bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adubação NPK e calagem na produção de massa verde e sementes de crotalária
Authors: Salgado Antonio Luiz de Barros , Azzini Anísio , Feitosa Celi Teixeira , Petinelli Armando , Veiga Arruda
Published: December 2007

São relatados dois experimentos de campo visando avaliar o efeito de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio na presença e na ausência de calcário, na produção de massa verde e de sementes de crotalária. Os experimentos foram realizados no Centro Experimental de Campinas e na Estação Experimental de Tatuí, em Latossolo Roxo, no ano agrícola de 1969/70. Os resultados obtidos mostram claramente que o efeito para a utilização do fósforo foi significativo em solos com menor teor deste elemento e que houve efeito altamente positivo para o emprego do calcário na localidade de Tatuí.
Eficiência de linhagens de milho na absorção e utilização de fósforo em solução nutritiva
Authors: Furlani Ángela Maria Cangiani , Bataglia Ondino Cleante , Lima Marlene
Published: December 2007

Mediante solução nutritiva, definiu-se uma metodologia para avaliação e seleção de plantas de milho mais eficientes na absorção e utilização do fósforo, em condições de sua baixa concentração. Quarenta linhagens de milho foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva completa, contendo 6,0mg de P/vaso de 2,8 litros, sem renovação da solução e com geração contínua. As plantas foram deixadas crescer durante 20 dias, sem reposição do P, até aparecerem sintomas de deficiência. Observaram-se variações no crescimento das linhagens, tanto nas raízes como na parte aérea, afetando o peso da matéria seca e a altura das plantas. As variações observadas no conteúdo total de P das plantas crescidas nas mesmas condições, acompanharam proporcionalmente as variações observadas no peso da matéria seca. Entretanto, a capacidade de produção de matéria seca por unidade de P absorvido (relação de eficiência) variou pouco. Assim, atribuíram-se as diferenças no crescimento das plantas muito mais ao mecanismo de absorção de P do que ao de sua utilização. As linhagens foram também avaliadas quanto aos sintomas visuais de deficiência de P. A classificação do material foi baseada nos pesos de matéria seca, dispostos numa curva de distribuição "t" de médias. De acordo com o intervalo de confiança da média geral, calculado com 99,9% de probabilidade, separou-se o material em 11 linhagens ineficientes (com peso abaixo de 5,28g), 20 linhagens medianamente eficientes (com peso entre 5,28 e 6,04g) e 9 linhagens eficientes (com peso acima de 6,040g).
Relações radiométricas de uma cultura de cana-de-açucar
Authors: Machado Eduardo Caruso , Pereira Antonio Roberto , Camargo Marcelo Bento Paes de , Fahl Joel Irineu
Published: December 2007

Durante o período de máximo índice de área foliar de uma cultura de cana-de-açúcar, cv. NA56-79, os coeficientes de reflexão, transmissão e absorção da radiação solar incidente variaram em função do ângulo de incidência dos raios solares e da faixa espectral considerada. A radiação fotossinteticamente ativa (PAR) foi sempre menos refletida e transmitida e mais absorvida que a radiação do infravermelho próximo (NIR). Em geral, para as frações consideradas, obtiveram-se as seguintes relações radiométricas: (1) radiação disponível, NPAR = 1,2 NNIR; (2) radiação refletida, RPAR = 0,1 RNIR; (3) radiação transmitida, TPAR = 0,2 TNIR; (4) radiação absorvida, APAR = 1,6 ANIR.
Condições de armazenamento na viabilidade e dormência de sementes de videira
Authors: Maeda Jocely Andreuccetti , Pereira Maria de Fatima Domingos Aleixo , Terra Maurilo Monteiro
Published: December 2007

A manutenção da viabilidade de sementes por períodos mais ou menos longos está bastante relacionada com as condições em que elas são armazenadas. Temperatura e teor de umidade estão entre os fatores que mais afetam sua longevidade. O objetivo deste trabalho é o estudo da viabilidade e dormência de uva do cultivar Patrícia, armazenada durante 24 meses em dois tipos de recipientes - em vidro hermético e saco de papel - a temperaturas de 10, 20 e 30°C, com dois diferentes teores iniciais de umidade. A porcentagem de sementes dormentes e viáveis foi determinada bimestralmente durante os primeiros 12 meses, e semestralmente nos períodos mais longos. O armazenamento não quebrou a dormência das sementes de uva em nenhuma das condições estudadas. Enquanto as sementes frescas mostraram melhor conservação a 10°C quando embaladas em vidro hermético, sementes secas se conservaram melhor a 20°C. Em saco de papel, foram poucas as diferenças encontradas entre os tratamentos, a não ser nos períodos finais do armazenamento, quando 20°C se mostrou a pior temperatura de conservação. Dessa maneira, a dormência não foi alterada pelo armazenamento, nas condições estudadas, e a viabilidade foi bastante afetada tanto pelo tipo de embalagem como pela temperatura de armazenamento.
Diferentes combinações de NPK na produção do feijão-vagem em solo orgânico álico do Vale do Ribeira (SP)
Authors: Ishimura Issao , Feitosa Celi Teixeira , Lisbão Rogério Salles , Passos Francisco Antonio , Fornasier João Baptista , Noda Massaharu
Published: December 2007

Objetivando-se verificar o efeito de doses de fertilizantes (0-0-0, 118-192-186, 236-384-372 e 354-576-558 kg/ha de N-P2O5-K2O respectivamente) na produção do feijão-vagem, cv. Teresópolis, desenvolveu-se um experimento na Estação Experimental de Pariquera-Açu em solo orgânico álico de alta acidez. Nas condições do experimento, verificou-se apenas resposta linear e positiva altamente significativa para os seguintes caracteres estudados: produtividade total de vagens, produtividade de vagens comerciáveis e número total de vagens. Desse modo, as maiores produtividades em peso e número de vagens, em magnitude, foram obtidas quando se utilizou a dose máxima de NPK.
Brecht e Aristóteles
Authors: Bolognesi Mário Fernando
Published: December 2007

A concepção teatral de Brecht não é radicalmente oposta à de Aristóteles. A estética brechtiana, em muitos aspectos, é herdeira das idéias de Aristóteles. O teatro épico proposto por Brecht tem em seu horizonte de combate o teatro de matriz naturalista e o drama psicológico. Mimese e catarse não significam identificação do público com a cena e com o herói.
Comportamento locomotor de crianças e adultos jovens em ambiente doméstico simulado
Authors: Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken , Silva Jean José , Paiva Ana Clara Souza , Scabello Priscila Elaine
Published: December 2007

Observamos o comportamento locomotor de 40 crianças (de 5 a 8 anos) e de 40 adultos jovens (de 19 a 28 anos) frente a restrições ambientais, que percorreram dois circuitos em condições de luminosidade total e reduzida e transporte de carga (sem carga, 3% e 7% da massa corporal), andando o mais rápido possível e evitando contato com objetos. O tempo gasto na tarefa foi obtido por meio de um cronômetro digital, em três tentativas por condição. ANOVA para três fatores (circuito x iluminação x carga) revelou que: as crianças demoraram mais tempo para realizar a tarefa quando carga foi adicionada; crianças mais jovens percorreram o circuito em tempo maior que crianças mais velhas; as condições não alteraram a locomoção dos adultos. Concluímos que crianças necessitam integrar as informações sensoriais e acoplá-las ao sistema efetor. Programas de intervenção são necessários para facilitar essa integração sem restrição da mobilidade das crianças.
Sobre a condenação do magnetismo animal: revisitando a história da psicologia
Authors: Neubern Maurício da Silva
Published: December 2007

O presente trabalho procura desenvolver uma reflexão crítica sobre o processo de condenação do magnetismo animal. Partindo de uma crítica às versões lineares e progressistas da história da Psicologia, nas quais o magnetismo é excluído ou pouco explorado, o artigo busca atingir dois objetivos. Primeiramente, questionar alguns dos pressupostos típicos das versões históricas dominantes, como a idéia de que o magnetismo não teria resistido às exigências da metodologia científica. Em segundo lugar, oferecer uma alternativa de compreensão deste processo calcada na idéia de que a rejeição ao magnetismo animal ocorreu, em parte, devido à oposição de princípios epistemológicos existente entre este e o projeto moderno de ciência. O artigo é concluído destacando o caráter acidental do nascimento do espaço psicológico a partir desta condenação, a diversidade de razões nela presentes e questiona a noção de progresso típico ao projeto moderno de ciência que inspirou o nascimento da Psicologia.
Frações nitrogenadas de silagens de milho "safrinha" sob diferentes tempos de exposição ao ar antes da ensilagem
Authors: Velho João Pedro , Mühlbach Paulo Roberto Frenzel , Nörnberg José Laerte , Genro Teresa Cristina Moraes , Sanchez Luis Maria Bonnecarrère , Velho Ione Maria Pereira Haygert , Kessler Julcemar Dias
Published: December 2007

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da maturidade dos grãos de milho e do tempo de exposição ao ar antes da ensilagem sobre o pH e os componentes nitrogenados de silagens de milho "safrinha". O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento completamente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 2 x 4, no qual foram testados dois estádios de maturidade (MA) ao corte (grão completamente leitoso (GL) ou grão ½ leitoso ½ farináceo (GF)) e quatro tempos de exposição ao ar (EX), sem compactação (0, 12, 24 e 36 horas) antes da ensilagem em minissilos. Houve efeito significativo (P<0,05) em relação aos MA e EX, para os teores de PB e NIDN, além de interação entre esses fatores para as variáveis pH, N-NH3 e NIDA. Devido à interação, a silagem feita no estádio GL produziu mais N-NH3 do que aquelas feitas no estádio GF. A interação entre os fatores MA e EX aumentam o valor médio de pH das silagens produzidas, porém com diferentes magnitudes. O manejo inadequado na ensilagem decorrente da demora no enchimento do silo aumenta a fração nitrogenada insolúvel, ou seja, diminui a degradabilidade protéica, porém afeta negativamente a digestibilidade e o valor nutritivo da silagem. Silagens de milho colhidas com grão leitoso comprometem a palatabilidade pelo maior teor de nitrogênio amoniacal.
Características químicas e valores energéticos de farelos de soja do oeste e sudoeste do Paraná
Authors: Rieger Clovis , Oliveira Vladimir de , Lovatto Paulo Alberto , Araújo Jocélio dos Santos , Peixoto Érika Cosendey Toledo Mello , Silva Marcelo Aparecido da
Published: December 2007

Foi realizado um estudo para determinar a variabilidade de características químicas e valores energéticos de farelos de soja (FS) do oeste e sudoeste do Paraná. Foram estudadas 40 amostras colhidas em 10 processadores e distribuidores durante quatro meses consecutivos. Houve diferenças (P<0,05) entre os teores de matéria seca (MS) dos farelos de soja (FS) analisados. O FS 10 apresentou menor (P<0,05) teor de MS (86,72%) em relação aos FS 2, 4, 5, 6 e 9 (88,96, 90,60, 89,19, 89,08 e 88,72%, respectivamente). O FS 4 teve menor conteúdo de Ca (0,31%), enquanto os FS 5 e 7 mostraram os maiores teores de Ca (0,36 e 0,36%, respectivamente). Ocorreram diferenças (P<0,05) entre os valores de energia metabolizável verdadeira (EMVn) calculados, com o FS 8 apresentando a maior concentração (2,65Mcal kg-1) e os FS 5 e 10 os menores teores de energia calculados (2,51 e 2,50Mcal kg-1, respectivamente). Pode-se concluir que a composição química dos farelos de soja das regiões oeste e sudoeste do Paraná apresenta pouca variação e, exceto para a fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, ferro e manganês, os valores encontrados são próximos daqueles citados na literatura.
Themes and time use by participants in general team meetings at a psychiatric day hospital
Authors: Scherer Edson Arthur , Campos Maria Auxiliadora , Scherer Zeyne Alves Pires
Published: December 2007

This naturalistic study was realized through observation and aimed to characterize general staff meetings held at a day hospital regarding theme and the professionals' participation in the use of time. We observed 21 meetings, during which 144 announcements were made and 46 issues were discussed, with greater participation in discussions by fixed team members. In 18 of these meetings, the discussed themes corresponded to daily situations registered during the weeks preceding the meetings. Our findings reveal that these meetings are inserted in the service on a regular basis. Power relations and differences in experience and technical knowledge between the different professionals seem to contribute to the higher or lower number of announcements and issues presented. As this space favors exchanges, we suggest these meetings to be used in other health services working with assistance teams.
Risk factors for pressure ulcer development in institutionalized elderly
Authors: Souza Diba Maria Sebba Tosta de , Santos Vera Lúcia Conceição de Gouveia
Published: December 2007

This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for the development of Pressure Ulcers (PU) in old people living in Long Staying Institutions. It is a prospective and cohort study carried out in four Institutions. A total of 94 old people composed the sample and were assessed during three consecutive months. The total scores of the Braden Scale were different between the groups with and without PU, at the first (p=0.030) and last assessments (p= 0,001); humidity, nutrition and friction/shearing were significantly different between those with and without PU, and were always worst among the first. Female gender and previous PU were confirmed as predictive for the development of PU (r²=0,311).
O desempenho de alunos dos cursos pré-vestibulares comunitários no ENEM 2006: análise de um possível impacto da capacitação de professores
Authors: Klein Ruben , Fontanive Nilma , Carvalho José Carmello Braz de
Published: December 2007

O artigo discute os resultados obtidos pelos alunos dos Cursos Pré-Vestibulares Comunitários do Rio de Janeiro, no ENEM 2006. Os 350 professores desses alunos, todos voluntários, participaram de atividades de Capacitação voltadas para o desenvolvimento das habilidades do ENEM. Os alunos desses professores, além de material didático, realizaram um Simulado do ENEM, em junho de 2006. Pesquisando os resultados desses alunos, no ENEM, constatou-se que eles obtiveram médias maiores do que as obtidas pelos alunos brasileiros e do Rio de Janeiro. Os alunos dos Pré-Vestibulares Comunitários, têm renda familiar menor, são mais velhos e, em maior percentual, se declararam pretos e pardos, quando comparados com os alunos brasileiros e do Rio de Janeiro. Essas variáveis, em geral, estão associadas a piores desempenhos. Os autores discutem o possível impacto da capacitação dos professores nos resultados positivos obtidos pelos alunos no ENEM 2006.
Bases para o desenvolvimento sustentável e competitivo da indústria de agregados nas regiões metropolitanas do país: parte 1
Authors: Calaes Gilberto Dias , Carneiro Neto Bernardo Piquet , Margueron Cláudio , Amaral José Alexandre Gurgel do
Published: December 2007

O presente artigo encontra-se compreendido em duas partes. A primeira assinala a importância do planejamento estratégico e do ordenamento territorial na estimulação da competitividade e da sustentabilidade de empreendimentos produtores de agregados para a construção civil. A segunda parte, a ser publicada na próxima edição dessa revista, analisará o caso do parque produtor de brita da RMRJ, investigará os mecanismos alternativos de reconversão tecnológica, territorial e ambiental dos pólos produtores e apresentará propostas de políticas públicas para a promoção do desenvolvimento competitivo e sustentável da produção de agregados nas RMs do país.
A crise dos paradigmas e o marxismo entre os pesquisadores em trabalho e educação em universidades brasileiras
Authors: Ferreira Maria Onete Lopes
Published: December 2007

Tomando como problema a crise na qual mergulharam as teorias do conhecimento na atualidade, reflete sobre as conseqüências de tal momento de fragilidade teórica no campo da pesquisa educacional, especialmente entre os estudiosos que tratam de objetos referentes à relação ";Trabalho e Educação";. As fontes eleitas foram as teses produzidas nos Programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação das universidades PUC/SP, USP, Unicamp, UFRJ e UFRGS, entre os anos de 1994 e 1998. O critério definidor do intervalo está amparado no fato de que, seguramente, a partir daquele momento inicial seria possível contemplar a problemática da crise dos referenciais, e que este intervalo deveria fechar-se no instante em que tivesse início o trabalho de campo. A questão norteadora da investigação teve como eixo o nível de compromisso dos pesquisadores com as teorias historicistas, em especial o marxismo, assim como com aquelas ditas pós-modernas. O resultado do trabalho demonstra ampla predominância do referencial marxista entre os pesquisadores investigados.
Feeding of juvenile pirarucu (Arapaima gigas, Arapaimidae) in their natural environment, lago Quatro Bocas, Araguaiana-MT, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Valdézio de , Poleto Stephania Luz , Venere Paulo Cesar
Published: December 2007

The stomach content of samples of juvenile Arapaima gigas was analized to obtain information about feeding in natural environments. This species occurs in the Amazonian basin, predominantly in floodplain environment. This is the case of the valley of the middle rio Araguaia, where the lago Quatro Bocas is situated. Juveniles A. gigas prefered insects, microcrustaceans and gastropods, most of autochthonous origin. All the stomachs examined contained at least one food item.
Ituglanis macunaima, a new catfish from the rio Araguaia basin, Brazil (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)
Authors: Datovo Aléssio , Landim Maria Isabel
Published: December 2007

Ituglanis macunaima, new species, is described from the rio Araguaia basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. It is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: posterior fontanel absent; pectoral-fin rays usually i,4; pelvic-fin rays usually i,4; branched caudal-fin rays usually 5,5; mottled color pattern formed by irregular to roundish dark brown spots on whitish background; reduced supraorbital canal with pores s1 and s2 lacking; reduced infraorbital canal with pores i1 and i3 lacking; 2-3 pleural ribs; and 35-38 vertebrae. A detailed description and illustrations of the skeleton of I. macunaima are also provided. Comparisons with other trichomycterids are presented, and several reductive traits of I. macunaima are discussed. Some comments are made about the systematics and phylogeny of the genus.
A new Aspidoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from rio Paraguaçu basin, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Britto Marcelo R. , Lima Flávio C. T. , Santos Alexandre C. A.
Published: December 2007

During a recent ichthyological survey in Chapada Diamantina, Estado da Bahia, Brazil, a new, very distinctive Aspidoras was discovered in tributaries of the upper rio Paraguaçu. The new taxon differs from its congeners mainly in having: a poorly-developed pigmentation pattern, restricted to minute scattered blotches on dorsal region of head and body, but grouped in small, irregular blotches along the lateral body plate junction; four or five caudal vertebra, anterior to compound caudal centrum, with neural and haemal spines placed posteriorly, close to post-zygapophyses; and post-zygapophyses of the precaudal vertebrae without dorsal expansions connected with their respective neural spines. The new species shares with Aspidoras velites dorsolateral body plates not touching their counterparts dorsally, and infraorbital bones with reduced flanges that are restricted to the latero-sensory canal. Both of these are considered reductive character states, probably indicating a paedomorphic condition to both species. The new species is also compared to Aspidoras maculosus, a congener which bears the most similar color pattern and is geographically closest to the new species.
Harttia merevari, a new species of catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Venezuela
Authors: Provenzano R. Francisco , Machado-Allison Antonio , Chernoff Barry , Willink Phil , Petry Paulo
Published: December 2007

Harttia merevari, a new species of loricariid catfish, is described from eight specimens captured in the upper Caura River, Orinoco River basin, Venezuela. The new species is recognized by the following combination of characters: abdomen naked; two or three preanal plates; a bony plate before each branchial opening; seven lateral plates between the pectoral and pelvic fins; maxillary barbel short and attached to the oral disk by a fleshy fold; head dorsal surface and anterior portion of the body light or dark yellow with numerous, round black spots; posterior region of the body light or dark yellow with five black transverse bands, dorsal central area of the two anterior bands diffused. The discovery of this new species extends the distribution of the genus northwest to include the Orinoco River basin on the northern slope of the Guyana shield.
Description of a new species of Parancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Xingu, Brazil
Authors: Rapp Py-Daniel Lúcia H. , Zuanon Jansen
Published: December 2007

Parancistrus nudiventris, new species, is described and compared with the congener P. aurantiacus. The new species has only been recorded from rio Xingu and can be distinguished from P. aurantiacus by having a naked abdomen (plated in P. aurantiacus), the presence of bluish dots in living specimens or spotted in preserved specimens (uniformly dark or clear brown or mottled, never spotted in P. aurantiacus), larger interbranchial distance (39-56% in HL vs. 24.9-39.5% in P. aurantiacus), narrower interorbital distance (26.8-38% in HL vs. 38.5-43.1% in P. aurantiacus). Parancistrus nudiventris also has buccal teeth more conspicuous than in P. aurantiacus. Main skeletal differences include the presence of a strong condyle on the lateral ethmoid for articulation with the metapterygoid in P. nudiventris (not seen in P. aurantiacus); anguloarticular processes short in P. nudiventris (long in P. aurantiacus); opercle with odontodes, partly exposed in P. nudiventris (completely embedded in skin in P. aurantiacus).
Estimating response times of Vadret da Morteratsch, Vadret da Palü, Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen from their length records
Authors: Oerlemans J.
Published: December 2007

Length records of two pairs of glaciers are used to reconstruct the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) and to estimate glacier response times. The method is based on the assumption that neighbouring glaciers should be subject to the same climatic forcing, and that differences in the length records are thus caused by differences in response times and climate sensitivities. By means of a control method, in which the difference between the reconstructed histories of the ELA is minimized, realistic response times are found. The pairs of glaciers studied are: (i) Vadret da Morteratsch and Vadret da Palü in the Swiss Alps and (ii) Briksdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen in southern Norway. In both cases the reconstructed ELA histories of the individual glaciers are very similar, in spite of the large differences in the length records. Short e-folding response times are found for the steep glaciers: 4.4 years for Vadret da Palii, 5.0 years for Briksdalsbreen. For the larger glaciers with a more gentle slope the response times are substantially larger: 33.0 years for Vadret da Morteratsch, 34.8 years for Nigardsbreen.
Sub‐20 nm Magnetic Dots with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Stillrich H. , Frömsdorf A. , Pütter S. , Förster S. , Oepen H. P.
Published: December 2007

A new and simple method for the preparation of magnetic dot arrays is introduced. Diblock copolymer micelles with a silica core are used as template for the generation of nanostructure arrays. The silica cores are utilized as mask for ion milling preparation. The morphology and size of the silica and magnetic dot arrays are discussed. The magnetic dots are made from Co/Pt multilayer films. Ferromagnetic dots with a diameter well below 20 nm and perpendicular easy axis of magnetization are created. The switching behavior changes from domain wall motion, dominant in the film, to single domain particle switching in the dots. The magneto‐optic saturation signals and the evolution of magnetic anisotropy are discussed.
Green Synthesis and Property Characterization of Single‐Crystalline Perovskite Fluoride Nanorods
Authors: Zhang F. , Mao Y. , Park T.‐J. , Wong S. S.
Published: December 2007

The generalized green synthesis of single‐crystalline KMnF3 and NH4MnF3 nanorods as well as of their rare‐earth ion doped analogues, possessing reproducible shape and controllable size, has been achieved using a modified template‐directed approach under ambient room‐temperature conditions, with simple inorganic salts as functional precursors. Extensive characterization of the resulting nanorods has been performed using diffraction, electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy, as well as magnetic techniques. We have studied the antiferromagnetism of as‐prepared ternary metal fluoride nanorods as well as the luminescence of their as‐doped counterparts. Our collective data suggest the possibility of the incorporation of these high‐quality, chemically pure materials into functional nanoscale devices with various potential applications that exploit the interesting optomagnetic properties of these systems.
Preparation and characterization of polyamide 66/montmorillonite nanocomposites with methyl methacrylate as cointercalation agent
Authors: Yang Qing‐Quan , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian
Published: December 2007

This study reports a simple and low‐cost preparation method for nearly exfoliated polyamide 66 (PA66)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites. Polymerizable methyl methacrylate (MMA) is used as cointercalation agent to take advantages of both in‐situ polymerization and melt mixing. Two preparation approaches, either direct melt compounding or dilution from a master‐batch, are investigated. The nano‐scale dispersion of organo‐MMT (OMMT) in PA66 is revealed by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. PA66/MMT nanocomposites having superior mechanical properties and heat distortion temperature (HDT) can be obtained by either of the two preparation approaches on condition that excess MMA, which is on the surface of PA66/OMMT is removed by ventilation before melt compounding. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Polymeric Zinc Ferrocenyl Sulfonate as a Molecular Aspirator for the Removal of Toxic Metal Ions
Authors: Mi Liwei , Hou Hongwei , Song Zhiyong , Han Huayun , Fan Yaoting
Published: December 2007

A porous bilayered open coordination polymer [Zn(4,4′‐bpy)2(FcphSO3)2]n (1; FcphSO3Na=m‐ferrocenyl benzenesulfonate), has been assembled from Zn(NO3)2, m‐ferrocenyl benzenesulfonate, and the bridging ligand 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy). Ion‐exchange induced products [Cd0.6Zn0.4(4,4′‐bpy)2(FcphSO3)2]n (2), [Zn0.75Pb0.25(4,4′‐bpy)2(FcphSO3)2]n (3), and [Cu0.5Zn0.5(4,4′‐bpy)2(FcphSO3)2]n (4) could be obtained directly by suspending a big single crystal of 1 into concentrated solutions of Cd(NO3)2, Pb(NO3)2, and Cu(NO3)2, respectively. Most importantly, the big single crystal of 1 could be partly regenerated after immersion into concentrated aqueous solutions of Zn(NO3)2. On the other hand, powdered 1 could also be used as a metal ion adsorbent because of the well‐defined pore size and pore shape. Ion exchange takes place along with the process of ion sorption. The big single crystal of 1 removes harmful metal ions by means of ion exchange, whereas powdered 1 removes toxic metal ions mainly through ion sorption. Also, compound 1 could be employed as a multi‐ion analysis fluorescent probe to detect dangerous metal ions, such as Pb2+, Cd2+, Ag+, and Cu2+. The compounds described in this study may have potential applications in the design of new molecular devices.
Modulatory effect of chiral nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs on apoptosis of human neutrophils
Authors: Zielińska‐Przyjemska Małgorzata , Główka Franciszek K. , Klaczyńska Joanna
Published: December 2007

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are short‐lived leukocytes that die by apoptosis. Although PMNs are crucial in the defense against infection, they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of tissue injury observed in inflammatory diseases. The induction or prevention of PMN apoptosis is currently discussed as a key event in the control of inflammation. Caspase‐3 activation is the first step in the execution phase of apoptosis. In the study, effect of racemic mixtures and enantiomers of 2‐arylpropionic acid derivatives: ketoprofen, flurbiprofen (FBP), and (+)‐S‐naproxen and 2‐arylbutyric acid: indobufen on apoptosis activation via caspase‐3 and phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation (annexin‐V binding) in human neutrophils in vitro has been investigated. Caspase‐3 activation was detected by Western blotting, fluorometric assay of DEVD‐AMC cleavage, and flow cytometry with carboxyfluorescein (FAM) labeled caspase inhibitor. PMNs were isolated and cultured up to 24 h. The chiral nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were found to modulate human PMN apoptosis in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The greater activation of caspase was found at 75–150 μg/ml concentration of racemates as well enantiomers, especially for FBP, whereas NSAIDs at smaller quantities (15 μg/ml) were inactive. At concentration of 75 μg/ml, NSAIDs increased the rate of PS externalization in PMA‐stimulated and non‐stimulated neutrophils. Additionally, no cytotoxic effect of the NSAIDs was observed at concentration up to 75 μg/ml that induce apoptosis. Regulation of caspase activity by NSAIDs may represent a potent target to trigger apoptosis and resolve inflammatory disorders. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Removal of Copper(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Walnut‐, Hazelnut‐ and Almond‐Shells
Authors: Altun Türkan , Pehlivan Erol
Published: December 2007

The batch removal of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution using low‐cost adsorbents such as walnut (WNS) (Juglans regia), hazelnut (HNS) (Corylus avellana), and almond (AS) (Prunus dulcis) shell under different experimental conditions was investigated in this study. The main parameters influencing Cu(II) ion sorption on WNS, HNS, and AS were: initial metal ion concentration, amount of adsorbent, contact time, and the pH value of the solution. The influences of initial Cu(II) ion concentration (0.005–0.05 mmol/mL), pH (2–9), contact time (10–240 min), and adsorbent amount (0.1–1.0 g) have been reported. WNS presented the highest adsorption capacities for the Cu(II) ion. Each of WNS, HNS, and AS as sorbents for the removal of Cu(II) ions showed that the sorption process was pH dependent. The greatest increase in the rate of adsorption of metal ion on the shells was observed for pH changes from 5.5–7.0. For WNS, HNS, and AS, the optimum pH value was 6 and the equilibrium time was 120 min. The metal ion sorption obeyed both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The sorption process conformed to the Langmuir isotherm with maximum Cu(II) ion sorption capacities of 6.74, 6.65, and 3.62 mg/g for WNS, HNS, and AS, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that chelation and ion exchange is one of the major adsorption mechanisms for binding metal ions to the sorbents. The percentage removal Cu(II) ion was maximum at 10–3 mol/L solution concentration and initial pH of 6.0 (80.3, 75.6, and 75.0% by WNS, HNS, and AS, respectively).
Geotechnical Problems Experienced During the Construction of the Sludge Treatment Unit of the Main Wastewater Treatment Plant in Antalya
Authors: Acar Mustafa Hilmi
Published: December 2007

The treatment and disposal of wastewater still is a big problem of Antalya. The wastewater produced in the residential areas is biologically treated, the produced sludge, however, remains untreated. At the moment more than 60 t/day of dewatered sludge are buried at a landfill area located directly above the main groundwater resources of the city. As the area does not have any drainage and liner systems, it is believed that this kind of disposal constitutes a threat to the groundwater resources. Therefore, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality decided to add anaerobic sludge digestion units to the wastewater treatment plant. The sludge digestion tanks are considered to be built within the wastewater treatment plant area which is less than 1 km away from the beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. The purpose of this study is to examine the foundation soil in terms of its bearing capacity, consolidation settlement, and earthquake risks and to find out whether this construction site is suitable for building the sludge digestion tanks or not.
Abnormal cellular translocation of α‐internexin in spinal motor neurons of Dystonia musculorum mice
Authors: Tseng Kuang‐Wen , Chau Yat‐Pang , Yang Mei‐Fang , Lu Kuo‐Shyan , Chien Chung‐Liang
Published: December 2007

Dystonia musculorum (dt) is a mutant mouse with hereditary neuropathy where the dysfunction is mainly found in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons but not in the spinal motor neurons. However, the accumulation of intermediate filament (IF) proteins in the swelling axons of spinal motor neurons could be found in dt/dt mice. In order to understand the pathological role of neuronal IFs in the swelling axons of spinal motor neurons from dt/dt mice, we extensively examined the distribution of neuronal IF proteins. By immunofluorescence staining, our results indicated that α‐internexin was a major component in the swelling axon and showed abnormal translocation in the nuclei of spinal motor neurons in dt/dt mice. This abnormal translocation of α‐internexin in the nuclei of spinal motor neurons was also confirmed by Western blotting and immunoelectron microscopy. Instead of the 10‐nm filamentous structure, a diffuse immunopositive pattern of α‐internexin was observed in the nucleus of spinal motor neurons in dt/dt mutants. We further examined the cell death of spinal motor neurons by TUNEL assay, and no TUNEL‐positive cells could be identified from spinal motor neurons in dt/dt mice. From these observations we suggest that abnormal accumulation of neuronal IFs in the swelling axons and abnormal translocation of α‐internexin in the nuclei of the spinal motor neurons from dt/dt mice may not directly cause cell death of the spinal motor neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1053–1064, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prioritizing migraine biomarkers research
Authors: Gurwitz David , Diamond Seymour
Published: December 2007

Migraine is among the most common chronic disorders in the developed countries, affecting up to 17% of adult women and 6% of adult men. It is also among the chronic disorders most commonly associated with recurring absence from work. It has been estimated that in the United States the indirect annual societal cost of migraine, mostly as lost work, is US$12 billion. Migraine diagnosis and treatment is hindered by the lack of reliable serum or genetic biomarkers that could potentially improve treatment choices. Research programs focused on identifying and developing migraine biomarkers for both prevention and treatment must be included in the national biomedical research agenda. Drug Dev Res 68:267–269, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of antiepileptic drugs on neurophysiologic abnormalities subtending migraine
Authors: de Tommaso Marina
Published: December 2007

Recent theories about migraine pathogenesis have outlined migraine as a brain disorder. Migraine can be considered an aberrant physiological state with a low threshold for intermittent neuronal excitability. Neurophysiologic findings in migraine emphasized the presence of abnormal neuronal function during the asymptomatic phase, predisposing to attack occurrence, the main patterns being the loss of habituation of evoked and event related potentials and the hypersynchronization of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. These studies confirmed the need of preventive agents able to act on neuronal excitability, with growing evidence in favor of the clinical efficacy of anti‐epileptic drugs (AED), though electrophysiological evidence supporting migraine as a state of neuronal hypoexcitability rendered the rationale of their use and their fundamental action mechanism in preventing migraine rather questionable. In the last years, many studies reported the efficacy of other preventive agents than AED, such as ‐blockers, in reversing neurophysiologic abnormalities of migraine, while reducing headache frequency. Our recent results showed a normalizing effects of levetiracetam and topiramate vs. placebo on the dishabituation pattern of the contingent negative variation (CNV) and the efficacy of levetiracetam vs. both topiramate and placebo in reversing the hypersynchronization of alpha rhythm under flash stimulation. All these effects concurred with the clinical efficacy on migraine frequency, and confirmed the action of AED on the basal mechanisms of migraine. Considering our and previous results, migraine may be considered as a state of “altered” excitability, where the AED are modulating agents able to reverse the electrophysiological patterns predisposing to the attack occurrence. The challenge for the future may be the identification of subgroups of migraine patients with pronounced expression of some neurophysiologic indexes of migraine predisposition, e.g., hypersynchronization, which may optimize the choice of the preventive agent. Drug Dev Res 68:369–375, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potentiometric Response of Modified Carbon Paste Electrode Based on Mixed Ion‐Exchangers
Authors: Abu‐Shawish Hazem M.
Published: December 2007

A new chemically modified carbon paste electrode based on a mixture of two ion‐exchangers namely chlorpheniramine‐silicotungstate (CPM‐ST) and chlorpheniramine‐tetraphenylborate (CPM‐TPB) as ion‐exchange site for determination of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) was described. The best performance was exhibited by the electrode having the paste containing 3.0 wt% ion‐exchangers (CPM‐ST&CPM‐TPB), 48.5 wt% graphite, 47.5 wt% DOPh and 1.0 wt% NaTPB. The proposed chemically modified carbon paste electrode exhibited a Nernstian response for CPM over a wide concentration range of 1.2×10−6 to 1.0×10−2 M with a detection limit of 5.1×10−7 M between pH 4.5 and 7.7 with fast response ≤10 s. The sensor showed good selectivity for CPM with respect to a large number of inorganic cations, organic cations, sugars, amino acids and some common drug excipients. The modified electrode was applied to potentiometric determination of CPM in its pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids (serum and urine) with average recoveries of 97.5–102% and relative standard deviations of 0.32–1.97%.
Influence of Plants and Organic Matter on the Nitrogen Removal in Laboratory‐Scale Model Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands Inoculated with Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidizing Bacteria
Authors: Paredes D. , Kuschk P. , Köser H.
Published: December 2007

Anaerobic oxidation of ammonium has become an alternative for the treatment of wastewater with high ammonium loads, and it was also suggested to be involved in the nitrogen removal process in constructed wetlands. Nonetheless, its role has not been well evaluated as yet. In this paper, results of a lab‐scale study are presented focusing on the evaluation of the role of Anammox bacteria, plants, applied ammonia, nitrite nitrogen loads, and the presence of organic matter in nitrogen transformation processes in subsurface‐flow constructed wetlands. The inoculation of the experimental model wetlands with active Anammox biomass increased the total nitrogen and ammonium removal rates to values up to 5.7 g N/m2 d, which is almost 10 times higher than those values reported for subsurface flow constructed wetlands. Although the presence of plants caused a higher removal rate, the role of the plants became less important with high nitrite influent concentration. Because the unplanted experimental system without the addition of any organic carbon source showed also high nitrogen removal rates, it can be concluded that beside the potential for “conventional” denitrification in the planted systems the main mechanism for explaining the high nitrogen removal rates obtained during the experiments was the anaerobic ammonia oxidation. The assay of the formation of hydrazine from hydroxylamine and the findings of the molecular biology tests fitted with the positive results for potential Anammox activity obtained in the bottle test. The addition of organic carbon, specifically acetate, apparently had no great influence on Anammox activity, which is in agreement with the findings reported by other authors. Nevertheless, the addition influenced the redox potential. Some questions are still left open, which are mainly associated with the scaling up of these results and the inoculation of Anammox biomass in full‐scale systems.
Effects of hillslope topography on hydrological responses in a weathered granite mountain, Japan: comparison of the runoff response between the valley‐head and the side slope
Authors: Fujimoto Masamitsu , Ohte Nobuhito , Tani Makoto
Published: December 2007

To evaluate the effects of hillslope topography on storm runoff in a weathered granite mountain, discharge rate, soil pore water pressures, and water chemistry were observed on two types of hillslope: a valley‐head (a concave hillslope) and a side slope (a planar hillslope). Hydrological responses on the valley‐head and side slope reflected their respective topographic characteristics and varied with the rainfall magnitude. During small rainfall events (<35 mm), runoff from the side slope occurred rapidly relative to the valley‐head. The valley‐head showed little response in storm runoff. As rainfall amounts increased (35–60 mm), the valley‐head yielded a higher flow relative to the side slope. For large rainfall events (>60 mm), runoff from both hillslopes increased with rainfall, although that from the valley‐head was larger than that from the side slope. The differences in the runoff responses were caused by differences in the roles of lower‐slope soils and the convergence of the hillslope. During small rainfall events, the side slope could store little water; in contrast, all rainwater could be stored in the soils at the valley‐head hollow. As the amount of rainfall increased, the subsurface saturated area of the valley‐head extended from the bottom to the upper portion of the slope, with the contributions of transient groundwater via lateral preferential flowpaths due to the high concentration of subsurface water. Conversely, saturated subsurface flow did not contribute to runoff responses, and the subsurface saturated area at the side slope did not extend to the upper slope for the same storm size. During large rainfall events, expansion of the subsurface saturated area was observed in both hillslopes. Thus, differences in the concentration of subsurface water, reflecting hillslope topography, may create differences in the extension of the subsurface saturated area, as well as variability in runoff responses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Narrowing of the regions of allelic losses of chromosome 1p36 in meningioma tissues by an improved SSCP analysis
Authors: Guan Yanlei , Hata Nobuhiro , Kuga Daisuke , Yoshimoto Koji , Mizoguchi Masahiro , Shono Tadahisa , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Tahira Tomoko , Kukita Yoji , Higasa Koichiro , Yokoyama Nobuhiko , Nagata Shinji , Iwaki Toru , Sasaki Tomio , Hayashi Kenshi
Published: December 2007

Mapping loss of heterozygosity (LOH) regions in the genomes of tumor tissues is a practical approach for identifying genes whose loss is related to tumorigenesis. Conventional LOH analyses using microsatellite or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers require the simultaneous examination of tumor‐ and matched normal‐DNA. Here, we improved the previously developed SNP‐based LOH assay using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, so that LOH in tumor samples heavily contaminated with normal DNA can now be precisely estimated, even when matched normal DNA is not available. We demonstrate the reliability of the improved SSCP‐based LOH detection method, called the LOH estimation by quantitative SSCP analysis using averaged control (LOQUS‐AC), by comparing the results with those of the previous “LOH estimated by quantitative SSCP assay” (LOQUS) method. Using the LOQUS‐AC assay, LOH was detected at a high consistency (98.1%) with the previous LOQUS method. We then applied this new method to characterize LOH profiles in 130 meningiomas, using 68 SNPs (i.e., a mean inter‐SNP interval of 441 kbp) that are evenly distributed throughout chromosome 1p36. Benign, atypical and anaplastic meningiomas exhibited 1p36 LOH at frequencies of 48.39, 84.62 and 100.00%, respectively, using LOQUS‐AC. Subsequently, we detected a candidate common LOH region on 1p36.11 that might harbor tumor suppressor genes related to malignant progression of meningioma. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fruit and vegetable intake and head and neck cancer risk in a large United States prospective cohort study
Authors: Freedman Neal D. , Park Yikyung , Subar Amy F. , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Leitzmann Michael F. , Schatzkin Arthur , Abnet Christian C.
Published: December 2007

Squamous head and neck cancers include cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx are the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, resulting in more than 350,000 deaths annually. Intake of fruit and vegetables may protect against head and neck cancer incidence, although few prospective studies have examined this association. We investigated this relation in 490,802 United States participants of the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health cohort using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounders. During 2,193,751 person years of follow‐up from 1995/1996–2000, 787 participants were diagnosed with head and neck cancer. We found an inverse association between total fruit and vegetable intake and head and neck cancer risk (per serving/day/1,000 calories, Hazard Ratio, 95% Confidence interval: 0.94, 0.89–0.99). In models mutually adjusted for fruit and vegetable intake, the association was stronger for vegetables (fifth vs. first quintile: 0.65, 0.50–0.85) than for fruits (fifth vs. first quintile: 0.87, 0.68–1.11). When further subclassified into botanical groups, those in the highest tertile of leguminosae (dried beans, string beans and peas, 0.80, 0.67–0.96), rosaceae (apples, peach, nectarines, plums, pears and strawberries, 0.60, 0.49–0.73), solanaceae (peppers and tomatoes, 0.82, 0.69–0.98) and umbelliferae (carrots, 0.73, 0.60–0.89) had decreased risk of head and neck cancer, but no significant associations were seen for 9 other botanical groups. Results from this large prospective observational study are consistent with previous case‐control studies and support the hypothesis that total fruit and vegetable intake is associated with reduced risk of head and neck cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A S(3, {4, 6}, 18) with a subdesign S(3, 4, 8) does not exist
Authors: Linek Vaclav
Published: December 2007

For $K \subset \{1,2,3,\ldots\}$, a S(t,K,v) design is a pair, $(V,{\cal B})$, with |V| = v and ${\cal B}$ a set of subsets of V such that each t‐subset of V is contained in a unique $\alpha \in {\cal B}$ and $\vert \alpha \vert \in K$ for all $\alpha \in {\cal B}$. If $U \subseteq V$, $\vert U\vert=u$, ${\cal A}=\{\alpha\in{\cal B} : \alpha\subseteq U\}$, and $(U,{\cal A})$ is a S(t,K,u) design, then we say $(V,{\cal B})$ has a subdesign on U. We show that a S(3,{4,6},18) design with a subdesign S(3,4,8) does not exist. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 36–38, 2009