bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging nanotechnologies: a case study of 'upstream' public engagement
Authors: Macnaghten Phil
Published: January 2010

This paper develops an analysis of the factors likely to shape future public responses to the social and ethical dimensions of emerging nanotechnologies. The research was designed to offer insight into the following: what sorts of issues are likely under current circumstances to shape public attitudes towards nanotechnologies; what narrative resources do people draw upon to develop their thinking; how do public attitudes evolve through social interaction and knowledge generation; and to what extent can expressed concerns be understood as emblematic of wider societal dilemmas.
Híbridos na paisagem: uma etnografia de espaços de produção e de conservação
Authors: Silveira Pedro Castelo Branco
Published: January 2010

Paisagens são construídas, no duplo sentido de serem concebidas e de serem produtos da ação prática de sujeitos sobre o mundo. O artigo trata dos híbridos que emergem nas paisagens construídas por habitantes da zona rural de São Luiz do Paraitinga e por uma equipe de pesquisadores, da qual fiz parte, que estudava a região. A emergência de tais híbridos, num contexto considerado de crise por diversos agentes, em paisagens onde se presume uma divisão em espaços de produção e espaços de preservação, indica uma crise mais ampla da Modernidade, no sentido indicado por Latour, de que "jamais fomos modernos".
As dimensões dos valores e da participação política em projetos de professoras: abordagens sobre os resíduos sólidos
Authors: Cinquetti Heloisa Chalmers Sisla , Carvalho Luiz Marcelo de
Published: January 2010

Este trabalho aborda elementos relativos às dimensões dos valores e da participação política, desenvolvidos por professoras, quando da elaboração de projetos temáticos sobre resíduos sólidos. A análise representa um momento da investigação dos processos de educação continuada de professoras de séries iniciais do Ensino Fundamental, de São Carlos, SP, ao aprender e ensinar conteúdos relativos à temática ambiental, com foco nos resíduos sólidos. Apontamos na discussão dos dados que as professoras freqüentemente não reconhecem os limites da dimensão dos conhecimentos, o que provavelmente dificulta a percepção das possibilidades de desenvolvimento do trabalho com as dimensões dos valores éticos e da participação política. Analisamos, para estas dimensões, alguns aspectos que se destacaram na pesquisa realizada.
Avaliação das idéias e atitudes relacionadas com sustentabilidade: metodologia e instrumentos
Authors: Guimarães Simone Sendin Moreira , Tomazello Maria Guiomar Carneiro
Published: January 2010

Este trabalho teve como objetivos verificar as idéias e atitudes de licenciandos em Biologia em relação à sustentabilidade por intermédio de um instrumento, que é uma adaptação do questionário de opiniões sobre Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade (VOSTS - Views on Science-Technology-Society), e que pode ser considerado como uma nova versão dos clássicos questionários Likert de atitudes.
Formación inicial de profesores de ciencias en Colombia: un estudio a partir de programas acreditados
Authors: Gallego Badillo Rómulo , Pérez Miranda Royman , Gallego Torres de , Nery Torres Luz
Published: January 2010

Se presentan aquí los resultados de un estudio documental, apoyado en entrevistas a directivos académicos, profesores y estudiantes, de los fundamentos epistemológicos, didácticos y pedagógicos de ocho programas de formación inicial de profesores de ciencias para los niveles básico y medio del sistema educativo colombiano.
Análise textual discursiva: processo reconstrutivo de múltiplas faces
Authors: Moraes Roque , Galiazzi Maria do Carmo
Published: January 2010

O artigo, resultado de pesquisa qualitativa de dissertações e relatos de mestres que utilizaram a análise textual discursiva como ferramenta analítica, descreve a análise textual discursiva como procedimento de pesquisa que permite quatro reconstruções concomitantes: 1. do entendimento de ciência e de seus caminhos de produção; 2. do objeto da pesquisa e de sua compreensão; 3. da competência de produção escrita; 4. do sujeito pesquisador. Argumenta-se que a análise textual discursiva cria espaços de reconstrução, envolvendo-se nisto diversificados elementos, especialmente a compreensão da produção de significados sobre os fenômenos investigados e a transformação do pesquisador.
A formação do professor de matemática e o trabalho com projetos na escola
Authors: Cattai Maria Dirlene da Silva , Penteado Miriam Godoy
Published: January 2010

O objetivo do presente texto é apresentar os resultados de uma pesquisa que procurou discutir a formação dos professores de Matemática que trabalham com projetos e documentar a maneira da implementação dessa proposta na escola. Os dados são provenientes de entrevistas com dez professores de Matemática, os quais atuam no Ensino Fundamental ou Médio. Seus relatos possibilitam identificar três formas diferentes de trabalhos com projetos: i) individualmente e por iniciativa própria; ii) por sugestão da escola, de forma fragmentada; iii) coletivamente. Não há indícios de que a formação inicial desses professores os tenha influenciado a trabalhar com projetos. Esse preparo foi construído ao longo de suas carreiras, através da participação em cursos de formação continuada, da experiência com a prática e das interferências de suas características pessoais.
Genetic parameter estimates in yellow passion fruit based on design I
Authors: Gonçalves Gustavo Menezes , Viana Alexandre Pio , Pereira Messias Gonzaga , Bezerra Neto Francisco Valdevino , Amaral Júnior Antônio Teixeira do , Pereira Telma Nair Santana , Gonçalves Tiago José Menezes
Published: January 2010

The aim of this work was to study the genetic parameters, to obtaine the progenies by crossings among the yellow passion fruits cultivars (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa), following the Design I. The results of the variance analysis demonstrated large variability to be exploited in the population. The trait number of fruit per plant presented the largest additive genetic variation coefficient, demonstrating that larger gains could be obtained for the trait. In terms of genetic action, number of fruits per plant, skin thickness and number of days by flowering have demonstrated to be characterized by the overdominance. Other important traits seem to have presented larger addictive effect than the dominance, as weight, length and width of fruits. The highest values of the coefficients of heritabilities were obtained for the males and the smallest for the females within males, and for the selection the coefficients should be used in the narrow sense.
Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis of yacón [smallanthus sonchifolius (poepp. and endl.) H. Robinson]
Authors: Corrêa Cynthia Manyra , Oliveira Graciele Nicolodi de , Astarita Leandro Vieira , Santarém Eliane Romanato
Published: January 2010

Smallanthus sonchifolius has tuberous roots containing large amounts of fructo-oligosaccharides and its medicinal use has increased due to the hypoglycemic properties reported for this species. An efficient system for propagation via somatic embryogenesis is reported using petiole segments cultivated on MS medium supplemented with combinations of BA, kinetin and 2,4-D, under light and darkness conditions. Embryogenic callus was formed in most of the treatments; however, somatic embryogenesis was promoted by the presence of light. Clusters of somatic embryos appeared on callus surface after 50 days of culture. The highest number of embryos was produced on 0.45 µM BA and 4.5 µM 2,4-D. Embryogenic calli were maintained on MS medium containing 4.5 µM BA and 0.045 µM 2,4-D. Embryos converted on hormone-free half-strength MS medium with 2 g.L-1 activated charcoal and plantlets were transferred to non-sterile conditions for acclimatization, showing 100% of survival.
Interannual variability of phytoplankton in the main rivers of the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil: influence of upstream reservoirs
Authors: Rodrigues LC. , Train S. , Bovo-Scomparin VM. , Jati S. , Borsalli CCJ. , Marengoni E.
Published: January 2010

The interannual variation of phytoplankton communities in the three main rivers of the Upper Paraná River floodplain is evaluated in relation to changes in the hydrosedimentological regime. These changes are a result of climatic variability and the formation of Porto Primavera Reservoir, located at the upper Paraná River. Phytoplankton species richness and density were investigated in rivers during a prior period (1993-1994) and eight years after reservoir impoundment (2000-2007). Multiple analyses were conducted to test the differences between these time periods in order to find predictor variables for phytoplankton attributes. A total of 454 phytoplanktonic taxa were found. The regression analysis revealed significant differences between periods. In the years following construction of the Porto Primavera dam, species richness was lower in the Paraná River and density was higher in the three rivers. In general, the algal density decreased from 2005 to 2007. Diatoms and cyanobacteria contributed significantly to the total density during the period from March 1993 to February 1994. The years 2000-2007 presented the lowest diatom contribution to species richness and the highest cyanobacteria contribution. From 2000 on, cryptomonads and cyanobacteria dominated. The interannual variability of phytoplankton was probably influenced by changes in hydrosedimentological regime due to climatic variations (La Niña and El Niño - Southern Oscillation events - ENSO) and the operational procedures associated with an upstream reservoirs. Studies on climatic variability and its effects on hydrosedimentological regimes of the Paraná, Baía and Ivinhema rivers and the biota therein are necessary to obtain subsidies for management, including decisions related to the operation of dams upstream and downstream of the study area, with the purpose of minimizing risks to the Environmental Protection Area.
Environmental changes and human work in the region of the Upper Paraná River floodplain: processes and interactions
Authors: Tomanik EA. , Paiola LM. , Martínez-Fernández JB. , Fernandes SL.
Published: January 2010

The environment and society constitute a complex of elements and interactions. Thus, an understanding of the processes in which the environment and psychosocial elements are involved may not be gained from knowledge of just one isolated variable. Based on such premises, the present paper, which summarizes the results of a series of studies, adopts work relationships as its main focus, but in addition, it has two complementary objectives. One is to present some analyses on the interaction between human actions and the environmental changes that have been taking place in the region of the Upper Paraná River floodplain and in its boundaries. A secondary aim is to show how those two factors have been changing people's working and living conditions and the identity configuration of some of the human groups that live at that site.
Environmental education in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), Brazil
Authors: Obara AT. , Suzuki HI. , Takemoto RM. , Tomanik A. , Corredato-Periotto TR. , Silva-Dias MAG.
Published: January 2010

Since 2003, researchers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from the State University of Maringá have been working alongside teachers from the state and local schools in the municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), located on the banks of the Paraná River. Their objective is to outline actions and strategies with the purpose of building methodological paths to insert environmental education into the school curriculum. Based on the action-research methodology, the group has developed the following programs: a) the Continuing Education Program in Environmental Education; b) the Development of Interdisciplinary Projects; c) the Insertion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs); and d) the Production of Teaching Materials. The evaluations of the programs indicate that teachers have been able to gradually build a theoretical and methodological basis for environmental education while simultaneously growing into the role of teacher-researchers as they create the conditions to investigate their pedagogical practices, reflect upon them, share experiences, innovate, and make the teaching-learning process more significant. Allied to the advances in educational practices and with the aid of ICTs, the activities developed in the classroom, in the field and in the lab - all of which involve natural and cultural aspects of the region - have contributed to teachers' and students' better understanding of the ecological, cultural, social and economic value of the floodplain, and consequently, of the importance of preservation and management in order to maintain local biodiversity.
Phytoplankton diversity in the Upper Paraná River floodplain during two years of drought (2000 and 2001)
Authors: Borges PAF. , Train S.
Published: January 2010

Floodplain lakes and lotic environments of the High Paraná River floodplain present notable biodiversity, especially in relation to phytoplanktonic community. The goal of this work was to evaluate phytoplankton diversity (alpha, beta and gamma) in three subsystems during two years of drought (2000 and 2001). We sampled 33 habitats at the pelagic zone subsurface during February and August. Due to low hydrometric levels of the Paraná and Ivinhema Rivers, there was no clear distinction between the potamophase and limnophase periods for the two hydrosedimentological cycles analysed. We recorded 366 taxa. The values obtained for gamma diversity estimators ranged from 55.5-87.8%. DCA and variance analyses revealed only spatial differences in the phytoplankton composition. The mean values of species richness, evenness and Shannon diversity were low, especially when compared to those obtained in previous periods for Baía subsystem. The highest mean values of species richness were verified in the connected floodplain lakes. The highest beta diversity was obtained from the Paraná subsystem and lotic environments in 2001. In general, we observed that the Upper Paraná River floodplain has the highest values of species richness, evenness and H' during the potamophase period, when the flood facilitates dispersion. However, this pattern was not observed in 2000 and 2001, years influenced by La Niña. Besides the low precipitation observed during that period, we must consider the influence of the Porto Primavera impoundment, which also altered the discharge regime of the Paraná River by decreasing the degree of connectivity between fluvial channels and the lentic environments of the floodplain. Thus, the prevalence of conditions characterising the limnophase during 2000 and 2001 explains the lack of significant variability registered for most components of phytoplankton diversity over the study period. We conclude that variations in phytoplankton diversity during the study period were related to the absence of conspicuous potamophase, and that observed variations were more closely related to spatial heterogeneity. These results reveal the importance of conservation in the Área de Proteção Ambiental das Ilhas e Várzeas do Rio Paraná, with its subsystems and diverse aquatic habitats.
Inter-annual variations in the abundance of young-of-the-year of migratory fishes in the Upper Paraná River floodplain: relations with hydrographic attributes
Authors: Suzuki HI. , Agostinho AA. , Bailly D. , Gimenes MF. , Júlio-Junior HF. , Gomes LC.
Published: January 2010

In this study, we identified and characterized the hydrographic attributes related to the success of recruitment of migratory fishes in the Upper Paraná River floodplain. To achieve our objectives, we analyzed inter-annual variations in the abundance of young-of-the-year (YOY; index of recruitment) of six migratory species and their relations with hydrographic attributes. Recruitment was related to the intensity, duration (in different fluviometrical levels), elasticity, number of pulses, greater uninterrupted overflow and delay of the floods (all obtained using the PULSO software). Collections of fish were conducted in the period between January 1987 and November 2007 in distinct environments (river channels, secondary channels and connected and disconnected floodplain lakes) distributed along three subsystems (Paraná, Baía and Ivinheima). Relations between recruitment and the attributes of interest were determined through analysis of covariance. In the studied period, the highest abundances of YOY were registered in 2007, followed by 1992, 1993, 2005 and 1988. The abundance of YOY was positively correlated with an intensity of high water levels (potamophase) and the duration of potamophase 1 and negatively with the duration of low water levels (limnophase) and a delay of flood. Higher hydrometric levels (540 and 610 cm for Paraná and 325 and 450 cm for Ivinheima) and greatest uninterrupted overflow presented different relations (significant interactions) among subsystems, but all with positive effects on recruitment. Results evidenced that recruitment responded better when floods started in January with potamophase intensities above 610 cm and water levels above 450 cm over a period of 50 days and repeated every two years (or > 610 cm for 38 days and repeated every two or three years). Therefore, artificial control of the floods at intervals of two or three years by manipulating the discharge of dams located upstream from the floodplain in a way that promotes potamophases with the potential to ensure recruitment of migratory species may become an important tool for conservation of migratory fish species in the floodplain.
Genetic divergence between Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in the Paraná River Basin
Authors: Bignotto TS. , Prioli AJ. , Prioli SMAP. , Maniglia TC. , Boni TA. , Lucio LC. , Gomes VN. , Prioli RA. , Oliveira AV. , Júlio-Junior HF. , Prioli LM.
Published: January 2010

Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Spix and Agassiz, 1829) and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (Eingenmann and Eigenmann, 1889) are large migratory catfishes of high biological importance and great commercial value in South America. Because fertile crossbreeds can be artificially produced in hatcheries, a high genetic proximity between these two Pimelodidae species is conceivable. Possible escape of crossbred specimens from pisciculture stations is a serious environmental concern. Despite their importance, knowledge of P. corruscans and P. reticulatum biology, ecology, population diversity and genetics is limited. In the present work, the genetic divergence between P. corruscans and P. reticulatum populations from the Paraná River Basin was analyzed on the basis of polymorphisms in ISSR fragments and in the hypervariable sequence of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. Estimates of intraspecific haplotype (h > 0.5) and nucleotide diversities (π < 0.01) indicate that P. corruscans and P. reticulatum have survived a historical population decline, followed by a demographic expansion. The interspecific polymorphisms within the mtDNA control region and ISSR fragments were suitable as diagnostic molecular markers and could be used to discriminate the two species. A unique Pseudoplatystoma specimen, captured in the Upper Paraná River Floodplain, was identified by these DNA diagnostic markers as a hybrid P. reticulatum x P. corruscans, which possibly escaped from pisciculture. The integrity of the natural population of P. corruscans in the Upper Paraná River is at risk of genetic introgression or homogenization due to the presence of hybrids and the transposition of P. reticulatum upstream through the Canal da Piracema at Itaipu Dam. Data presented herein improve the understanding of the genetic relatedness between P. corruscans and P. reticulatum and represent potential tools for future programs of conservation and surveillance of genetic introgression events and the genetic integrity of these populations.
Species richness and abundance of bats in fragments of the stational semidecidual forest, Upper Paraná River, southern Brazil
Authors: Ortêncio-Filho H. , Reis NR.
Published: January 2010

The Upper Paraná River floodplain is inserted in a region of the Mata Atlântica biome, which is a critical area to preserve. Due to the scarcity of researches about the chiropterofauna in this region, the present study investigated species richness and abundance of bats in remnants from the stational semidecidual forest of the Upper Paraná River, southern Brazil. Samplings were taken every month, from January to December 2006, using 32 mist nets with 8.0 x 2.5 m, resulting in 640 m²/h and totaling a capture effort of 87,040 m²/h. In order to estimate the species richness, the following estimators were employed Chao1 and Jack2. During the study, a total of 563 individuals belonging to 17 species (Artibeus planirostris, Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Sturnira lilium, Artibeus fimbriatus, Myotis nigricans, Desmodus rotundus, Artibeus obscurus, Noctilio albiventris, Phylostomus discolor, Phylostomus hastatus, Chrotopterus auritus, Lasiurus ega, Chiroderma villosum, Pygoderma bilabiatum and Lasiurus blossevillii) were captured. The estimated richness curves tended to stabilize, indicating that most of the species were sampled. Captured species represented 10% of the taxa recorded in Brazil and 28% in Paraná State, revealing the importance of this area for the diversity of bats. These findings indicate the need to determine actions aiming to restrict human activities in these forest fragments, in order to minimize anthropogenic impacts on the chiropterofauna.
On the possible extinction of bird species in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: Mendonça LB. , Lopes EV. , Anjos L.
Published: January 2010

The Upper Paraná River floodplain (UPR) represents the last stretch of the Paraná River in Brazilian territory where a river-floodplain ecosystem still exists. However, the region had been subjected to intense deforestation in previous decades, and more than half of the original floodplain has been lost due to the construction of the Porto Primavera dam, which may have resulted in the local extinction of species. In the present study, we compared the list of bird species recorded before the construction of Porto Primavera dam (1926-1996) to that gotten afterwards (1999-2007) under the Long-Term Ecological Research program (LTER-site 6). We aim to investigate biogeographical and ecological traits of species potentially lost in the UPR. Endemism, proximity to the edge of species' geographic range, low tolerance to human-altered habitats and habitat specificity were associated to the potential extinction of birds in the UPR. The region represents an important opportunity for conservation, and should be target of conservation efforts to avoid further loss of species and ecological processes.
Diet and feeding activity of Acestrorhynchus lacustris (Lütken, 1875) (Characiformes, Acestrorhynchidae) in the water reservoir at Ribeirão Claro, SP
Authors: Silva AT. , Goitein R.
Published: January 2010

A. lacustris is a widely distributed species in the São Francisco and Paraná river basins, mainly in lentic waters. Specimens were captured monthly, over a whole year in a reservoir built by damming the Ribeirão Claro stream (SP). The stomach contents analyses showed a predominantly piscivorous diet. Feeding activity showed to be clearly less intense during winter, when all the sampling groups were compared. Despite the fact that the diet of A. lacustris presents a high diversity of prey-species, the prey size, their abundance and also behavior possibly determined a certain preference for some of them.
Surface and subterranean ichthyofauna in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, northeastern Brazil, with updated lists of Brazilian troglobitic and troglophilic fishes
Authors: Mattox George Mendes Taliaferro , Bichuette Maria Elina , Secutti Sandro , Trajano Eleonora
Published: January 2010

After an ichthyofaunistic survey in several epigean (surface) water bodies of the Serra do Ramalho, southern Bahia, conducted in May 2007, 44 species were recorded; in addition, three non-troglomorphic (normally eyed and pigmented) and two troglomorphic species were recorded only in caves, totaling 49 species of fishes for the area, which represents a little more than one fourth of the total registered in the literature for the entire Rio São Francisco basin. In these caves, which have been studied since 2005, eight non-troglomorphic species were sampled and their presence in both epigean and subterranean habitats, associated to the lack of morphological differences, indicate that they may be either troglophiles (species encompassing individuals able to live and complete their life cycle either in the surface or in the subterranean environment), trogloxenes (individuals regularly found in subterranean habitats, but which must return periodically to the surface in order to complete their life cycle) or even accidental in caves. In addition, two troglomorphic species (with reduced eyes and melanic pigmentation when compared to close epigean relatives), belonging respectively to the genera Rhamdia and Trichomycterus, were recorded exclusively in caves, thus classified as troglobites. Interestingly, no epigean representative of the genus Trichomycterus was collected. The new data are integrated into updated lists of Brazilian troglobitic and troglophilic fishes, based on published data and new records recently confirmed.
Notas sobre a distribuição, tamanho de grupo e comportamento do golfinho Tursiops truncatus (Cetacea: Delphinidae) na Ilha de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil
Authors: Wedekin Leonardo Liberali , Daura-Jorge Fábio Gonçalves , Rossi-Santos Marcos Roberto , Simões-Lopes Paulo César
Published: January 2010

A ecologia do golfinho-nariz-de-garrafa (Tursiops truncatus) é pouco documentada no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é fornecer dados sobre a distribuição, tamanho de grupo e comportamento de T. truncatus a partir de avistagens oportunistas realizadas nas adjacências da Ilha de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Em cada observação de grupos da espécie foram registrados: localidade, data e hora, tamanho de grupo e comportamento. Foram observados 71 grupos entre 1989 e 2005, em todos os meses do ano. A espécie foi observada em toda região costeira da Ilha de Santa Catarina, utilizando uma grande variedade de hábitats. O tamanho de grupo variou entre 1 e 200 indivíduos, com uma média de aproximadamente 8 indivíduos (moda = 2). Interações com pelo menos três espécies de aves marinhas também foram observadas, além de outros comportamentos. Os dados obtidos sugerem que a espécie é comum ao longo da costa da Ilha de Santa Catarina, possui uma grande plasticidade no uso de hábitats, além de um conjunto variado de comportamentos.
Changes in phosphate content and phosphatase activities in rice seedlings exposed to arsenite
Authors: Mishra Shruti , Dubey R.S.
Published: January 2010

The effect of arsenite (As2O3) in situ on the level of the phosphate pool and activities of phosphohydrolytic enzymes was examined in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings grown for 5-20 d in sand cultures. The effects were manifested via a decline in phosphate content and inhibition of the activities of key phosphatases. Application of 50 µM As2O3 in situ resulted in 34 to 77% inhibition of acid phosphatase activity in roots and about 38 to 50% inhibition of activity in shoots of 15-20-d-old seedlings. Similarly, alkaline phosphatase activity was inhibited in shoots under in situ As (III) toxicity. Varietal as well as organ specific differences were observed in the response of inorganic pyrophosphatase activity to in situ As (III) treatment. A moderately toxic in situ As2O3 level of 25 µM as well as a highly toxic level of 50 µM inhibited mitochondrial-ATPase activity whereas 25 µM As (III) stimulated the chloroplastic isoform of ATPase but at a higher level (50 µM) As (III) was inhibitory. The results suggest that exposure of rice plants to arsenite leads to lowering of the phosphate pool and alteration in the activities of key phosphohydrolytic enzymes which might contribute to metabolic perturbations and decreased growth of rice plants in an As (III) polluted environment.
Fenótipos clínicos de asma grave
Authors: Alves Roseliane de Souza Araújo , Vianna Flávia de Almeida Filardo , Pereira Carlos Alberto de Castro
Published: January 2010

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer os fenótipos clínicos em portadores de asma grave. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 111 pacientes em um ambulatório especializado. Os pacientes foram avaliados e acompanhados de maneira sistemática, estabelecendo-se ao final do acompanhamento a adesão e o controle ou não da doença por dados clínicos e funcionais. A resistência ao tratamento foi definida como o não preenchimento, ao final do acompanhamento, por pelo menos seis meses, dos critérios de controle de asma, apesar do uso correto e adesão à medicação. Os fenótipos foram determinados por análise fatorial e comparados por testes diversos. RESULTADOS: Ao final, 88 pacientes foram considerados aderentes e 23 não aderentes. Por análise fatorial do grupo aderente, quatro fenótipos foram determinados: o fenótipo 1 (28 pacientes), formado pelos pacientes resistentes ao tratamento, com maior freqüência de sintomas noturnos, maior número de exacerbações e uso mais freqüente de broncodilatador de resgate; o fenótipo 2 (48 pacientes), formado pelos pacientes com obstrução persistente, com menores valores de relação volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo/capacidade vital forçada na avaliação inicial, idade mais avançada e maior tempo de doença; o fenótipo 3 (42 pacientes), representa os pacientes com rinossinusite alérgica, sendo constituído de não fumantes com obstrução predominantemente reversível; e o fenótipo 4 (15 pacientes), formado por casos com história de intolerância à aspirina associado à asma quase fatal. CONCLUSÕES: Um número significativo de portadores de ama grave não adere ao tratamento. Muitos pacientes com asma grave têm obstrução irreversível, mas o fenótipo clínico mais relevante é constituído pelos pacientes resistentes ao tratamento habitual.
Dimensions of sleepiness and their correlations with sleep-disordered breathing in mild sleep apnea
Authors: Martinez Denis , Lumertz Magali Santos , Lenz Maria do Carmo Sfreddo
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE: There are many ways of assessing sleepiness, which has many dimensions. In patients presenting a borderline apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, expressed as events/hour of sleep), the mechanisms of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) remain only partially understood. In the initial stages of sleep-disordered breathing, the AHI might be related to as-yet-unexplored EDS dimensions. METHODS: We reviewed the polysomnography results of 331 patients (52% males). The mean age was 40 ± 13 years, and the mean AHI was 4 ± 2 (range, 0-9). We assessed ten potential dimensions of sleepiness based on polysomnography results and medical histories. RESULTS: The AHI in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage 1 sleep (AHI-N1), in NREM stage 2 sleep (AHI-N2), and in REM sleep (AHI-REM) were, respectively, 6 ± 7, 3 ± 3 and 10 ± 4. The AHI-N2 correlated significantly with the greatest number of EDS dimensions (5/10), including the Epworth sleepiness scale score (r = 0.216, p < 0.001). Factor analysis, using Cronbach's alpha, reduced the variables to three relevant factors: QUESTIONNAIRE (α = 0.7); POLYSOMNOGRAPHY (α = 0.68); and COMPLAINTS (α = 0.55). We used these factors as dependent variables in a stepwise multiple regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index. The AHI-N1 correlated significantly with POLYSOMNOGRAPHY (β = -0.173, p = 0.003), and the AHI-N2 correlated significantly with COMPLAINTS (β = -0.152, p = 0.017). The AHI-REM did not correlate with any factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underscore the multidimensionality of EDS in mild sleep apnea.
Pneumonias virais: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, fisiopatológicos e tratamento
Authors: Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes
Published: January 2010

As infecções do trato respiratório são as formas de infecção mais comuns que afetam o homem e, dentre essas, predominam as de causa viral. Os vírus também podem acometer o trato respiratório baixo, causando bronquiolite, bronquite e pneumonia. Neste artigo de revisão, objetivamos mostrar aspectos epidemiológicos, fisiopatológicos, clínicos e do tratamento das pneumonias comunitárias por vírus. Essas pneumonias costumam ser causadas por vírus influenza A e B; parainfluenza 1, 2 e 3; vírus respiratório sincicial; e adenovírus. Também são apresentados aqui os hantavírus, metapneumovírus e rinovírus causando pneumonia.
Observation of preparation and administration of drugs by nursing assistants in patients with enteral feeding tube
Authors: Heydrich Joana , Heineck Isabela , Bueno Denise
Published: January 2010

This study aimed to know the standard of preparation and administration of medicines to patients using probes of enteral nutrition (SNE) hospitalized in a university hospital in Porto Alegre. Were accompanied sixty nursing auxiliaries, in two units of hospital, in their routine work and observed their techniques. The practice was compared with procedures that are part of the rules for administration of medicines to patients on enteral therapy. The auxiliary held a grinding in 90% of cases of solid pharmaceutical preparation. For this procedure they used preferably the mortar and pistil (63.3%). The dilution of the drugs was made mainly with tap water (78.3%). Most professionals (91.1%) prepare and administer together all medications that were prescribed to the patient. Only four assistants performed the procedure separately. The washing of the SNE after administration of drugs was made for 75% of assistants. It was observed a great diversity of working methods used at the derivation, dilution and administration of medicines by nursing auxiliaries.
Effects of Nitrogen and Potassium on Wear Mechanisms in Perennial Ryegrass: I. Wear Tolerance and Recovery
Authors: Hoffman L. , Ebdon J. S. , Dest W. M. , DaCosta M.
Published: January 2010

Fertility may influence wear tolerance and recovery, but its effects on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) are unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) on wear tolerance and recovery in perennial ryegrass. Field studies were conducted in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate five rate levels of N (49, 147, 245, 343, and 441 kg ha−1 yr−1) with three rate levels of K (49, 245, and 441 kg ha−1 yr−1). Wear was applied using differential slip wear (DSW) and grooming brush wear (GBW). Injury was assessed using visual ratings and a relative chlorophyll index from spectral readings measured on wear‐treated and nontreated plots. Grooming brush wear was ineffective for assessing recovery. Wear tolerance ratings between GBW and DSW were correlated with r‐values as high as 0.93 (P ≤ 0.001). Reflectance readings were correlated with GBW and DSW ratings. Nitrogen influenced wear tolerance and recovery. Wear tolerance decreased linearly as N increased, and N accounted for as much as 95% of the treatment variation. Reductions in wear tolerance with increasing K were observed with GBW, while significant gains in recovery from DSW were observed with K at 2 wk after treatment (2WAT). Nitrogen in excess of 245 kg ha−1 yr−1 promoted reductions in wear tolerance but faster recovery. The 245 kg N ha−1 yr−1 rate afforded full recovery in the shortest interval as early as 8WAT. Optimum N for maximum wear tolerance and recovery for perennial ryegrass is 245 kg N ha−1 yr−1
Fatty Acid Profiles of Orchardgrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Alfalfa
Authors: Dierking R. M. , Kallenbach R. L. , Roberts C. A.
Published: January 2010

Recent research shows that the meat from beef animals finished on pasture has greater concentrations of omega‐3 fatty acid (FA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) compared with animals finished on high‐concentrate diets. However, little is known about the FA concentrations in forage that might alter these FA in the meat of pasture‐finished beef. The objective was to determine the FA variation between and within forage species commonly grown in pastures in the Midwest. A secondary objective was to identify phenotypic characteristics that may be associated with individual FA. The forages analyzed included multiple cultivars of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire = Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub], perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and alfalfa [Medicago sativa L. ssp. sativa and falcata (L.) Arcang.]. Grasses had higher amounts of α‐linolenic (C18:3) acid compared with alfalfa. Conversely, alfalfa had larger amounts of linoleic acid (C18:2) than did the grasses. Correlations between phenotypic traits and specific FA were found; plant total chlorophyll had the greatest correlation to total FA concentration. Overall, there is not a large amount of within‐species variation that breeders could use to make large changes in FA concentrations.
Hierarchical Multiple‐Factor Analysis for Classifying Genotypes Based on Phenotypic and Genetic Data
Authors: Franco Jorge , Crossa José , Desphande Santosh
Published: January 2010

A numerical classification problem encountered by breeders and gene‐bank curators is how to partition the original heterogeneous population of genotypes into non‐overlapping homogeneous subpopulations. The measure of distance that may be defined depends on the type of variables measured (i.e., continuous and/or discrete). The key points are whether and how a distance may be defined using all types of variables to achieve effective classification. The objective of this research was to propose an approach that combines the use of hierarchical multiple‐factor analysis (HMFA) and the two‐stage Ward Modified Location Model (Ward‐MLM) classification strategy that allows (i) combining different types of phenotypic and genetic data simultaneously; (ii) balancing out the effects of the different phenotypic, genetic, continuous, and discrete variables; and (iii) measuring the contribution of each original variable to the new principal axes (PAs). Of the two strategies applied for developing PA scores to be used for clustering genotypes, the strategy that used the first few PA scores to which phenotypic and genetic variables each contributed 50% (i.e., a balanced contribution) formed better groups than those formed by the strategy that used a large number of PA scores explaining 95% of total variability. Phenotypic variables account for much variability in the initial PA; then their contributions decrease. The importance of genetic variables increases in later PAs. Results showed that various phenotypic and genetic variables made important contributions to the new PA. The HMFA uses all phenotypic and genetic variables simultaneously and, in conjunction with the Ward‐MLM method, it offers an effective unifying approach for the classification of breeding genotypes into homogeneous groups and for the formation of core subsets for genetic resource conservation.
Late Planting of Short‐Season Cotton in Saline Fields of the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Dong Hezhong , Li Weijiang , Xin Chengsong , Tang Wei , Zhang Dongmei
Published: January 2010

Normal planting of full‐season cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (NPF) in saline fields of the Yellow River valley, China, is currently faced with poor stand establishment, late maturity, and increasing cost of inputs. Our objective was to determine if late planting of short‐season cotton (LPS) may alleviate these problems. In the first experiment, the effects of cultivar, planting date, seeding rate, and their interactions on stand establishment and seedling Na+ and malondialdehyde concentrations were studied. We also compared varietal effects, input costs, and gross economic returns under NPF and LPS. Late planting improved stand establishment due to increased temperature and reduced Na+ and malondialdehyde concentrations in cotton tissues. The LPS at 21 kg seeds ha−1 (LPSM) and NPF at 30 kg seeds ha−1 (NPFH) yielded better than other treatment combinations. Varietal effects on lint yield were not significant. The output value of both systems was comparable; however, the net revenue from LPSM was 32% greater than that from NPFH due to lower material cost and labor inputs. Late planting of short‐season cotton is a promising option for cotton production in saline areas of the Yellow River delta and probably in other cotton‐growing areas with similar ecologies.
Putative Seedling Ferulate Ester (sfe) Maize Mutant: Morphology, Biomass Yield, and Stover Cell Wall Composition and Rumen Degradability
Authors: Jung H. G. , Phillips R. L.
Published: January 2010

Ferulate cross‐linking of lignin to arabinoxylan contributes to poor cell wall degradability of grass forages. We hypothesized that reduced ferulate ester deposition will result in formation of fewer ferulate cross links and improved degradability. Objectives were to determine if the putative seedling ferulate ester (sfe) maize (Zea mays L.) mutant, selected for reduced ferulate esters in seedling leaves, (i) exhibits reduced ferulate ethers; (ii) alters morphology, yield, and cell wall concentration and composition; and (iii) changes degradability. Four near‐isogenic sfe lines and backcrosses to W23 were compared with the inbred W23 in replicated field trials. Leaf blade, sheath, and stem of immature (1‐m plant height) and mature (silage) growth stages were analyzed for ferulate esters and ethers, cell wall concentration and composition, and in vitro rumen degradability. The sfe lines were taller and had greater internode cross‐sectional area than W23. Plant yield was greater at silage maturity for sfe lines and backcross lines yielded more than sfe Mature plant parts of sfe lines had lower ferulate ester concentrations than W23. At silage stage sfe lines had less ferulate ethers, small reductions in cell wall concentration, and shifts in composition. Immature samples were inconsistent for cell wall traits and backcross lines were generally intermediate, regardless of maturity. Cell wall degradability was higher for the sfe mutant as hypothesized. Reducing ferulate‐mediated cross‐linking of lignin to arabinoxylan in the cell walls of maize stover appears to be an effective strategy for improving cell wall degradability, and the sfe mutant may offer an opportunity to identify a gene controlling ferulate deposition in grasses.
Spectral Water Indices for Assessing Yield in Elite Bread Wheat Genotypes under Well‐Irrigated, Water‐Stressed, and High‐Temperature Conditions
Authors: Gutierrez Mario , Reynolds Matthew P. , Raun William R. , Stone Marvin L. , Klatt Arthur R.
Published: January 2010

The objective of the present work was to determine the relationship between spectral reflectance indices (SRI) and yield in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in NW Mexico in three environments (irrigated, water‐stress, and high‐temperature). The SRI were classified into vegetative indices (three indices) and water indices (five indices). The SRI were determined at booting, heading, and grain‐filling in advanced lines of three trials of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in Mexico (CIMMYT), Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trial (ESWYT), Semi‐Arid Wheat Yield Trial (SAWYT), and High Temperature Wheat Yield Trial (HTWYT). Two water indices (NWI‐1 and NWI‐3) always provided higher correlations with grain yield when heading and grain filling were combined in SAWYT, ESWYT, and HTWYT. Vegetative indices showed inconsistency in their relationship with grain yield. The water indices gave higher genetic correlations and correlated response with grain yield than the vegetative indices in the three trials in all the environments across years. The relationship between yield and canopy temperature determined at grain filling also showed stronger association with yield. The high‐temperature environment showed the strongest associations between SRI and grain yield. The water indices can be used for breeding purposes for selecting high‐yielding lines in well‐irrigated, water‐stressed, and hot environments, and canopy temperature could complement this selection.
Comparison of Soil pH Methods on Soils of North America
Authors: Miller Robert O. , Kissel David E.
Published: January 2010

Soil pH, one of the most routine measurements performed, is used to interpret chemical reactions, nutrient availabilities, and the rates of many biological processes in soils. Predominantly, soil pH is measured in soil–water suspensions using a glass H+‐sensing electrode and a reference electrode. Soil/water ratios of the suspensions ranging from saturated paste to 1:5 are used in research and commercial soil testing laboratories. The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships between pH measured in saturated paste extract (pHsp), 1:1 and 1:2 soil/water suspensions (pH1:1w and pH1:2w), and 1:1 and 1:2 soil/0.01 mol L−1 CaCl2 suspensions and . In addition, the effects of soil suspension electrical conductivity (EC1:1w) on measured values of soil pH were assessed. Analytical results for 120 agricultural soil samples from a laboratory proficiency program database indicated that the relationship between pH1:1w and was highly significant (r2 = 0.984). Similar regressions were found between pHsp and , and between pH1:2w and The EC1:1w explained 85.1% of the variation in the difference between pH1:1w and pH1:1CaCl A model comprised of a linear term of pH1:1CaCl and a nonlinear term EC1:1w explained 99.5% of the variation in soil pH1:1w, with the estimated pH of 88% of the soils between ±0.10 pH units of the measured pH1:1w Results for individual soils indicated that a nonlinear function using matrix EC explained >98% of the variation in soil pH across a range of soil/water ratios and suspension matrices ranging from 0.00 to 0.01 mol L−1 CaCl2 It is our assertion that the current practice of determining soil pH in soil–water suspensions of low ionic strength results in a significant analytical measurement error associated with liquid junction potentials of a glass reference–H+ electrode system. For soil diagnostic analysis purposes, we concluded that the measurement of soil pH using 0.01 mol L−1 CaCl2 solution at a soil/water ratio of 1:1 is a more robust measurement for soils of North America.
Erosion and Vegetation Restoration Impacts on Ecosystem Carbon Dynamics in South China
Authors: Tang Xinyi , Liu Shuguang , Zhou Guoyi
Published: January 2010

To quantify the consequences of erosion and vegetation restoration on ecosystem C dynamics (a key element in understanding the terrestrial C cycle), field measurements were collected since 1959 at two experimental sites set up on highly disturbed barren land in South China. One site had received vegetation restoration (the restored site) while the other received no planting and remained barren (the barren site). The Erosion‐Deposition Carbon Model (EDCM) was used to simulate the ecosystem C dynamics at both sites. The on‐site observations in 2007 showed that soil organic C (SOC) storage in the top 80‐cm soil layer at the barren site was 50.3 ± 3.5 Mg C ha−1, half that of the restored site. The SOC and surface soil loss by erosion at the restored site from 1959 to 2007 was 3.7 Mg C ha−1 and 2.2 cm, respectively—one‐third and one‐eighth that of the barren site. The on‐site C sequestration in SOC and vegetation at the restored site was 0.67 and 2.5 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively, from 1959 to 2007, driven largely by tree growth and high atmospheric N deposition in the study area. Simulated findings suggested that higher N deposition resulted in higher on‐site SOC storage in the soil profile (with SOC in the top 20‐cm layer increasing more significantly), and higher on‐site ecosystem C sequestration as long as N saturation was not reached. Lacking human‐induced vegetation recovery, the barren site remained as barren land from 1959 to 2007 and the on‐site C decrease was 0.28 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 Our study clearly indicated that vegetation restoration and burial by soil erosion provide a large potential C sink in terrestrial ecosystems.