bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental influences on the composition and structure of the freshwater mussels in shallow lakes in the Cuiabá River floodplain
Authors: Colle AC. , Callil CT.
Published: June 2012

The maintenance of the freshwater mussels' community in lakes is determined by abiotic factors at the local scale and at regional scale by interspecific relations between the larvae of bivalves and fish host. Whereas the distribution pattern at local scale, our goal was to understand the abundance and community composition of bivalves and relate the environmental agents structuring this community. We sampled 20 lakes in the floodplain of the Cuiabá River using a standardized method of sampling. To evaluate the effect of environment on the community we applied multivariate inferential analyses. We found 1.143 individuals alive belonging into six species distributed at the family Hyriidae, Mycetopodidae, Sphaeridae and Corbiculidae. The results showed that in the Pantanal the bivalve assemblage structure is influenced locally by organic matter and particle size, variables that reflect the intense interactions between water-sediment. However it is important to emphasize that these environmental characteristics are the result of the dynamics of this system which is dependent on the flood pulse, a regional factor.
The status of conservation of urban forests in eastern Amazonia
Authors: Amaral DD , Vieira ICG , Salomão RP , Almeida SS , Jardim MAG
Published: June 2012

This study aims to identify the remnant tree flora in six forest fragments in the metropolitan area of Belém and to analyze these fragments in terms of biological conservation, species richness and diversity in the local urban landscape. The fragments and their respective sampling areas were as follows: Amafrutas reserve (15 ha), Trambioca Is. reserve (2 ha), Bosque Rodrigues Alves city park (15 ha), Combu Is. reserve (10 ha), Gunma Park reserve (10 ha) and Mocambo reserve (5 ha). Inventories were built from lineal plots of 250 m² and included trees with DBH equal to or greater than 10 cm at a height of 1.3 m above ground. Sixty-nine families and 759 species, of which eight were officially listed as endangered (Brazilian National Flora: Ministry of Environment, Normative Instruction of September, 2008; Pará State Flora: Decree Nº. 802 of February 2008) were recorded. These endangered species are: Aspidosperma desmanthum Benth. ex Müll. Arg. (Apocynaceae), Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae), Eschweilera piresii S.A Mori (Lecythidaceae), Euxylophora paraensis Huber (Rutaceae), Hymenolobium excelsum Ducke (Leguminosae), Manilkara huberi (Ducke) Chevalier (Sapotaceae), Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. ex DC.) Standl. (Bignoniaceae), Mezilaurus itauba (Meisn.) Taub. ex Mez (Lauraceae) and Qualea coerulea Aubl. (Vochysiaceae). Emergency actions such as implementing management plans for already existing Conservation Units, the creation of new such units in areas of primary forest fragments (as in the case of the Amafrutas reserve), as well as the intensification of actions of surveillance and monitoring, should be undertaken by Federal, State, and Municipal environmental agencies so as to ensure the conservation of these last primary forest remnants in the metropolitan area of Belém.
Niche enlargement as a consequence of co-existence: a case study
Authors: Mazzoni R. , Marques PS. , Rezende CF. , Iglesias-Rios R.
Published: June 2012

Spatio-temporal changes in the diet, niche breadth and niche overlap of two species of Characidium from three different sites along a Neotropical coastal stream were studied during a dry and rainy season. Seasonal changes were restricted to the occurrence of plant items in the stomach contents. The relative importance of food items in the diet of both species varied across sites, but Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Simuliidae, Trichoptera and Coleoptera larvae were always the main prey items. Contrary to the expected pattern, values of the niche breadth were higher at the site where Characidium species co-existed and niche overlapped at this site indicated 52% (p = 0.52) of feeding overlap.
Prey-capture efficiency between juveniles and adults, feeding habitat and abundance of Wattled Jacana foragers in northern Pantanal, Mato Grosso state, Brazil
Authors: Forti LR , Nóbrega PFA
Published: June 2012

The choice of foraging strategies implies an attempt at gaining energy by predators. Supposedly, the difference in employing the "sit and wait" or "active foraging" behavior lays in hunter skills, experience and the kind of prey consumed. With the hypothesis that "active foraging" demands no learning, in this study we compared the prey capture efficiency among Wattled Jacana juveniles and adults, and also present descriptive information about feeding habitat and the abundance variation of foragers throughout the day in the northern Pantanal. Prey capture efficiency did not differ significantly among juveniles and adults, corroborating our initial hypothesis that "active foraging" is an instinctive behavior and demands no experience to be effective. However, future work is necessary to compare the energetic quality of consumed items by juveniles and adults, searching for differences explained by adults' experience. Foraging individuals were found at an average distance of 14 m ranging from 2 to 42 m) from the margin of the sampled swamps, however 64% of the foragers were found closer to the margins. The average depth of foraging sites was 17 cm, ranging from 5 to 40 cm, although no preference for specific classes of depth was found (p > 0,05). Despite the accepted general pattern of birds being more active in the early morning, the largest number of individuals foraging was observed between 11:00 and 12:00 AM, but no significant difference was found in the abundance of foraging individuals among different periods of the day. Factors, which were not analyzed, such as food availability and presence of competitors and predators need to be studied to reveal the main factors of the spatial and temporal distribution of the Wattled Jacana.
Trichodina nobilis Chen, 1963 and Trichodina reticulata Hirschmann et Partsch, 1955 from ornamental freshwater fishes in Brazil
Authors: Martins ML , Marchiori N , Roumbedakis K , Lami F
Published: June 2012

In the present work Trichodina reticulata and T. nobilis (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) are morphologically characterised from ornamental freshwater fish culture in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The prevalence of infection and a list of comparative measurements are discussed. We examined "southern platyfish" Xiphophorus maculatus (n = 35), "goldfish" Carassius auratus (n = 31), "guppy" Poecilia reticulata (n = 20), "sailfin molly" Poecilia latipinna (n = 6), "beta" Betta splendens (n = 2) and "spotted headstander" Chilodus punctatus (n = 1). After being anesthetised in a benzocaine solution, fishes were examined for parasitological evaluation. A total of 51.57% fishes were parasitised by Trichodina spp. Carassius auratus was the most parasitised species, followed by X. maculatus and P. reticulata. Beta splendens, C. punctatus and P. latipinna were not parasitised by any trichodinid species. Two species of Trichodina were collected from the skin of fish: T. nobilis was found in C. auratus, P. reticulata and X. maculatus and T. reticulata was only observed in C. auratus. The importance of adequate handling in ornamental fish culture are also discussed.
Spatial distribution of epibenthic molluscs on a sandstone reef in the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Martinez AS. , Mendes LF. , Leite TS.
Published: June 2012

The present study investigated the distribution and abundance of epibenthic molluscs and their feeding habits associated to substrate features (coverage and rugosity) in a sandstone reef system in the Northeast of Brazil. Rugosity, low coral cover and high coverage of zoanthids and fleshy alga were the variables that influenced a low richness and high abundance of a few molluscan species in the reef habitat. The most abundant species were generalist carnivores, probably associated to a lesser offer and variability of resources in this type of reef system, when compared to the coral reefs. The results found in this study could reflect a normal characteristic of the molluscan community distribution in sandstone reefs, with low coral cover, or could indicate a degradation state of this habitat if it is compared to coral reefs, once that the significantly high coverage of fleshy alga has been recognized as a negative indicator of reef ecosystems health.
Short-term effects of a spinosyn's family insecticide on energy metabolism and liver morphology in frugivorous bats Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818)
Authors: Amaral TS , Carvalho TF , Silva MC , Barros MS , Picanço MC , Neves CA , Freitas MB
Published: June 2012

A new class of insecticide derived from fermentation of Sacharopolyspora spinosa - spinosad, has been indicated as being of low toxicity and a natural alternative to classical pesticides. In order to elucidate several aspects related to the morphophysiological changes induced by spinosad in Artibeus lituratus, the effects of a seven-day administration on plasma glucose, glycogen, protein and lipid concentrations were evaluated, and possible changes in liver cells were examined by histological analysis. Animals were fed with spinosyn-contaminated fruit through immersion in a solution. Data reporting on metabolism revealed a decrease in hind limb muscle lipid concentration in the treated group. Morphological analysis indicated a significant increase in liver cell diameter in treated animals compared to the control group. This study indicates that spinosyn, used at its recommended dose, does not affect general energy metabolism in A. lituratus but may affect some ultrastructural characteristics of liver cells.
Water beetles in mountainous regions in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Segura MO. , Fonseca-Gessner AA. , Spies MR. , Siegloch AE.
Published: June 2012

Inventories provide information on the state of biodiversity at a site or for a geographic region. Species inventories are the basis for systematic study and critical to ecology, biogeography and identification of biological indicators and key species. They also provide key information for assessments of environmental change, for natural resource conservation or recovery of degraded ecosystems. Thus, inventories play a key role in planning strategies for conservation and sustainable use. This study aimed to inventory the fauna of water beetles, larvae and adults, in two mountainous regions in the state of São Paulo, in Serra da Mantiqueira (Parque Estadual de Campos do Jordão and Pindamonhangaba region) and in Serra do Mar (Santa Virgínia and Picinguaba Divisions) as well as to generate information about the habitats used by the different genera recorded. Specimens were collected in lotic and lentic systems, between the years 2005 to 2010. In total 14,492 specimens were collected and 16 families and 50 genera of Coleoptera were identified. This study in mountainous regions showed a significant portion of the faunal composition of South America and the state of São Paulo. The composition of the fauna, in terms of richness and abundance by family, indicated the predominance of Elmidae, followed by Hydrophilidae and Dytiscidae. Despite the diversity found, the results of estimated richness indicated the need for additional sampling effort for both regions, since the curves of estimated richness did not reach an asymptote, suggesting that new species can be found in future surveys.
First description of Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Rotavirus and Torque teno virus in water samples collected from the Arroio Dilúvio, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Authors: Vecchia AD , Fleck JD , Comerlato J , Kluge M , Bergamaschi B , Da Silva JVS , Da Luz RB , Teixeira TF , Garbinatto GN , Oliveira DV , Zanin JG , Van der Sand S , Frazzon APG , Franco AC , Roehe PM , Spilki FR
Published: June 2012

Adenovirus (AdV), enterovirus (EV), genogroup A rotaviruses (GARV) and Torque teno virus (TTV) are non-enveloped viral agents excreted in feces and so may contaminate water bodies. In the present study, the molecular detection of these viruses was performed in samples of surface water collected from the Arroio Dilúvio, a waterstream that crosses the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, receiving great volumes of non-treated sewage from a large urban area. Sampling was performed during 2009, in three different occasions (January, April and September). The highest detection rate was observed for EV (64.28%), followed by TTV (28.57%) and AdV (21.43%). Rotaviruses were not detected. More than on kind of tested virus was detected in five (35. 71%) of 14 samples. January was the month with the highest viral detection rate, being all samples, collected in this month, positive for at least one group of tested virus. The correlation between the detection of these different viral agents and environmental factors is discussed. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first description of viral genomes in water samples taken from the Arroio Dilúvio, Porto Alegre (Brazil).
The activity patterns and microhabitat use of Pseudis minuta Günther, 1858 (Anura, Hylidae) in the Lagoa do Peixe National Park, a biosphere reserve of the brazilian subtropics
Authors: Huckembeck S. , Claudino M. , Correa F. , Bastos RF. , Loebmann D. , Tozetti AM. , Garcia AM.
Published: June 2012

Pseudis minuta is abundant in a variety of aquatic environments of the Pampa domain. Therefore, it can be considered a good model for testing hypotheses on environmental heterogeneity and the influence of climate on the activity of anurans. In this study, we examined the spatial distribution pattern of P. minuta in terms of microhabitats and the influence of abiotic factors on seasonal fluctuations in the abundance of this species. Samples were collected monthly from April 2008 to May 2009 in wetlands and coastal dunes in the Lagoa do Peixe National Park. A total of 112 specimens of P. minuta were collected, of which 45 were found in the wetland area and 67 in the dune area. The species showed seasonal fluctuation in abundance, and it was most abundant in months with higher temperatures (spring-summer). Pseudis minuta was mainly associated with aquatic vegetation, an expected pattern in terms of their morphological adaptations to this environment. Among the abiotic parameters analyzed, only the monthly mean temperature showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05; r = 0.67) with the abundance of P. minuta. We concluded that P. minuta is a generalist species with respect to microhabitat use and also that fluctuation in its population abundance is mainly associated with seasonal variation in temperature.
The presence of Abronia oaxacae (Squamata: Anguidae) in tank bromeliads in temperate forests of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Cruz-Ruiz GI. , Mondragón D. , Santos-Moreno A.
Published: June 2012

The presence of lizards in bromeliads has been widely documented. Nevertheless, the possibility of some type of preference or specificity among lizards for particular bromeliad species has not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to document the presence of Abronia oaxacae in six species of tank bromeliads found in pine forests, pine-live oak forests, and live oak groves during both the rainy season and the dry season. Three adult individuals of Abronia oaxacae were collected; one in a Tillandsia violácea (pine-live oak forest), one in a T. calothyrsus (live oak grove), and one in a T. prodigiosa (live oak grove). All three specimens were collected in sampling efforts carried out during the dry season. The results of the present study suggest that A. oaxacae shows no preference for a single, specific bromeliad species, although it does have a certain preference for a few select species. The presence of A. oaxacae in bromeliads during the dry season could be related to the cooler, moister microhabitat that these plants represent.
Effects of light intensity and temperature on Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) with straight and coiled trichomes: growth rate and morphology
Authors: Bittencourt-Oliveira MC. , Buch B. , Hereman TC. , Arruda-Neto JDT. , Moura AN. , Zocchi SS.
Published: June 2012

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenayya et Subba Raju (Ordem Nostocales) is one of the most troublesome bloom-forming species in Brazil. Understanding the population dynamics of the different morphotypes of C. raciborskii (straight and coiled) could assist in the prediction of favourable conditions for the proliferation of this potentially toxin-producing species. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of two different light intensities and temperatures on the growth rate and morphology of the trichomes of the straight and coiled morphotypes. For such, two non-toxin producing strains of C. raciborskii were used - one with a coiled trichome (ITEP31) and another with a straight trichome (ITEP28). The strains were cultured in BG-11 medium in a climatic chamber under controlled conditions. Two light intensities (30 and 90 µmol.m-2.s-1 ) were combined at temperatures of 21 and 31 °C and the growth rate and morphological changes were analysed. The morphotypes responded differently to the different temperatures and light intensities. Both strains exhibited faster growth velocities when submitted to higher light intensity and temperature. The lower temperature and higher luminosity hampered the development of both strains. Variations in cellular morphology and an absence of akinetes in both strains were related to the lower temperature (21 °C). The coiled morphotype demonstrated considerable phenotype plasticity, changing the morphology of trichome throughout its growth curve. Although molecular analysis does not sustain the separation of the morphotypes as distinct species, their different eco-physiological responses should be considered further knowledge of extreme importance for the population control of these potentially toxic organisms.
Nesting behavior of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) agamemnom Richards (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae)
Authors: Buschini MLT , Donatti AJ
Published: June 2012

Nesting behaviour is extremely diversified among solitary nesting sphecids. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the nesting behaviour of Trypoxylon agamemnon and discuss the advantages of guarding behaviour of males. It was conducted in the Parque Municipal das Araucárias, Guarapuava (PR), Brazil from October/2003 to July/2007. To describe the behaviour of T. agamemnon and construct its ethogram, daily observations were made, totalling 410:19 hours observation. Although the males of T. agamemnon stand guard close to the entrance of the nests, we concluded that this behaviour is not ensuring the protection of nests against parasitoids and that, probably, this behaviour ensures them the paternity, but further studies with microsatellite markers will be necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
Two new Brazilian isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis toxic to Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Fiuza LM. , Schünemann R. , Pinto LMN. , Zanettini MHB.
Published: June 2012

Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium used for biopesticides production and pest-resistant plants due to the synthesis of protein crystals by cry genes, which are effective in controlling several insect orders such as Lepidoptera. This work aimed at the evaluation and characterisation of two new B. thuringiensis isolates active against A. gemmatalis (Hübner 1818) larvae, which is the soybean major pest. The results showed that Bt117-4 isolate amplified fragments corresponding to cry2 and cry9 genes, and synthesised protein fragments equivalent to 130, 90 and 45 kDa. The Bt3146-4 isolate amplified DNA fragments corresponding to cry9 gene and synthesised protein fragments of 70, 58 and 38 kDa. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of protein crystals in both isolates. CL50 with Cry purified proteins from Bt117-4 and Bt3146-4, corresponded to 0.195 and 0.191 µg larvae-1, respectively. The two B. thuringiensis isolates selected in this study were effective to control velvetbean caterpillar at laboratory conditions. Field tests should be carried on to develop new biopesticides formulation as well for cry genes resource for Anticarsia gemmatalis resistant transgenic plants.
Anatomy and lignification status of the Lophanthera lactescens Ducke plant grown in vitro
Authors: Amaral D. , Abreu HS. , Lima HRP. , Gevú KV. , Elias TF. , Tenório J.
Published: June 2012

This aim of this study was to evaluate the lignification in young stems of the Lophanthera lactescens Ducke plant grown in vitro L. lactescens (Malpighiaceae), a species endemic in the Brazilian Amazon that possesses both medicinal properties and could be used in the forest product industry. Plants grown in vitro condition in MS medium were analyzed using Infrared (IR) microspectroscopy in a diffuse reflectance mode, fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, histochemical tests such as the Wiesner and Maüle test were run to monitor the process of lignification in cell walls. The spectra of IR microscopy recorded using cross section tissue are representative of guaiacyl/syringyl lignin, based on the 1336 and 1246 cm-1 signal. Individuals presenting stem sprains, resulting from the marked development, produced gelatinous fibers with a clear cellulose layer. Initially, fluorescence microscopy demonstrated lignin deposition in the cell corner region having progressive deposition in the secondary wall of tracheary elements of the stem.
Condition factor of Astyanax intermedius Eigenmann, 1908 (OSTEICHTHYES, CHARACIDAE) parasitised by Paracymothoa astyanaxi Lemos de Castro, 1955 (CRUSTACEA, CYMOTHOIDAE) in the Grande River, Serra do Mar State Park - Santa Virgínia Unit, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Gomiero LM , Souza UP , Braga FMS
Published: June 2012

In this work the length-weight relationship and the condition factor of Astyanax intermedius parasitised and not by Paracymothoa astyanaxi were analysed in the Grande River. The length-weight relationship was estimated for females, males and immatures, and seasonally for the fishes and the parasites through the expression W = aLb. The condition factor of non-parasitised specimens differed seasonally and between sexes, contrasting with the results for parasitised fishes which showed no differences between sexes and season. The condition factor of non-parasitised specimens was higher than that of the parasitised fishes. Specimens of Astyanax intermedius parasitised do not have the same biotic conditions compared to non-parasitised individuals, in which the condition factor was similar over the years. In conclusion, parasitism by P. astyanaxi has deleterious effects on this host population which may cause changes in the reproductive and food dynamics of parasitised specimens due to low body conditions.
New species of the Eiphosoma dentator (Fabricius, 1804) species-group (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) from Brazil
Authors: Melo IF. , Onody HC. , Penteado-Dias AM.
Published: June 2012

A new species of Eiphosoma Cresson, 1865 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) is described based on five specimens collected in organic crops areas in Araraquara and Cravinhos municipalities, São Paulo State, Brazil. A diagnostic key to the neotropical Eiphosoma dentator species-group is also provided.
New host records of Brazilian pentastomid species
Authors: Brito SV , Almeida WO , Anjos LA , Silva RJ
Published: June 2012

Pentastomida is a taxon of parasitic organisms infecting generally the respiratory system of vertebrates, mainly reptiles. Although this taxon is very important for understanding the phylogeny of the Metazoa, it has received little attention. In Brazil, there are few collections that include species of pentastomids, that is, only the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CHIOC), the Invertebrate Collection of the Zoology Laboratory of the Regional University of Cariri (LAZ-URCA) and the Helminthological Collection of the Botucatu Institute of Biosciences (CHIBB). The present study describes the species of pentastomids deposited in CHIBB. When found, the pentastomids were mounted on slides in Hoyer's medium and identified. Four species of pentastomids were recognised and three others were identified at the genus level, while four new hosts for the species of pentastomids were recorded.
Caudex growth and phenology of Cyathea atrovirens (Langsd. & Fisch.) Domin (Cyatheaceae) in secondary forest, southern Brazil
Authors: Schmitt JL. , Windisch PG.
Published: June 2012

The leaf production and senescence, formation and release of spores of Cyathea atrovirens (Langsd. & Fisch.) Domin were analysed based on the monthly monitoring of 50 plants growing in a secondary forest, in the municipality of Novo Hamburgo, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, during the year 2004. The caudex height and number of mature and fertile leaves were recorded annually in 2004-09. In 2004, monthly production and senescence of leaves were concomitant, without total leaf abscission. Population synchrony at emergence (Z = 0.86) and leaf senescence (Z = 0.82) increased in spring but did not correlate with temperature and photoperiod. All individuals were fertile and the sporangia production and spore liberation presented higher and equal synchrony (Z = 0.84) respectively in spring and summer. Sporangia production was related with temperature and photoperiod, however taller plants did not produce more fertile leaves. Phenological events analysed were not influenced by precipitation, as expected for forests in non-seasonal climate. Over five years (2004-09), the annual mean caudex growth varied between 1.19 and 2.50 cm.year-1 and the plants appeared to have an ability to maintain a relatively stable amount of leaves throughout this period.
Frugivory by birds on Miconia albicans (MELASTOMATACEAE), in a fragment of cerrado in São Carlos, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Allenspach N. , Dias MM.
Published: June 2012

The avian guild that consumes Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae) fruits and its phenophases were studied in a fragment of cerrado vegetation located in southeastern Brazil. The fruiting period ocurred between October and January, coinciding with the wet season. Nineteen bird species, mainly of generalistic diets, were registered consuming fruits in 96 observational hours. Species of the families Emberizidae, Thraupidae and Tyrannidae showed the largest number of visits, while those of the families Mimidae and Columbidae, with higher body mass, were responsible for a considerable number of consumed fruits. A correlation was found between body mass and average fruit consumption per visit. Tree height was a relevant factor for bird attraction. Results suggest that M. albicans may be useful in the recovery of degraded areas.
First record of Seticornuta Morley (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Metopiinae) from Brazil and description of a new species
Authors: Araujo CR , Penteado-Dias AM
Published: June 2012

A new species of Seticornuta from Brazil is described and illustrated, the first record of this genus for the Brazilian fauna. This new species was found in a study that aimed to enhance knowledge of the Brazilian fauna of Metopiinae, analysing samples from the hydrographic basin of Rio Mogi Guaçu. A diagnosis, along with distribution information for Seticornuta species are provided.
Característica físico-química e sensorial de geleia elaborada com polpa e suco de acerola
Authors: Caetano Priscilla Kárim , Daiuto Érica Regina , Vieites Rogério Lopes
Published: June 2012

A acerola destaca-se por seu teor de vitamina C e seu potencial para industrialização. Seu aproveitamento é possível em produtos, como compotas, geleias, sucos e suplementos alimentares, entre outros. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma formulação de geleia a partir do suco e da polpa de acerola, além de verificar a característica físico-química e sensorial do produto. As geleias foram elaboradas com o suco integral e a polpa de acerola. As formulações foram T1 suco/açúcar (1/1); T2 suco/açúcar (0,6/0,4); T3 polpa/açúcar (1/1), e T4 polpa/açúcar (0,6/0,4), sendo todas com 1% de pectina. O processo de fabricação foi manual em tachos abertos de aço inoxidável. As avaliações no suco, na polpa e na geleia de acerola foram: pH, acidez, umidade, açúcar redutor, açúcar redutor total, ácido ascórbico e sólidos solúveis (ºBrix). Para suco e polpa, determinaram-se também teor de sólidos insolúveis em água, ratio e cinzas. Os resultados da avaliação físico-química da polpa e do suco de acerola mostraram características favoráveis à elaboração de geleia, não sendo necessária a adição de ácidos. A avaliação físico-química das geleias foi adequada ao produto, mantendo-se um teor de ácido ascórbico de 599,25 a 664,79 mg. As geleias elaboradas com polpa/açúcar (0,6/0,4) apresentaram coloração mais intensa com maiores valores de luminosidade e componentes de cor a* e b*. Em todos os aspectos sensoriais avaliados, os resultados foram desejáveis e as geleias obtiveram boa aceitabilidade. A relação polpa/açúcar 0,6/0,4 apresentou melhor aceitação em relação às demais formulações.
Efeito do tratamento térmico na concentração de carotenóides, compostos fenólicos, ácido ascórbico e capacidade antioxidante do suco de tangerina murcote
Authors: Dutra André de Souza , Furtado Angela Aparecida Lemos , Pacheco Sidney , Oiano Neto João
Published: June 2012

Neste estudo, avaliou-se o efeito do tratamento térmico do suco de tangerina murcote em relação ao teor de carotenóides totais, ao perfil de carotenóides (luteína, zeaxantina, β-criptoxantina e β-caroteno), aos compostos fenólicos totais, ao ácido ascórbico e à capacidade antioxidante. No processo, utilizou-se um trocador de calor tubular, sendo avaliados 11 tratamentos seguindo um ensaio fatorial completo 2² com três repetições no ponto central, com quatro pontos axiais e uma região de observação de 88 a 100 ºC e 16 a 44 s. O teor de caratenóides totais decresceu de forma significativa em quase todos os tratamentos aplicados, se comparado ao valor encontrado para o suco in natura. A maioria dos tratamentos não reduziu de forma significativa os teores dos caratenóides luteína, zeaxantina e β-criptoxantina. Além disso, o teor de β-caroteno não sofreu alterações significativas em todos os tratamentos avaliados. A análise de variância mostrou que, para os caratenóides, não ocorreram interações significativas entre as variáveis temperatura e tempo. Os teores de ácido ascórbico e compostos fenólicos totais apresentaram reduções em seis condições avaliadas, ao passo que, em quatro, observou-se um aumento dos teores de compostos fenólicos totais, causado provavelmente pela evaporação da água presente no suco. A maior redução do teor de ácido ascórbico e o maior aumento para compostos fenólicos totais foi observado para o binômio 100 ºC/30 s. O teor de ácido ascórbico sofreu de forma significativa a influência da temperatura e esse processo de degradação pode ser descrito por meio de um modelo quadrático. Todos os tratamentos utilizados reduziram a capacidade antioxidante do suco, sendo mais intensa para o binômio 100 ºC/30 s. As variações observadas não alteraram de maneira considerável as características nutricionais do suco e os tratamentos térmicos realizados a 94 ºC por 16 a 44 s possibilitaram menores alterações e/ou maiores retenções nos compostos determinados.
Revisão: metodologias para análise da sensibilidade gustativa ao sal
Authors: Piovesana Paula de Moura , Gallani Maria Cecília Bueno Jayme , Sampaio Karina de Lemos
Published: June 2012

A avaliação da sensibilidade gustativa ao sal é utilizada na área da saúde, bem como em análise sensorial aplicada à Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, para avaliar o paladar e identificar ageusia e hipoageusia de diversas origens; notavelmente, identifica os indivíduos que apresentam risco ou consumo excessivo de sal. A adoção de um método acurado e reprodutível para avaliação do limiar gustativo ao sal permite seu uso de forma ampliada. Esta revisão integrativa tem como objetivo descrever as metodologias empregadas para avaliar o limiar de detecção e reconhecimento do cloreto de sódio. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados CINAHAL, LILACS e MEDLINE, e as palavras-chave taste threshold, sodium chloride e salt. Foram localizados 27 artigos de 1985 a 2009 e, nestes, empregados 29 testes de análise do limiar. A maioria dos artigos utilizou o estímulo da boca toda (75,9%), seguida da aplicação tópica na língua (24,1%), aplicação da solução em partes da língua (10,3%), eletrogustometria (6,4%), disco impregnado (3,4%) e aplicação de vácuo (3,4%). Houve grande variação nos procedimentos metodológicos e, em alguns, ausência de informações importantes. Os artigos não apresentam cálculo do tamanho amostral e os critérios de seleção dos julgadores foram também variados. Assim, existe uma dificuldade para a reprodutibilidade e as comparações dos artigos. Avaliações comparativas entre os diferentes métodos de avaliação do limiar gustativo ao cloreto de sódio quanto à sua reprodutibilidade podem trazer subsídios importantes para a escolha do método mais adequado a ser empregado em pesquisa e na prática clínica.
Building sustainability assessment methods
Authors: AlWaer  , Kirk
Published: June 2012

Over last 15 years it has been increasingly important to understand the sustainability performance of buildings across a broad range of considerations. This has stimulated the development of a number of sustainability assessment tools intended to measure objectively a project's impact in sustainability terms and so encourage designers and planners to improve a building's performance. This paper examines the nature and contribution, as well as the limitations, of current sustainability rating assessment tools in evaluating building sustainability in different countries. Two yardsticks are used to review the current tools: first, how well they relate to the goal of sustainable development, and second, how adequately they adhere to the principles of objective assessment. Scope for further development of sustainability assessment tools is identified – in particular, the need for tools to assess more adequately how buildings provide well-being, and to expand how assessment systems capture qualitative information. The paper proposes that methodology and procedures of assessment methods should feature the broad participation of user groups drawn from the public.
A different approach and result to the measurement ofKoof granular soils
Authors: TALESNICK M.L.
Published: June 2012

An in-soil version of the null soil pressure measurement system has been used in the measurement of lateral earth pressures of granular soils for at-rest Koconditions. Four uniformly graded soils were tested, from particle diameter 0·15 mm through to 15 mm. Two significant observations were made based upon the data presented. For initial loading, the coefficient of lateral earth pressure, Ko, was found to be higher for soil placed in a dense packing arrangement in comparison to that measured for the same soil placed in a loose packing arrangement. The development of horizontal pressure during unloading and reloading was found to be very similar to that of initial loading.
Effects of water content and particle crushing on the shear behaviour of an infilled-joint soil
Authors: ZHAO Y. , ZHOU H. , FENG X.T. , CUI Y.J.
Published: June 2012

Ring shear tests were carried out on a compacted low-plasticity infilled-joint soil from Beihetan site in China. Different initial water contents (5·0, 9·0 and 13·5%) were considered. It was observed that the failure envelope is linear for the peak deviator stress but highly non-linear for the residual deviator stress in the range of high normal stresses (higher than 400 kPa), evidencing the particle crushing effect on the residual strength. Furthermore, this particle crushing effect was dependent on water content: the residual friction angle is larger at higher water content. Further grain size analysis was performed on the portion taken in the zone of shear band after each test, and changes of the fractions of 75 μm and 2 μm were compared for different water contents. The results indicate clearly that the effect of water content on particle crushing depends on particle size. For large particles (> 75 μm), water content increase enhances the particle crushing by the fracture mechanism. On the contrary, for smaller particles (< 2 μm), water content increase reduces the particle crushing by the mechanism of attrition or abrasion. Deeper analysis of the effect of the ratio of the final to initial fraction of soil with particle size less than 2 μm, S2, on the shear strength suggests that the effect of particle crushing on the residual shear strength is mainly through the production of extra clay-size particles (< 2 μm).
Preliminary study on the mechanical behaviour of heat exchanger pile in physical model
Authors: KALANTIDOU A. , TANG A.M. , PEREIRA J.-M. , HASSEN G.
Published: June 2012

The effects of temperature changes on the mechanical behaviour of heat exchanger piles need to be taken into account in geotechnical design. In this preliminary study, the behaviour of an axially loaded pile under thermal cycles was investigated using a physical model. After applying the axial load on the pile head, the pile was heated from 25°C to 50°C and subsequently cooled to 25°C. Four tests (corresponding to four values of axial load) were performed and two temperature cycles were undertaken in each test. The pile temperature and the pile head displacement were monitored. When low axial loads were applied, the heating induced heave and cooling induced settlement of the pile head. In this case, the displacement–temperature curve was found to be reversible and similar to the thermal expansion curve of the pile. However, in the case of higher axial loads, the heave of the pile head, obtained during heating, was lower than the thermal expansion of the pile, suggesting settlement of the pile toe. Irreversible settlement of the pile head was observed after these thermal cycles.
Three-dimensional finite-element analysis of arching in a piled embankment
Authors: ZHUANG Y. , ELLIS E. , YU H.S.
Published: June 2012

Piled embankments rely upon arching of the embankment material onto underlying piles, thus potentially significantly reducing load on the soft subsoil that more generally prevails beneath the embankment. Finite-element modelling of a piled embankment in plane strain has previously been reported; the ‘subsoil' was not explicitly modelled, but was represented by a vertical stress acting on the underside of the embankment. This technical note considers extension of this work to three dimensions. The results make particular reference to prediction of the stress on the subsoil at the point of ‘maximum arching' and the height of influence of arching within the embankment.
Association between Peritransplant Kidney Injury Biomarkers and 1-Year Allograft Outcomes
Authors: Hall Isaac E. , Doshi Mona D. , Reese Peter P. , Marcus Richard J. , Thiessen-Philbrook Heather , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives

Current tools to predict outcomes after kidney transplantation are inadequate. The objective of this study was to determine the association of perioperative urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18 with poor 1-year allograft function (return to dialysis or estimated GFR<30 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18 from early post-transplant urine was measured in this prospective, multicenter study of deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients. The outcome of poor allograft function at 1 year relative to these biomarkers using multivariable logistic regression and net reclassification improvement was examined. Also, the interaction between delayed graft function and the biomarkers on the outcome were evaluated, and the change in biomarkers over consecutive days related to the outcome using trend tests was examined.

Results

Mean age for the 153 recipients was 54 ± 13 years. Delayed graft function occurred in 42%, and 24 (16%) recipients had the 1-year outcome. Upper median values for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18 on the first postoperative day had adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 6.0 (1.5–24.0) and 5.5 (1.4–21.5), respectively. Net reclassification improvement (95% confidence interval) was significant for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18 at 36% (1%–71%) and 45% (8%–83%), respectively. There was no significant interaction between biomarkers and delayed graft function on the outcome. Change in biomarkers moderately trended with the outcome.

Conclusions

Perioperative urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18 are associated with poor 1-year allograft function, suggesting their potential for identifying patients for therapies that minimize the risk of additional injury.
Nonlinear Measures of Heart Rate Variability and Mortality Risk in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Suzuki Mari , Hiroshi Takahashi , Aoyama Toru , Tanaka Miho , Ishii Hideki , Kisohara Masaya , Iizuka Narushi , Murohara Toyoaki , Hayano Junichiro
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives

Nonlinear measures of heart rate variability (HRV) have gained recent interest as powerful risk predictors in various clinical settings. This study examined whether they improve risk stratification in hemodialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

To assess heart rate turbulence, deceleration capacity, fractal scaling exponent (α1), and other conventional HRV measures, 281 hemodialysis patients underwent 24-hour electrocardiography between January 2002 and May 2004 and were subsequently followed up.

Results

During a median 87-month follow-up, 77 patients (27%) died. Age, left ventricular ejection fraction, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, and calcium × phosphate independently predicted mortality. Whereas all nonlinear HRV measures predicted mortality, only decreased scaling exponent α1 remained significant after adjusting for clinical risk factors (hazard ratio per a 0.25 decrement, 1.46; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.16–1.85). The inclusion of α1 into a prediction model composed of clinical risk factors increased the C statistic from 0.84 to 0.87 (P=0.03), with 50.8% (95% CI, 20.2–83.7) continuous net reclassification improvement for 5-year mortality. The predictive power of α1 showed an interaction with age (P=0.02) and was particularly strong in patients aged <70 years (n=208; hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.38–2.53), among whom α1 increased the C statistic from 0.85 to 0.89 (P=0.01), with a 93.1% (95% CI, 59.3–142.0) continuous net reclassification improvement.

Conclusions

Scaling exponent α1 that reflects fractal organization of short-term HRV improves risk stratification for mortality when added to the prediction model by conventional risk factors in hemodialysis patients, particularly those aged <70 years.
Serum Albumin as Predictor of Nutritional Status in Patients with ESRD
Authors: Gama-Axelsson Thiane , Heimbürger Olof , Stenvinkel Peter , Bárány Peter , Lindholm Bengt , Qureshi Abdul Rashid
Published: June 2012

Background and objectives

Serum albumin is a widely used biomarker of nutritional status in patients with CKD; however, its usefulness is debated. This study investigated serum albumin and its correlation with several markers of nutritional status in incident and prevalent dialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In a cross-sectional study, serum albumin (bromocresol purple), and other biochemical (serum creatinine), clinical (subjective global assessment [SGA]), anthropometric (handgrip strength; skinfold thicknesses), and densitometry (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) markers of nutritional status were assessed in 458 incident (61% male; mean age, 54±13 years; GFR, 6.6±0.3 ml/min per 1.73 m2; recruited 1994–2010) and 383 prevalent (56% male; mean age, 62±14 years; recruited 1989–2004) dialysis patients.

Results

In incident patients, serum albumin was correlated with age (β =−0.15; P<0.001), diabetes (β=−0.30; P<0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (β =−0.37; P<0.001), and urinary albumin excretion (β=−0.38; P<0.001) but less so with poor nutritional status (SGA score > 1; β=−0.19; P<0.001). In prevalent patients, serum albumin was correlated with age (β=−0.15; P<0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (β=−0.30; P<0.001), diabetes (β=−0.31; P<0.001), and SGA score > 1 (β=−0.16; P<0.001). In predicting nutritional status assessed by SGA and other markers, adding serum albumin to models that included age, sex, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease did not significantly increase explanatory power.

Conclusions

In incident and prevalent dialysis patients, serum albumin correlates poorly with several markers of nutritional status. Thus, its value as a reliable marker of nutritional status in patients with ESRD is limited.
Designing Continuous Auditing for a Highly Automated Procure-to-Pay Process
Authors: Borthick A. Faye
Published: June 2012

To provide real-time assurance, auditors must rely on continuous auditing. Although the need for continuous auditing is readily apparent, not many auditors have experience in implementing or relying on it. The purpose of this writing is to illustrate how Chan and Vasarhelyi's (2011) stages of continuous auditing might be instantiated in a highly automated procure-to-pay process using the Krishnan et al. (2005) notation for representing controls in business process diagrams. In Stage 1, existing processes and controls are examined to identify the monitoring and testing that is suitable for continuous auditing and confirm sufficient data access. In Stage 2, metrics for evaluating transaction data are defined. In Stage 3, rule-based analytics are developed as benchmarks for determining internal control violations. In stage 4, an audit-by-exception approach is described for determining the level of material errors, omissions, and other anomalies.
One-step synthesis of solid sulfonic acid catalyst and its application in the acetalization of glycerol: crystal structure of cis-5-hydroxy-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane trimer
Authors: Adam Farook , Batagarawa Muazu , Hello Kasim , Al-Juaid Salih
Published: June 2012

A one-pot method was employed to immobilize sulfonic acid onto silica obtained from rice husk ash using 3-(mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane to form a solid catalyst denoted as RHASO3H. BET measurements of the catalyst showed the surface area to be 340 m2 g−1 with the average pore volume of 0.24 mL g−1 and the pore diameter of 2.9 nm. Acidity test of cation exchange capacity and pyridine adsorption studies revealed the presence of Brønsted acid sites on the catalyst surface. The catalyst was used in the acetalization reaction of glycerol with benzaldehyde. Under optimized conditions, the reaction showed the maximum conversion of 78 % after 8 h with 67 % selectivity towards the five membered ring isomer. Variation in the glycerol concentration had a significant effect on the reactants conversion. A single crystal X-ray study of one of the products proved the existence of a unique trimer formed by hydrogen bonding by the six-membered cis-isomer. The catalyst was several times recycled without any loss of its catalytic activity.
Mechanistic insights into the reaction of CF3CCl3 with SO3: Theory and experiment
Authors: Liu Zhi-Zheng , Chen Zhi-Rong , Yin Hong , Yuan Shen-Feng
Published: June 2012

Reaction mechanism of 1,1,1-trifluorotrichloroethane (CF3CCl3) and sulphur trioxide (SO3) in the presence of mercury salts (Hg2SO4 and HgSO4) was studied applying the density functional theory (DFT) at the UB3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level. It was found that this reaction occurs in the free radical chain path as follows: mercury(I) sulphate free radical is generated by heat, causing CF3CCl3 to produce the CF3CCl2 free radical which reacts with SO3 leading to the formation of CF3CCl2OSO2 decomposing into CF3COCl and SO2Cl. The SO2Cl free radical triggers CF3CCl3 to regenerate CF3CCl2 which recycles the free radical growth reaction. This elementary reaction has the highest energy barrier and it is therefore the rate control step of the whole reaction path. Experiment data can confirm the existence of the mercury(I) salt free radical and the free radical initiation stage. So, mercury salts play the role of initiators not that of catalysts. The results agree well with our hypothesis.