou-se o emprego da microscopia eletrônica de varredura no estudo da reação respiratória pós-vacinal em epitélio traqueal de patos (Anas platyrhynchos) imunizados contra a doença de Newcastle. Foram utilizadas 48 aves, distribuídas em quatro grupos: T1 - grupo de aves-controle (não vacinadas), T2 - grupo de aves vacinadas com a estirpe Ulster 2C, T3 - grupo de aves vacinadas com a estirpe B1 e T4 - grupo de aves vacinadas com a estirpe LaSota. Independente do grupo experimental, as aves não apresentaram sinais clínicos detectáveis de reação respiratória pós-vacinal. Ao microscópio eletrônico de varredura, observou-se que os animais vacinados com as estirpes B1 e LaSota desenvolveram descamação epitelial da traqueia, enquanto os vacinados com a estirpe Ulster 2C não, mostrando um epitélio traqueal íntegro, semelhante ao do grupo-controle. Os patos vacinados com a estirpe B1 mostraram evidências de regeneração epitelial da traqueia decorridos 21 dias pós-vacinação, o que não ocorreu com os vacinados com a amostra LaSota.
Challenge of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fed diets supplemented with vitamins C and E by Aeromonas hydrophila under different temperature
Authors: Garcia F. , Moraes F.R. , Martins M.L.
Published: July 2009

Pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus fed diets supplemented with three vitamins C and E levels (zero, 250, and 500mg vitamin/kg diet) were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila under different temperatures. Fish were kept in 300L plastic tanks and fed during the first 60 days with diets without vitamins C and E, in an attempt to reduce vitamin sources. After this period, fish were maintained at an initial density of 14 fish/tank and test diets were offered during 60 days. At the end of the experiment, all fish were infected with 6×10(6)CFU of A. hydrophila/fish, intraperitoneally injected. No interaction of dietary levels of vitamin C vs. E on mortality was observed. Supplementation with vitamins C and E did not decrease the mortality rate of fish challenged with A. hydrophila. Regardless of vitamin supplementation, after challenge, smaller fish showed higher mortality than larger ones and the fish group maintained in an environment under higher temperatures showed higher mortality rate.
Avaliação de métodos laboratoriais para estimar a digestibilidade e o valor energético de dietas para ruminantes
Authors: Silveira M.F. , Kozloski G.V. , Mesquita F.R. , Farenzena R. , Senger C.C.D. , Brondani I.L.
Published: July 2009

Foi avaliada a acurácia dos métodos laboratoriais para estimar a digestibilidade e o valor energético de dietas para bovinos de corte. As dietas experimentais foram isonitrogenadas e compostas por silagem de milho e 25, 40, 55 ou 70% de concentrado. Os valores de digestibilidade medidos in vivo foram comparados com os obtidos nos ensaios in situ, in vitro e in vitro/gases, e com valores estimados a partir de equações matemáticas baseadas na composição química das dietas. O ensaio in vivo foi realizado com quatro bovinos em delineamento em quadrado latino 4×4. Quatro animais foram usados para o ensaio in situ e quatro corridas foram realizadas para os ensaios in vitro. Não houve interação significativa de dietas versus métodos. As taxas de degradação calculadas a partir dos ensaios in situ e in vitro/gases não foram acuradas para estimar o valor nutritivo dos alimentos, e o método in vitro foi o que melhor estimou a digestibilidade das dietas. A equação de Weiss superestimou o valor nutricional das dietas por superestimar a digestibilidade da fibra e por subestimar a excreção endógena fecal, mas essa equação foi mais acurada que as equações de McDowell.
Consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes de dietas com silagens de grãos úmidos de milho ou sorgo, em ovinos
Authors: Ítavo C.C.B.F. , Morais M.G. , Ítavo L.C.V. , Souza A.R.D.L. , Davy F.C.A. , Biberg F.A. , Alves W.B. , Santos M.V.
Published: July 2009

Avaliaram-se o consumo, a digestibilidade e o teor de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) de dietas contendo silagens de grãos úmidos de milho e de sorgo, com ou sem inoculante microbiano, em ovinos. O volumoso utilizado foi feno de capim-braquiária (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu). Doze animais foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: (1) feno+silagem de grão úmido de milho, (2) feno+silagem de grão úmido de sorgo; (3) feno+silagem de grão úmido de milho com inoculante microbiano e (4) feno+silagem de grão úmido de sorgo com inoculante microbiano. Não houve diferença entre tratamentos quanto aos consumos de matéria seca, de matéria orgânica, de proteína bruta, de fibra em detergente neutro, de carboidratos totais e de carboidratos não estruturais. O consumo de extrato etéreo diferiu em função do tipo de grão. Não houve diferença entre tratamentos quanto à digestibilidade dos nutrientes. Não houve efeito do grão e da inoculação para o NDT estimado das silagens de grãos úmidos de milho e de sorgo, com médias de 77,6% e 79,5%, respectivamente. O uso de inoculante microbiano em silagens de grãos úmidos não se fez necessário. O grão de milho úmido pode ser substituído pelo de sorgo sem prejuízos ao aproveitamento de nutrientes em ovinos adultos.
Níveis de cromo orgânico em rações para frangos de corte mantidos sob estresse por calor no período de um a 42 dias de idade
Authors: Vaz R.G.M.V. , Oliveira R.F.M. , Donzele J.L. , Albino L.F.T. , Oliveira W.P. , Silva B.A.N.
Published: July 2009

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação de cromo sobre o desempenho e o rendimento de cortes de frangos, mantidos em ambiente de alta temperatura, no período de um a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 400 frangos de corte, machos, da linhagem Cobb, em um delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, 0, 350, 700, 1.050 e 1.400ppb de cromo na ração, oito repetições e 10 aves por repetição. Nos períodos de um a 21 e de um a 42 dias de idade, não houve influência dos tratamentos sobre o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar das aves, mas observou-se que o consumo de cromo aumentou de forma linear. Os tratamentos não influenciaram os pesos absoluto e relativo de nenhum dos cortes, peito, coxa e sobrecoxa, avaliados aos 42 dias de idade. A suplementação de até 1.400ppb de cromo na ração não influenciou o desempenho e o rendimento de cortes nobres de frangos de corte mantidos em estresse por calor, no período de um a 42 dias de idade.
Eficiência dos testes COPAN (Microplate e Single) na detecção de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite
Authors: Tenório C.G.M.S.C. , Cerqueira M.M.O.P. , Viegas R.P. , Resende M.F.S. , Clinquart D.L. , Santos A.K.R. , Souza M.R. , Penna C.F.A.M.
Published: July 2009

Avaliou-se a eficiência dos testes microbiológicos COPAN (Microplate e Single) para detecção de resíduos de 13 antimicrobianos inoculados em leite isento de resíduos. Foram utilizadas quatro concentrações, sendo a primeira equivalente à metade do limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C1); a segunda equivalente ao limite máximo de resíduos (LMR) estabelecido pela legislação brasileira (C2); a terceira equivalente ao limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C3); e a quarta equivalente ao dobro do limite de detecção declarado pelo fabricante (C4). Os testes apresentaram 100% de sensibilidade na detecção de amoxicilina, ampicilina, cloxacilina, penicilina, tilosina, sulfadiazina, sulfametoxazol, e 96,7% na detecção de oxacilina para as concentrações informadas pelo fabricante como limite de detecção. Em relação às concentrações estabelecidas pela legislação brasileira, verificou-se que os testes foram capazes de detectá-las para a maioria dos antimicrobianos avaliados. Os testes não se mostraram eficientes na detecção das concentrações estabelecidas pela legislação para eritromicina, oxitetraciclina, tetraciclina, trimetoprim e gentamicina (Microplate).
Zonación vertical del macrobentos de sustratos sólidos del estuario del río Massangana, Bahía de Suape, Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Farrapeira Cristiane Maria Rocha , Ramos Carla Alecrim Colaço , Barbosa Débora Ferreira , Melo Arthur Vinícius de Olveira Marrocos de , Pinto Stefane de Lyra , Verçosa Mônica Marinho , Oliveira Daniel Apolônio Silva de , Francisco Jonata Arruda
Published: July 2009

El área estuarina del río Massangana (Pernambuco, Brasil) está sujeta a diversas intervenciones antropomórficas resultantes de las actividades del Complejo Industrial y Portuario de Suape, que pueden afectar las comunidades bióticas. Con esa perspectiva, este estudio tuvo como finalidad verificar la composición de la macrofauna bentónica de los sustratos sólidos, en su gradiente de distribución vertical, que sirva de referencia para futuros monitoreos biológicos relacionados a los cambios que pueden ocurrir en el complejo portuario. Se colectaron los invertebrados presentes en un área de 519 m² y su distribución en los sustratos biogénicos y abiogénicos es mostrada en el siguiente trabajo. Fueron encontradas 79 especies presentes principalmente en los mangles y distribuidas en tres zonas del intermareal: Chthamaletum, delimitando el supralitoral, "zona balanoide", conteniendo cirripedios y ostras, en la región intermareal media, y el Bostrychietum, en la región inferior. Esta distribución coincidió en forma general, con el patrón brasileño e internacional de distribución vertical de los invertebrados de manglares. La presencia de sustrato rocoso y la alta salinidad posibilitó la aparición de 28 especies, incluyendo el coral Siderastrea stellata en un área estuarina. La ampliación de la distribución en el litoral brasileño del bivalvo Isognomon alatus, del cirripedio Amphibalanus reticulatus y de los briozoos Biflustra savartii, Bowerbankia gracilis y Conopeum reticulum fue justificada por la proximidad con el Puerto de Suape, facilitada por el transporte pasivo en las embarcaciones. La distribución esparcida de los organismos incrustantes en los sustratos y la ausencia de animales característicos de este ecosistema, como los mejillones, muestran señales de que el ambiente ya sufre algún estrés, resultado de las diversas intervenciones antropomórficas que están aconteciendo.
Distribuição e conservação das aves na região do Cantão, Tocantins: ecótono Amazônia/Cerrado
Authors: Pinheiro Renato Torres , Dornas Túlio
Published: July 2009

A região do Cantão é uma transição entre a Amazônia e o Cerrado. Mesmo com a presença de duas unidades de conservação, o Parque Estadual do Cantão e a Área de Proteção Ambiental Ilha do Bananal/Cantão, a interferência humana é intensa. Inventários avifaunísticos realizados nestas áreas identificaram 418 espécies, sendo 382 neste estudo. Destas, 27 são endêmicas amazônicas e 9 do Cerrado. Quatro espécies são consideradas vulneráveis de extinção: Penelope ochrogaster, Harpyhaliaetus coronatus, Cercomacra ferdinandi e Synallaxis simoni. Este estudo também adiciona ainda oito novas espécies para a lista total de espécies do bioma Cerrado. A região também se destaca pela presença de migratórias neárticas, sendo identificadas dez espécies, entre elas, Pluvialis dominica, Actites macularia, Falco peregrinus e Progne subis. Ainda que as unidades de conservação locais exerçam um importante papel na conservação destas espécies, diversas ameaças colocam em risco suas populações, principalmente o turismo desorganizado no Parque e a expansão da agropecuária na APA. Sugere-se a realização de ações de manejo e a ampliação das áreas de conservação priorizando as florestas, varjões e Ipucas (capões de mata natural) ainda bem preservados na região.
Ampliação do limite norte de distribuição geográfica de Catathyridium garmani (Jordan & Goss 1889) (Actinopterygii: Achiridae)
Authors: Santos Alexandre Clistenes de Alcântara , Silva Jailza Tavares Oliveira , Moura Perimar Espírito Santo de , Sena Marconi Porto
Published: July 2009

Catathyridium garmani (Jordan & Goss, 1889) é registrada pela primeira vez para o litoral nordeste do Brasil com base em 26 exemplares coletados no estuário do rio Paraguaçu, município de São Félix, estado da Bahia. Amplia-se desta forma o limite setentrional da espécie que até o momento restringia-se ao estado do Rio de Janeiro. São ainda apresentados dados morfométricos e meristícos dos exemplares coletados.
Distribuição e diversidade de espécies do gênero Biomphalaria em microrregiões localizadas no Médio Paranapanema, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
Authors: Tuan Roseli
Published: July 2009

Foram estudadas a diversidade e a abundância de espécies do gênero Biomphalaria em córregos próximos aos Rios Paranapanema e Pardo (São Paulo, SP, Brasil), em locais antigamente associados à transmissão do Schistosoma mansoni, sujeitos ainda a drásticas variações na disponibilidade de água. Os dados confirmam a predominância de Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) em córregos do município de Ourinhos, localizados nas margens do Rio Pardo e do Rio Paranapanema. Em Ipauçu, distante 30 km de Ourinhos, a predominância de Biomphalaria tenagophila (Orbigny, 1835) é acompanhada da ausência de B. glabrata. Foram estimados os índices de Diversidade e Dominância de Simpson, que evidenciam uma distribuição variada, provavelmente associada com o substrato aquático onde vivem os caramujos.
Systemic administration of oxytocin reduces basal and lipopolysaccharide-induced ghrelin levels in healthy men
Authors: Vila Greisa , Riedl Michaela , Resl Michael , van der Lely Aart Jan , Hofland Leo J , Clodi Martin , Luger Anton
Published: July 2009

Oxytocin (OXT) and ghrelin have several common properties such as the involvement in the first phase response to stressors, in appetite regulation, and in the modulation of neural functions. Despite a recent study showing that intraventricular administration of ghrelin activates OXT neurons, little is known on the cross-talk between these two peptides. Here, we investigated the role of the i.v. administration of OXT on circulating ghrelin concentrations under fasting conditions and during the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia. A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study was performed in ten healthy men. In four study sessions, the participants received once placebo, once OXT (1 pmol/kg per min over 90 min), once LPS (2 ng/kg), and once both OXT and LPS. Plasma ghrelin, glucose, and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were measured at regular intervals during the first 6 h following the LPS bolus. Systemic administration of OXT decreased within 1 h plasma ghrelin levels (611±54 vs 697±52 pg/ml in placebo days, P=0.013) and increased plasma glucose and FFA concentrations (P=0.002 and P=0.005 respectively). OXT also reduced the LPS-induced surge in ghrelin at time point 2 h (P=0.021). In summary, i.v. administration of OXT decreases circulating levels of ghrelin during fasting, as well as following LPS-induced endotoxemia in healthy men. The cross-talk between OXT and ghrelin might be important in the regulation of energy homeostasis and stress responses.
Use of home food digesters to reduce household waste
Authors: Alexander C. , Druckman A. , Jackson T. , Osinski C.
Published: July 2009

As a first step to understanding household material flows and waste arisings, a detailed picture of household consumption is required. This task is particularly problematic for local areas such as deprived inner-city housing estates that are under-represented in national surveys. This paper describes two methodologies for assessing household expenditure as a consumption proxy and applies them to such an area. The first is a top-down approach using national datasets to model household expenditure at high levels of socio-economic and geographical disaggregation. The second method is a bottom-up approach in which a sample of household expenditure diaries was collected, augmented by a variety of qualitative techniques to gain a detailed picture of household practices. The results from the two methodologies showed marked discrepancies: locally collected data demonstrate a higher degree of variability than modelled results based on aggregate data. It is suggested that neither approach is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, but that the two methodologies serve different purposes. Use of top-down modelled data is pragmatic and affordable for use by administrative or commercial bodies. However, without recognition of the localised volatility revealed by the bottom-up method, it is unlikely that realistic and efficient collection strategies can be devised.
Science-policy interfacing in support of the Water Framework Directive implementation
Authors: Vaes G. , Willems P. , Swartenbroekx P. , Kramer K. , de Lange W. , Kober K.
Published: July 2009

Many current water-related RTD projects have established operational links with practitioners, which allow the needs of policy makers to be taken into account. However, RTD results are not easily available to water policy implementers and research scientists may lack insight in the needs of policy makers and implementers (i.e. the European Commission and water managers). The SPI-Water project worked out a number of concrete actions to bridge these gaps in communication by developing and implementing a ‘science-policy interface’, enhancing the use of RTD results in the Water Framework Directive (WFD) implementation. This project is part of a wider EC perspective aiming to bridge the gap between science and polity, specifically with respect to the WFD implementation. As a first action, existing science-policy links are investigated. RTD and LIFE projects that are of direct relevance for the implementation of the WFD are identified and analysed. Secondly, an information system (Harmoni-CA's WISE RTD Web Portal) has been further developed to cater for an efficient and easy to use tool for dissemination as well as retrieval of RTD results. As third action, this science-policy interfacing of WFD related topics are extended to non-EU countries taking into account their specific needs.
Laboratory investigation on the performances of baffles for the capture of sewer floatables
Authors: Campisano A.
Published: July 2009

The use of baffles in sewer systems enables the capture of floatables, which could be responsible for both malfunctioning of water treatment plants and aesthetic pollution of receiving bodies when discharges through combined sewer overflow devices occur. An experimental contribution to the understanding of capturing processes of floatable elements by means of baffle devices is presented in this paper. Experiments were carried out using different baffle configurations. The limit equilibrium conditions of various types of floatables, i.e the condition beyond which upstream intercepted floatables start to escape the baffle, were investigated. The dimensional analysis was used in order to generalise the results of the experiments and to compare the capturing performances of analysed baffle configurations.
Oxidation Reduction Potential automatic control potential of intermittently aerated membrane bioreactor for nitrification and denitrification
Authors: Choi Changkyoo , Kim Moonil , Lee Kwangho , Park Heekyung
Published: July 2009

An intermittently aerated membrane bioreactor (IAMBR) process is designed to achieve greater removal efficiency of organic matter and nutrients than a regular membrane bioreactor (MBR) through the control on and off of an aerator. In this paper, we have investigated Oxidation/Reduction Potential (ORP) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) values compared to NH4+-N and NO3−-N concentrations at SRTs of 20, 30 and 40 days and C/N ratios of 4.5, 7, and 10. Additionally, the paper addresses a comprehensive approach to evaluate ORP as an appropriate factor for the auto-control of IAMBR process on the nitrification and denitrification and present ΔORP/Δt curve to confirm accurate completion time of aeration on and off. As the results of ORP and DO curve, it is proven that points of ORP bending and knee are appropriate factors for auto-control of the process in both aeration on and off time and ORP as well as DO relate to the dynamic behavior of nutrient concentration during a cycle. A peak point at aerobic state and a slump point at anoxic state on ΔORP/Δt curve obviously present the ORP bending point. Hence, it could find that peak point and slump point indicated the relatively accurate completion time of nitrification and denitrification respectively in IAMBR.
Evaluation of enterococcal surface protein genes as markers of sewage contamination in tropical recreational waters
Authors: Betancourt W. Q. , Fujioka R. S.
Published: July 2009

A molecular monitoring strategy was developed to detect prevalence of two enterococcal surface protein genes (esp-1 gene and esp-2 gene) in isolates of enterococci from recreational waters in Hawaii as evidence of human sewage contamination. The sensitivity and specificity of the methods were evaluated in selected environmental samples including human sewage, ocean water samples near a sewage outfall, shoreline coastal beach waters, ambient soil samples and ambient streams not known to be contaminated with sewage. The results of this study show that the esp-1 and esp-2 genes are highly associated with enterococci from sewage sources as compared to non-point sources. Therefore these esp genes show promise as good indicators of sewage contamination. However, more sensitivity and specificity of esp genes are needed. Moreover, a more specific enumeration method for E. faecium and E. faecalis is needed so that subsequent test for the esp genes will be reliable and feasible.
Higher Education and Citizenship: ‘the Full Range of Purposes’
Authors: Zgaga Pavel
Published: July 2009

This article discusses citizenship education in the context of the purposes and roles of higher education. The social and political changes in Europe of the last two decades have had an immense impact on the understanding of these roles and purposes, defining the university's mission and steering the national systems of higher education. The dichotomy of economic competitiveness and social cohesion has been transferred into higher education discussions and provoked new dichotomies like the ‘Europe of the euro’ versus the ‘Europe of knowledge’. A call from the 2007 London Communiqué to focus on the ‘full range of purposes' of higher education is taken as an indicative statement in recent policy debates and analysed. For this reason, four ‘archetypal models' of understanding the purposes of higher education are developed against the historical background of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: Napoleonic, Humboldtian, Newmanian and Deweyan. Dewey's criticism of the ‘educational state’ in the early twentieth century is confronted with the later decline of the nation state, and with the processes of the internationalisation and globalisation of education and education policy. We are witness to the progressive instrumentalisation of higher education, but higher education's potential contribution to citizenship lies beyond this: in recognising the ‘full range of its purposes’.
From Active Citizenship to World Citizenship: A Proposal for a World University
Authors: Masschelein Jan , Simons Maarten
Published: July 2009

This article explores how universities can function as spaces where a world citizenship takes shape. First, Kant's distinction between the ‘private use of reason’ and ‘domestic gathering’, on the one hand, and the ‘public use of reason’ and ‘public gathering’, on the other, is elucidated. This distinction is used, secondly, to argue that the actual university organises ‘domestic gatherings’. In the name of excellence, it requires an entrepreneurial ethos of its staff, i.e. an ethos of obedience to a permanent quality tribunal, implying a permanent (self-)mobilisation confining the entrepreneur to a domestic gathering and the private use of reason (‘private citizens’). Based on this understanding, the third section develops a proposal for a world university inhabited by ‘learned individuals' acting as world citizens. It is a habitat in which an experimental and attentive ethos is present and where the public use of reason is ‘finding (a) place’. This public use of reason is not just about making things known, but of making them present. The aim of the final section, then, is to make the proposal more specific, based on an exploration of ‘public lecturing’ as the time and space of public (world) gathering where things are made public.
Using Bourdieu's Concept of Habitus to Explore Narratives of Transition
Authors: Davey Gayna
Published: July 2009

Written as part of a doctoral thesis exploring young people's educational decision making, this article focuses on the stories of three of those students. The study on which the article draws is located in two institutions: an independent school and a sixth-form college. It follows 12 middle-class young people through their two years of A level study prior to university. The thesis argues for educational decision making as a classed practice, using Bourdieu's trilogy of habitus, capital and field to develop a more nuanced understanding than that offered by occupationally defined social class. This article focuses on the narratives of three of those students. Drawing on their narratives of transition, the article aims to explore how far the concept of habitus can be used in empirical research. It is concluded that whilst there are limitations to what habitus offers as a research tool, it is a concept worth grappling with. If its promise is partially fulfilled, at the very least it accentuates the inadequacy of defining individuals through the labels of social class. Above all, habitus embraces continuity and change, offering a more fluid and dynamic understanding of classed identities.
Developing Teachers' Work for Improving Teaching and Learning of Children with Visual Impairment Accommodated in Ordinary Primary Schools
Authors: Mnyanyi Cosmas B.F.
Published: July 2009

The study investigated how to facilitate teachers in developing their work in improving the teaching and learning of children with visual impairment (CVI) accommodated in ordinary classrooms. The study takes the form of collaborative action research where the researcher works in collaboration with the teachers. The project is being conducted in the three ordinary primary schools accommodating CVI in Tanzania. The findings for the first phase of the project indicate that there are qualitative differences in views about the challenges facing CVI in their learning. Teachers indicated lack of skills in preparing teaching aids, and knowledge and skills in managing classrooms as main challenges. As a result CVI were of the opinion that lack and use of teaching aids and classroom communication were the main barriers to their learning process. On the other hand, parents of CVI had views that learning is of value if their children will be employed later on, otherwise, they learn so that they will later forget. The teachers, parents and pupils agree that inadequate resources are a setback in ensuring quality learning for CVI.
Regulation and Function of FTO mRNA Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Authors: Grunnet Louise G. , Nilsson Emma , Ling Charlotte , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Groop Leif , Vaag Allan , Poulsen Pernille
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Common variants in FTO (the fat mass– and obesity-associated gene) associate with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The regulation and biological function of FTO mRNA expression in target tissue is unknown. We investigated the genetic and nongenetic regulation of FTO mRNA in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and their influence on in vivo glucose and fat metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped in two twin cohorts: 1) 298 elderly twins aged 62–83 years with glucose tolerance ranging from normal to type 2 diabetes and 2) 196 young (25–32 years) and elderly (58–66 years) nondiabetic twins examined by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp including indirect calorimetry. FTO mRNA expression was determined in subcutaneous adipose tissue (n = 226) and skeletal muscle biopsies (n = 158).

RESULTS

Heritability of FTO expression in both tissues was low, and FTO expression was not influenced by FTO rs9939609 genotype. FTO mRNA expression in skeletal muscle was regulated by age and sex, whereas age and BMI were predictors of adipose tissue FTO mRNA expression. FTO mRNA expression in adipose tissue was associated with an atherogenic lipid profile. In skeletal muscle, FTO mRNA expression was negatively associated to fat and positively to glucose oxidation rates as well as positively correlated with expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation including PGC1α.

CONCLUSIONS

The heritability of FTO expression in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle is low and not influenced by obesity-associated FTO genotype. The age-dependent decline in FTO expression is associated with peripheral defects of glucose and fat metabolism.
Importance of Extranuclear Estrogen Receptor-α and Membrane G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor in Pancreatic Islet Survival
Authors: Liu Suhuan , Le May Cedric , Wong Winifred P.S. , Ward Robert D. , Clegg Deborah J. , Marcelli Marco , Korach Kenneth S. , Mauvais-Jarvis Franck
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

We showed that 17β-estradiol (E2) favors pancreatic β-cell survival via the estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in mice. E2 activates nuclear estrogen receptors via an estrogen response element (ERE). E2 also activates nongenomic signals via an extranuclear form of ERα and the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). We studied the contribution of estrogen receptors to islet survival.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used mice and islets deficient in estrogen receptor-α (αERKO−/−), estrogen receptor-β (βERKO−/−), estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β (αβERKO−/−), and GPER (GPERKO−/−); a mouse lacking ERα binding to the ERE; and human islets. These mice and islets were studied in combination with receptor-specific pharmacological probes.

RESULTS

We show that ERα protection of islet survival is ERE independent and that E2 favors islet survival through extranuclear and membrane estrogen receptor signaling. We show that ERβ plays a minor cytoprotective role compared to ERα. Accordingly, βERKO−/− mice are mildly predisposed to streptozotocin-induced islet apoptosis. However, combined elimination of ERα and ERβ in mice does not synergize to provoke islet apoptosis. In αβERKO−/− mice and their islets, E2 partially prevents apoptosis suggesting that an alternative pathway compensates for ERα/ERβ deficiency. We find that E2 protection of islet survival is reproduced by a membrane-impermeant E2 formulation and a selective GPER agonist. Accordingly, GPERKO−/− mice are susceptible to streptozotocin-induced insulin deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

E2 protects β-cell survival through ERα and ERβ via ERE-independent, extra-nuclear mechanisms, as well as GPER-dependent mechanisms. The present study adds a novel dimension to estrogen biology in β-cells and identifies GPER as a target to protect islet survival.
Short-Term Dynamics and Metabolic Impact of Abdominal Fat Depots After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Weiss Ram , Appelbaum Liat , Schweiger Chaya , Matot Idit , Constantini Naama , Idan Alon , Shussman Noam , Sosna Jacob , Keidar Andrei
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery is gaining acceptance as an efficient treatment modality for obese patients. Mechanistic explanations regarding the effects of bariatric surgery on body composition and fat distribution are still limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots were evaluated using computed tomography in 27 obese patients prior to and 6 months following bariatric surgery. Associations with anthropometric and clinical changes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Excess weight loss 6 months following surgery was 47% in male and 42.6% in female subjects. Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat were reduced by 35% and 32%, respectively, in both sexes, thus the visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio remained stable. The strongest relation between absolute and relative changes in visceral and subcutaneous fat was demonstrated for the excess weight loss following the operations (r ∼0.6–0.7), and these relations were strengthened further following adjustments for sex, baseline BMI, and fat mass. Changes in waist circumference and fat mass had no relation to changes in abdominal fat depots. All participants met the criteria of the metabolic syndrome at baseline, and 18 lost the diagnosis on follow-up. A lower baseline visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (0.43 ± 0.15 vs. 0.61 ± 0.21, P = 0.02) was associated with clinical resolution of metabolic syndrome parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The ratio between visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat remains fairly constant 6 months following bariatric procedures regardless of sex, procedure performed, or presence of metabolic complications. A lower baseline visceral-to-abdominal fat ratio is associated with improvement in metabolic parameters.
Cyperus Eragrostis Lam. - A New Adventitious Species in the Flora of Slovenia
Authors: Dakskobler Igor , Vreš Branko
Published: July 2009

Cyperus EragrostisLam. - A New Adventitious Species in the Flora of Slovenia

About ten years agoCyperus eragrostis, a species originating in the tropical parts of South America, settled in a trench near the house at Podsabotin 49 in the Goriška Brda. From there the plant spread to similar neighbouring ruderal sites with hydromorphic soil, to roadside ditches and gravelly banks of the Pevmica, a stream on the border between Slovenia and Italy. Applying the standard Central-European phytosociological method we studied the stands in which this species grows together with other hygrophilous and ruderal species. These stands are dominated by character species of the classesBidentetea tripartitae, Filipendulo-Convolvuletea, Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Stellarietea mediaeandGalio-Urticetea. Cyperus eragrostisis a new adventitious species in the Slovenian flora. Its ephemeral occurrence in Slovenia was first noted in Istria in 2003 (near Portorož, probably in the Sečovlje salt-pans) and later in 2006 (Gračišče). Its presence in Podsabotin and along the Pevmica, however, is not merely transitional (ephemeral); here, this alien species is likely to have already naturalized in the environment with warm and relatively moist sub-Mediterranean climate.
Adjacency Matrix-Based Transmit Power Allocation Strategies in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Consolini Luca , Medagliani Paolo , Ferrari Gianluigi
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we present an innovative transmit power control scheme, based on optimization theory, for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which use carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) with collision avoidance (CA) as medium access control (MAC) protocol. In particular, we focus on schemes where several remote nodes send data directly to a common access point (AP). Under the assumption of finite overall network transmit power and low traffic load, we derive the optimal transmit power allocation strategy that minimizes the packet error rate (PER) at the AP. This approach is based on modeling the CSMA/CA MAC protocol through a finite state machine and takes into account the network adjacency matrix, depending on the transmit power distribution and determining the network connectivity. It will be then shown that the transmit power allocation problem reduces to a convex constrained minimization problem. Our results show that, under the assumption of low traffic load, the power allocation strategy, which guarantees minimal delay, requires the maximization of network connectivity, which can be equivalently interpreted as the maximization of the number of non-zero entries of the adjacency matrix. The obtained theoretical results are confirmed by simulations for unslotted Zigbee WSNs.
B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator Tempers Early Infection Immunity
Authors: Sun Yonglian , Brown Nicholas K. , Ruddy Matthew J. , Miller Mendy L. , Lee Youjin , Wang Yang , Murphy Kenneth M. , Pfeffer Klaus , Chen Lieping , Kaye Jonathan , Fu Yang-Xin
Published: July 2009

Coinhibitory pathways are thought to act in later stages of an adaptive immune response, but whether coinhibition contributes to early innate immunity is unclear. We show that engagement of the newly discovered coinhibitory receptor B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) by herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) is critical for negatively regulating early host immunity against intracellular bacteria. Both HVEM−/− and BTLA−/−, but not LIGHT−/−, mice are more resistant to listeriosis compared with wild-type mice, and blockade of the BTLA pathway promotes, while engagement inhibits, early bacterial clearance. Differences in bacterial clearance were seen as early as 1 day postinfection, implicating the initial innate response. Therefore, innate cell function in BTLA−/− mice was studied. We show that innate cells from BTLA−/− mice secrete significantly more proinflammatory cytokines upon stimulation with heat-killed Listeria. These results provide the first evidence that a coinhibitory pathway plays a critical role in regulating early host innate immunity against infection.
Inflamed Lymphatic Endothelium Suppresses Dendritic Cell Maturation and Function via Mac-1/ICAM-1-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Podgrabinska Simona , Kamalu Okebugwu , Mayer Lloyd , Shimaoka Motomu , Snoeck Hans , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Skobe Mihaela
Published: July 2009

The lymphatic system is essential for the generation of immune responses by facilitating immune cell trafficking to lymph nodes. Dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent APCs, exit tissues via lymphatic vessels, but the mechanisms of interaction between DCs and the lymphatic endothelium and the potential implications of these interactions for immune responses are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) modulate the maturation and function of DCs. Direct contact of human monocyte-derived DCs with an inflamed, TNF-α-stimulated lymphatic endothelium reduced expression of the costimulatory molecule CD86 by DCs and suppressed the ability of DCs to induce T cell proliferation. These effects were dependent on adhesive interactions between DCs and LECs that were mediated by the binding of Mac-1 on DCs to ICAM-1 on LECs. Importantly, the suppressive effects of the lymphatic endothelium on DCs were observed only in the absence of pathogen-derived signals. In vivo, DCs that migrated to the draining lymph nodes upon inflammatory stimuli, but in the absence of a pathogen, showed increased levels of CD86 expression in ICAM-1-deficient mice. Together, these data demonstrate a direct role of LECs in the modulation of immune response and suggest a function of the lymphatic endothelium in preventing undesired immune reactions in inflammatory conditions.
The Mechanism of Osteoclast Differentiation Induced by IL-1
Authors: Kim Jung Ha , Jin Hye Mi , Kim Kabsun , Song Insun , Youn Bang Ung , Matsuo Koichi , Kim Nacksung
Published: July 2009

IL-1 is a potent cytokine that can induce bone erosion in inflammatory sites such as rheumatoid joint regions via activation of osteoclasts. Not only is IL-1 capable of activating osteoclasts, but it is also a key cytokine involved in the differentiation, multinucleation, and survival of osteoclasts. Herein, we show that IL-1 has the potential to drive osteoclast differentiation via a receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK-independent mechanism. Although IL-1 has a synergistic effect on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation, IL-1 alone cannot induce osteoclast differentiation from osteoclast precursors (bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs)) due to a lack of IL-1 signaling potential in these cells. However, we demonstrate that overexpression of the IL-1RI receptor in BMMs or induction of IL-1RI by c-Fos overexpression enables IL-1 alone to induce the formation of authentic osteoclasts by a RANKL/RANK-independent mechanism. The expression of IL-1RI is up-regulated by RANKL via c-Fos and NFATc1. Furthermore, the addition of IL-1 to IL-1RI overexpressing BMMs (IL-1/IL-1RI) strongly activates NF-κB, JNK, p38, and ERK which is a hallmark gene activation profile of osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, IL-1/IL-1RI does not induce expression of c-Fos or NFATc1 during osteoclast differentiation, although basal levels of c-Fos and NFATc1 seem to be required. Rather, IL-1/IL-1RI strongly activates MITF, which subsequently induces osteoclast-specific genes such as osteoclast-associated receptor and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Together, these results reveal that IL-1 has the potential to induce osteoclast differentiation via activation of microphthalmia transcription factor under specific microenvironmental conditions.
Murine B Cell Response to TLR7 Ligands Depends on an IFN-β Feedback Loop
Authors: Green Nathaniel M. , Laws Amy , Kiefer Kerstin , Busconi Liliana , Kim You-Me , Brinkmann Melanie M. , Trail Erin Hodges , Yasuda Kei , Christensen Sean R. , Shlomchik Mark J. , Vogel Stefanie , Connor John H. , Ploegh Hidde , Eilat Dan , Rifkin Ian R. , van Seventer Jean Maguire , Marshak-Rothstein Ann
Published: July 2009

Type I IFNs play an important, yet poorly characterized, role in systemic lupus erythematosus. To better understand the interplay between type I IFNs and the activation of autoreactive B cells, we evaluated the effect of type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) deficiency in murine B cell responses to common TLR ligands. In comparison to wild-type B cells, TLR7-stimulated IFNAR−/− B cells proliferated significantly less well and did not up-regulate costimulatory molecules. By contrast, IFNAR1−/− B cells did not produce cytokines, but did proliferate and up-regulate activation markers in response to other TLR ligands. These defects were not due to a difference in the distribution of B cell populations or a failure to produce a soluble factor other than a type I IFN. Instead, the compromised response pattern reflected the disruption of an IFN-β feedback loop and constitutively low expression of TLR7 in the IFNAR1−/− B cells. These results highlight subtle differences in the IFN dependence of TLR7 responses compared with other TLR-mediated B cell responses.
Lack of CD200 Enhances Pathological T Cell Responses during Influenza Infection
Authors: Rygiel Tomasz P. , Rijkers Eva S. K. , de Ruiter Talitha , Stolte Ellen H. , van der Valk Martin , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , Boon Louis , van Loon Anton M. , Coenjaerts Frank E. , Hoek Robert M. , Tesselaar Kiki , Meyaard Linde
Published: July 2009

Influenza virus infection can be accompanied by life-threatening immune pathology most likely due to excessive antiviral responses. Inhibitory immune receptors may restrain such overactive immune responses. To study the role of the inhibitory immune receptor CD200R and its ligand CD200 during influenza infection, we challenged wild-type and CD200−/− mice with influenza virus. We found that CD200−/− mice in comparison to wild-type controls when inoculated with influenza virus developed more severe disease, associated with increased lung infiltration and lung endothelium damage. CD200−/− mice did develop adequate adaptive immune responses and were able to control viral load, suggesting that the severe disease was caused by a lack of control of the immune response. Interestingly, development of disease was completely prevented by depletion of T cells before infection, despite dramatically increased viral load, indicating that T cells are essential for the development of disease symptoms. Our data show that lack of CD200-CD200R signaling increases immune pathology during influenza infection, which can be reduced by T cell depletion.
Distinct Requirements for CD1d Intracellular Transport for Development of Vα14 iNKT Cells
Authors: Sillé Fenna C. M. , Boxem Mike , Sprengers Dave , Veerapen Natacha , Besra Gurdyal , Boes Marianne
Published: July 2009

The positive selection of Vα14 invariant (i)NKT cells in mice requires CD1d-mediated Ag presentation by CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. Maturation of newly selected iNKT cells continues in the periphery and also involves CD1d expression. CD1d molecules acquire Ags for presentation in endosomal compartments, to which CD1d molecules have access through an intrinsic CD1d-encoded tyrosine motif and by association with the class II MHC chaperone, invariant chain. In this study, we report the generation of mice in which all CD1d is replaced by CD1d-enhanced yellow fluorescent fusion protein (EYFP). CD1d-EYFP molecules are stable, present lipid Ags, and have near normal subcellular distribution. CD1d-EYFP molecules mediated positive selection of Vα14 iNKT cell precursors at decreased efficiency, caused a delay in their terminal maturation, and did not invoke Vα14 iNKT cell effector function as wild-type CD1d could. Using these mice, we show that the intrinsic CD1d-encoded sorting motif mediates thymic selection and activation of Vα14 iNKT cells by professional APCs, while for peripheral terminal differentiation the intrinsic CD1d sorting motif is dispensable.