bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviews DVDs
Authors: Manning Alexander , Jereb Cameron , Long Andrew Hearin , Caulfield Emily , Hundley Hannah
Published: May 2010

Stranded: I've Come from a Plane that Crashed on the Mountains (2007) France Director: Gonzalo Arijn Runtime: 126 minutes USA, 2009 Produced and Distributed by Zeitgeist Films (Region 1)

The Black Shield of Falworth (1954) USA Director: Rudolph Mat Runtime:
99 minutes UK, 2009 Produced and Distributed by Eureka! (Region 2)

That Hamilton Woman (1941) UK Director: Alexander Korda Runtime: 125 minutes USA, 2009 Produced and Distributed by The Criterion Collection (Region 1)

Relative Orbits: Films by Joanna Priestley
(198595) USA Director: Joanna Priestley Runtime: 78 minutes USA, 2005 Produced and Distributed by Priestley Motion Pictures (all regions)

Careful (1992) Canada Director: Guy Maddin Runtime: 100 minutes USA, 2009 Produced and Distributed by Zeitgeist Films (Region 1)
Reviews Books
Authors: McKnight Ryan , Britt Joy , Gibbs Steven Harrison
Published: May 2010

Steven Spielberg and Philosophy: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Book Dean A. Kowalski, (2008) Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 288pp., ISBN: 9780813125275 (hbk), $27.95

The Hitchcock Annual Anthology: Selected Essays from Volumes 1015 Eds. Sidney
Gottlieb and Richard Allen, (2008) London: Wallflower Press, 265pp., ISBN: 9781905674961 (hbk), $80.00

A Critical Handbook of Japanese Film Directors Alexander Jacoby, (2008) Berkeley, CA: Stone Bridge Press, 398pp., ISBN: 9781933330532 (pbk), $22.95
Contribution of flow cytometry to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia1
Authors: Mauerer Richard , Gruber Rudolf
Published: May 2010

Thrombocytopenia is commonly found in patients with apparent bleeding tendency, and in the laboratory evaluation of patients with other disorders or in clinically healthy individuals. Identification of the underlying cause is therefore crucial. There are several different laboratory tests available for this purpose. Flow cytometry employs very small sample volumes, which is of particular interest in patients with severe thrombocytopenia or in pediatric samples. Thus, the immunological determination of platelet numbers by flow cytometry is recommended as the reference method to achieve an exact quantification of very low platelet numbers, which could influence therapeutic decisions. In addition, flow cytometric analysis of immature platelets plays a role in the differentiation of increased platelet destruction and decreased platelet synthesis. As this parameter can be measured by current hematology analyzers, it will become more important in routine use. Another field for flow cytometry is the investigation of immunologically mediated thrombocytopenias. These can be caused by antibodies against platelet-specific glycoproteins such as autoimmune thrombocytopenia or by antibodies against heparin-platelet factor 4 complexes such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Moreover, flow cytometric assays are used for the diagnosis of rare congenital thrombocytopenias, where they are either able to confirm a certain diagnosis, e.g., Bernard-Soulier syndrome, or at least establish a basis for further analyses. The contribution of flow cytometry to the investigation of lymphoma and leukemia, which regularly cause thrombocytopenia by bone marrow infiltration, is not discussed in this article.
Das Adverb jetzt zwischen Zeit- und Gesprächsdeixis
Authors: Imo Wolfgang
Published: May 2010

The adverb jetzt is used extremely frequently in everyday spoken language. Usually, jetzt is described as a deictic adverb which activates a concept of temporal proximity (“now”), which is contrasted to some past or future temporal distance (“not now”). Indeed, one can find many instances of such a basic temporal use of jetzt in data of spoken German. Often, however, the functions of jetzt are somewhat more complicated: Sometimes, jetzt is used to refer back in time, in other cases it refers forward, in yet other instances, it refers to some virtual temporal and discourse-structural space within narratives, sometimes, it is a semantically empty discourse marker which is used to structure and partition talk, and finally, there are cases where jetzt can only be described in terms of a conglomerate of several of these meanings and functions. On the basis of a corpus of spoken German (including audio material from the second series of the TV show Big Brother, radio phone-in shows and informal interaction between friends or families) this article aims to give a qualitative and detailed description of the syntactic, prosodic, semantic, functional and sequential features of the different uses of jetzt within this corpus. In a next step, the question is asked which of these features are necessary and sufficient for a full description and finally, an attempt is made to integrate these findings into the descriptive framework of Construction Grammar.
Alltagssprachliche Schreibausdrücke. Wie Autoren ihre Aktivitäten und die dabei erzielten Produkte nennen
Authors: Keseling Gisbert
Published: May 2010

The paper deals with the question what kind of vocabulary writers use, when they are asked to report about their activities during the writing process. The main task was to examine which of their different activities are denoted by single expressions (words) and which of them are not denoted at all. On the basis of interviews with researchers and university students it could be shown that there are a lot of activities which could be denoted by single words (e.g. the activity ‘revising’ can be denoted by the German word ändern), while there are a lot of other activities which were never denoted (e.g. the activity ‘producing the idea of a sentence to be written’). The former ones differ from the latter ones in that they can be perceived physically, and that the objects involved in these activities have solid contours, i.e. that they are organized as a gestalt, while, on the other hand, features of this kind are absent in the activities which could not be denoted. All the expressions that occurred in my corpus are listed in the appendix of this paper.
Zur Grammatik indefiniter Eigennamen
Authors: von Heusinger Klaus
Published: May 2010

The paper presents a new analysis of a certain type of use of proper names that appears particularly widespread in German (as well as in French or Spanish, but only marginally in English). While proper names are generally regarded as being inherently definite, in German one frequently finds proper names preceded by the indefinite article. Indefinite proper names differ in their semantic and syntactic properties from ordinary proper names (= PN). I distinguish two main types: (i) the appellative type introduces sets of objects that stand in a relation to the bearer of the PN and are described by predicates of the type called ‘PN’, is related to PN or has typical properties of PN; (ii) the subindividual type introduces entities that are not individuals by themselves, but depend on the bearer of the PN. I distinguish two subtypes: stages and manifestations. The relation between stages or manifestations and the bearer of the proper name is reconstructed by Carlson's (Reference to Kinds in English, Indiana University Linguistics Club, 1977) instantiation relation. Both main types differ in their semantics as well as in their syntax and therefore raise interesting questions for the pragmatics-semantics-syntax interface.
Neurodegeneration in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Multiple System Atrophy Is Associated with Altered Expression of Oligodendroglial-Derived Neurotrophic Factors
Authors: Ubhi Kiren , Rockenstein Edward , Mante Michael , Inglis Chandra , Adame Anthony , Patrick Christina , Whitney Kristen , Masliah Eliezer
Published: May 2010

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by striatonigral degeneration and olivo-pontocerebellar atrophy. Neuronal degeneration is accompanied by primarily oligodendrocytic accumulation of α-synuclein (αsyn) as opposed to the neuronal inclusions more commonly found in other α-synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. It is unclear how αsyn accumulation in oligodendrocytes may lead to the extensive neurodegeneration observed in MSA; we hypothesize that the altered expression of oligodendrocyte-derived neurotrophic factors by αsyn may be involved. In this context, the expression of a number neurotrophic factors reportedly expressed by oligodendrocytes [glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), as well as basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (bFGF2), reportedly astrocyte derived] were examined in transgenic mouse models expressing human αsyn (hαsyn) under the control of either neuronal (PDGFβ or mThy1) or oligodendrocytic (MBP) promoters. Although protein levels of BDNF and IGF-1 were altered in all the αsyn transgenic mice regardless of promoter type, a specific decrease in GDNF protein expression was observed in the MBP-hαsyn transgenic mice. Intracerebroventricular infusion of GDNF improved behavioral deficits and ameliorated neurodegenerative pathology in the MBP-hαsyn transgenic mice. Consistent with the studies in the MBP-hαsyn transgenic mice, analysis of GDNF expression levels in human MSA samples demonstrated a decrease in the white frontal cortex and to a lesser degree in the cerebellum compared with controls. These results suggest a mechanism in which αsyn expression in oligodendrocytes impacts on the trophic support provided by these cells for neurons, perhaps contributing to neurodegeneration.
Blood-Borne Amyloid-β Dimer Correlates with Clinical Markers of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Villemagne Victor L. , Perez Keyla A. , Pike Kerryn E. , Kok W. Mei , Rowe Christopher C. , White Anthony R. , Bourgeat Pierrick , Salvado Olivier , Bedo Justin , Hutton Craig A. , Faux Noel G. , Masters Colin L. , Barnham Kevin J.
Published: May 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related dementia. Unfortunately due to a lack of validated biomarkers definitive diagnosis relies on the histological demonstration of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. Aβ processing is implicated in AD progression and many therapeutic strategies target various aspects of this biology. While Aβ deposition is the most prominent feature of AD, oligomeric forms of Aβ have been implicated as the toxic species inducing the neuronal dysfunction. Currently there are no methods allowing routine monitoring of levels of such species in living populations. We have used surface enhanced laser desorption ionization time of flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry incorporating antibody capture to investigate whether the cellular membrane-containing fraction of blood provides a new source of biomarkers. There are significant differences in the mass spectra profiles of AD compared with HC subjects, with significantly higher levels of Aβ monomer and dimer in the blood of AD subjects. Furthermore, levels of these species correlated with clinical markers of AD including brain Aβ burden, cognitive impairment and brain atrophy. These results indicate that fundamental biochemical events relevant to AD can be monitored in blood, and that the species detected may be useful clinical biomarkers for AD.
Protein kinase A and protein kinase Cα/PPP1CC2 play opposing roles in the regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation in bovine sperm
Authors: Rotman T , Etkovitz N , Spiegel A , Rubinstein S , Breitbart H
Published: May 2010

In order to acquire fertilization competence, spermatozoa have to undergo biochemical changes in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. Signaling pathways that take place during the capacitation process are much investigated issue. However, the role and regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in this process are still not clear. Previously, we reported that short-time activation of protein kinase A (PRKA, PKA) leads to PI3K activation and protein kinase Cα (PRKCA, PKCα) inhibition. In the present study, we found that during the capacitation PI3K phosphorylation/activation increases. PI3K activation was PRKA dependent, and down-regulated by PRKCA. PRKCA is found to be highly active at the beginning of the capacitation, conditions in which PI3K is not active. Moreover, inhibition of PRKCA causes significant activation of PI3K. Similar activation of PI3K is seen when the phosphatase PPP1 is blocked suggesting that PPP1 regulates PI3K activity. We found that during the capacitation PRKCA and PPP1CC2 (PP1γ2) form a complex, and the two enzymes were degraded during the capacitation, suggesting that this degradation enables the activation of PI3K. This degradation is mediated by PRKA, indicating that in addition to the direct activation of PI3K by PRKA, this kinase can enhance PI3K phosphorylation indirectly by enhancing the degradation and inactivation of PRKCA and PPP1CC2.
Impaired abstract thinking may discriminate between normal aging and vascular mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Sudo Felipe Kenji , Alves Gilberto Sousa , Alves Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira , Lanna Maria Elisa , Ericeira-Valente Letice , Moreira Denise Madeira , Engelhardt Eliasz , Laks Jerson
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is associated with cognitive deficits. This cross-sectional study examines differences among healthy elderly controls and patients with vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) and vascular dementia (VaD) in performances on CAMCOG subscales. METHOD: Elderly individuals (n=61) were divided into 3 groups, according to cognitive and neuroimaging status: 16 controls, 20 VaMCI and 25 VaD. VaMCI and VaD individuals scored over 4 points on the Hachinski Ischemic Scale. RESULTS: Significant differences in total CAMCOG scores were observed across the three groups (p<0.001). VaD subjects performed worse than those with VaMCI in most CAMCOG subscales (p<0.001). All subscales showed differences between controls and VaD (p<0.001). Performance on abstract thinking showed difference between VaMCI and controls (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: CAMCOG discriminated controls from VaMCI and VaD. Assessment of abstract thinking may be useful as a screening item for diagnosis of VaMCI.
Limitations in differentiating vascular dementia from Alzheimer's disease with brief cognitive tests
Authors: Matioli Maria Niures P.S. , Caramelli Paulo
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value of brief cognitive tests in differentiating vascular dementia (VaD) from Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD: Fifteen patients with mild VaD, 15 patients with mild probable AD and 30 healthy controls, matched for age, education and dementia severity, were submitted to the following cognitive tests: clock drawing (free drawing and copy), category and letter fluency, delayed recall test of figures and the EXIT 25 battery. RESULTS: VaD patients performed worse than AD patients in category fluency (p=0.014), letter fluency (p=0.043) and CLOX 2 (p=0.023), while AD cases performed worse than VaD patients in delayed recall (p=0.013). However, ROC curves for these tests displayed low sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis between VaD and AD. CONCLUSION: Although the performance of VaD and AD patients was significantly different in some cognitive tests, the value of such instruments in differentiating VaD from AD proved to be very limited.
Validation of the "Six Step Spot Test" for gait among patients with multiple sclerosis in Brazil
Authors: Pavan Karina , Tilbery Charles Peter , Lianza Sergio , Marangoni Bruna Eriko Matsuda
Published: May 2010

The clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS) are variable among patients, and the course of disease is not linear. Different symptoms are presented, with gradual accumulation of disability. These variations are difficult to quantify in clinical practice, and several studies have attempted to create instruments capable of measuring these disabilities. The Six Step Spot Test (SSST) was developed for quantitative evaluation of the lower limbs (LL) over time. Performance in this test reflects the complexity of sensory-motor function, including LL strength, spasticity, coordination and balance, going beyond vision and cognition. The aim of the present study was to validate the SSST in a population of MS patients in Brazil. This prospective study included 75 patients with MS, with EDSS 0 to 6.5 in the study group. Ninety-one healthy subjects were randomly selected for the control group. The results showed that the groups were similar, and that the SSST is a reliable and reproducible test. According to the statistical analysis on the data in this study, the SSST is a valid, reliable and reproducible tool for use in the Brazilian MS patient population.
Application of the Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory in clinical patients
Authors: Azevedo Flávia Barros de , Wang Yuan-Pang , Goulart Alessandra Carvalho , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Benseñor Isabela Martins
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE: To examine the factor structure of the Portuguese version of State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) in clinical patients. METHOD: 400 subjects from an internal medicine outpatient unit and 200 from a medical ward were recruited. Patients answered questions about clinical data, the STAXI, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Raw score of the STAXI was submitted to reliability assessment and factor analysis. RESULTS: Internal consistency using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was of 0.84. The STAXI significantly correlated with BDI at r=0.352 (p<0.01). The final solution of Principal Component Analysis identified five meaningful factors: Trait-Anger, State-Anger, Anger-Control, Anger-Out, and Anger-In. This structural model is close to the original theoretical construct of Spielberger's STAXI. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese version of STAXI presented an adequate factorial structure that permits the evaluation of anger dimensions among clinical patients.
Temperature variation in the 24 hours before the initial symptoms of stroke
Authors: Coelho Fernando Morgadinho Santos , Santos Bento Fortunato Cardoso dos , Cendoroglo Neto Miguel , Lisboa Luis Fernando , Cypriano Adriana Serra , Lopes Tania Oliveira , Miranda Marina Jorge de , Ávila Ana Maria H. , Alonso Jonas Bordin , Pinto Hilton Siqueira
Published: May 2010

A few studies have performed to evaluate the temperature variation influences over on the stroke rates in Brazil. METHOD: 176 medical records of inpatients were analyzed after having had a stroke between 2004 and 2006 at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. The temperature preceding the occurrence of the symptoms was recorded, as well as the temperature 6, 12 and 24 hours before the symptoms in 6 different weather substations, closest to their houses in São Paulo. RESULTS: Strokes occurred more frequently after a variation of 3ºC between 6 and 24 hours before the symptoms. There were most hospitalizations between 23-24ºC. CONCLUSION: Incidence of stroke on these patients was increased after a variation of 3º Celsius within 24 hours before the ictus. The temperature variations could be an important factor in the occurrence of strokes in this population.
Epidemiologic pattern of patients with neurocysticercosis diagnosed by computed tomography in Curitiba, Brazil
Authors: Grazziotin Ana Laura , Fontalvo Mariana Campos , Santos Marilis Beckert Feijó , Monego Fernanda , Grazziotin Ana Line , Kolinski Victor Hugo Zanini , Bordignon Rodrigo Henrique , Biondo Alexander Welker , Antoniuk Affonso
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to drawn an epidemiological pattern of neurocystisticercosis (NCC) patients diagnosed by computed tomography at the major private diagnostic center in Curitiba, Brazil. A total of 1,009 medical files of consecutive patients presenting neurological indications were diagnosed by computed tomography from July 2007 to April 2008. Patient data included sex, age, municipality and tomography findings were analysed by Epi-info version 6.0.1. software. Most patients (81.10%) were living in Curitiba. A total of 91/1,009 cases (9.02%) were considered positive to NCC; 88 (96.7%) patients had inactive form of NCC and only 3 (3.2%) patients had cysts in granulomatous process. No patients had both forms. The prevalence of NCC cases in studied group was greater in patients between 51 to 60 years old, however, difference between sex was not significant. This epidemiological pattern of NCC was similar to the first NCC study in Curitiba, performed in 1995-1996 with 9.24% of positive cases.
Joubert syndrome: large clinical variability and a unique neuroimaging aspect
Authors: Leão Emília Katiane Embiruçu , Lima Marcília Martyn , Maia Júnior Otacílio de Oliveira , Parizotto Juliana , Kok Fernando
Published: May 2010

Joubert syndrome (JS) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by hypotonia, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, ocular abnormalities (e.g, pigmentary retinopathy, oculomotor apraxia and nystagmus), renal cysts and hepatic fibrosis. Respiratory abnormalities, as apnea and hyperpnea, may be present, as well as mental retardation. At least seven JS loci have been determined and five genes identified. Herein, we report five children, belonging to independent families, with JS: they shared the same typical MRI abnormality, known as molar tooth sign, but had an otherwise quite variable phenotype, regarding mostly their cognitive performance, visual abilities and extra-neurological compromise.
Modification in body weight associated with antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Gaspari Camilla N. De , Guerreiro Carlos A.M.
Published: May 2010

Antiepileptic drugs (AED) may cause body weight changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dietary habits and body weight associated with AED in epileptic patients. METHOD: Sixty-six patients were subjected to two interviews, and had their weight and body mass index calculated and compared at both times, interval between six to eight months. RESULTS: It was observed that 59.1% showed weight gain. The patients who had no weight gain had a greater proportion of individuals who engaged in some form of physical activity. However, of the 45 patients who maintained their initial dietary and medication pattern, 75.6% recorded a weight gain. Weight gain was seen in 66.7% of patients on carbamazepine (n=18), 60% on valproate (n=5), 50% on carbamazepine+clobazam treatment (n=14), and 58.3% of patients on other(s) polytherapy (n=12). CONCLUSION: The patient should be alerted to possible weight gain, and should be advised about dieting and participating in regular physical activity.
A putative mutant of a self-compatible yellow passion fruit with the corona color as a phenotypic marker
Authors: Souza Margarete Magalhães , Viana Alexandre Pio , Pereira Telma Nair Santana
Published: May 2010

Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) is a self-incompatible crop with purple corona flowers (PCF). Plants exhibiting white corona flowers (WCF) were observed in an experimental field located in Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, Brazil. This study was performed in order to test the fertility of these genotypes through studies of in vivo pollination, meiotic behavior and pollen viability. Using in vivo pollination, the mean fruit set percentage, obtained from self-pollinations at the moment that flowers open, was 70.83% in WCF and 0% in PCF. In terms of cytological analysis, for both kinds of plants, WCF and PCF, the meiotic behavior was considered regular, considering the high meiotic index estimated for both of them, 96.3% and 97.7%, and pollen viability, 98% and 99.5%, respectively. Such results suggest that the genotype WCF is self-compatible and interesting for use in genetic improvement of yellow passion fruit.
Biochemical and agronomical responses of grapevines to alteration of source-sink ratio by cluster thinning and shoot trimming
Authors: Mota Renata Vieira da , Souza Claudia Rita de , Silva Camila Pinheiro Carvalho , Freitas Gustavo de Faria , Shiga Tânia Misuzu , Purgatto Eduardo , Lajolo Franco Maria , Regina Murillo de Albuquerque
Published: May 2010

The control of leaf to fruit ratio by the practice of entire clusters removal from the vine upon berry set has been used in traditional vineyards in order to regulate yield and to improve chemical composition of the berries. Although this practice has been settled in temperate zones, little is known about grapevines behavior in tropical growing areas. The aim of this work was to evaluate the biochemical and agronomical responses of two Vitis vinifera cultivars (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) grown in Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, a new winegrape region. Grapevines were submitted to cluster thinning (0%, 50% and 75% of cluster removal) and trimming treatments (trimmed and untrimmed) imposed at pea size stage. The source-sink alteration by fruit removal and shoot trimming had impact on yield, leaf sugar metabolism and grape composition. Although there was an improvement in color intensity of the berries with reduction of fruit load, the cluster thinning practice should be avoided in vineyards grown in the south of Minas Gerais State without impairment of wine grape quality. On the other hand, shoot trimming practice should be recommended only for Merlot in order to improve sugar grapes from vines with no cluster removal.
Nitrogênio e cobre na produção de mudas de citros em diferentes porta-enxertos
Authors: Mattos Jr. Dirceu , Ramos Uirá Manzolli , Quaggio José Antônio , Furlani Pedro Roberto
Published: May 2010

A citricultura brasileira é uma atividade de destaque na pauta econômica do País. O seu crescimento e manutenção requerem a produção de 15-20 milhões de mudas anualmente. Em vista das características dos viveiros e das variedades porta-enxertos e copas, há a necessidade de se estabelecer um manejo nutricional adequado dessas plantas. O estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar o suprimento de N e Cu e o desenvolvimento e estado nutricional de mudas de laranjeira 'Pêra', sobre porta-enxertos de limoeiro 'Cravo' e tangerineira 'Sunki'. Foram aplicados dois níveis de N = 120 e 240 mg L-1, e quatro de Cu = 0, 5, 10 e 20 mg L-1 (Cu-EDTA) via fertirrigação, entre o transplantio de porta-enxertos e a finalização da muda. O porta-enxerto de 'Cravo' possui maior vigor comparado à 'Sunki' com base na produção de massa seca e tamanho das plantas. O maior desenvolvimento das mudas foi obtido com a solução de fertirrigação com 240 mg L-1 de N e 5 a 10 mg L-1 de Cu. Houve efeito depressivo na concentração de 20 mg L-1 de Cu, associado a teores de Cu das folhas de 20 mg kg-1 e das raízes de 50 mg kg-1. Esse prejuízo foi menor com o maior fornecimento de N. Da mesma forma, o pegamento de borbulhas da laranjeira 'Pêra' foi ótimo nas doses intermediárias de Cu. A demanda de Cu foi maior para mudas sobre 'Sunki' na maior dose de N e o excesso desse micronutriente reduziu a absorção de Mn. Os teores de Cu foram maiores nas raízes da porção superior do recipiente de produção das muda, o que coincidiu com a maior adsorção do elemento no substrato, com máximo acima de 300 mg kg-1 de Cu.
Informações espectroeletromagnéticas e topográficas na determinação de teores de componentes do solo
Authors: Genú Aline Marques , Demattê José Alexandre M.
Published: May 2010

A obtenção de informações quantitativas do solo por técnicas não destrutivas, como o sensoriamento remoto e os modelos digitais do terreno (MDT), abre a possibilidade de avaliações mais rápidas e menos onerosas no estudo de solos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade de quantificar atributos do solo utilizando informações extraídas de sensor orbital ASTER conjugados com parâmetros topográficos. A área de estudo com 184 ha, localizada em Rafard (SP), foi amostrada em forma de grid sendo coletada uma amostra por hectare. A reflectância foi obtida da imagem ASTER e os dados topográficos a partir do MDT. Em seguida, utilizando os dados orbitais e de relevo foram gerados os modelos de regressão para os atributos do solo. As variáveis dependentes foram selecionadas a partir do método stepwise. Posteriormente, os modelos com R² > 0,50 foram testados em amostras desconhecidas de terra e os valores estimados pelas equações (VE) e os valores determinados em laboratório (VD) foram avaliados através de gráficos de dispersão. Os componentes SiO2, Fe2O3, TiO2 e argila foram os atributos testados, e Fe2O3 e argila obtiveram os melhores coeficientes de determinação. Conclui-se que os modelos gerados pelos dados espectrais e de relevo permitem quantificar os referidos componentes do solo.
Teste de condutividade elétrica em sementes de soja armazenadas sob diferentes temperaturas
Authors: Fessel Simone Aparecida , Panobianco Maristela , Souza Camila Ribeiro de , Vieira Roberval Daiton
Published: May 2010

Os resultados do teste de condutividade elétrica podem ser influenciados pela temperatura de armazenamento, particularmente as mais baixas, como em condições de câmara fria (10 ºC). Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito da temperatura e do período de armazenamento na condutividade elétrica e na composição química da solução de embebição de sementes de soja. Para tanto, foram determinados o teor de água, a germinação, o vigor (testes de envelhecimento acelerado, de frio e de condutividade elétrica) e a composição química (K+, Ca2+ e Mg2+) da solução de embebição. Foram utilizados dois lotes de sementes, da cultivar FT-20, com níveis distintos de vigor. As avaliações foram realizadas a cada três meses, durante 15 meses. Tanto a temperatura como o período de armazenamento influenciaram o vigor das sementes. A lixiviação dos íons K+, Ca2+ e Mg2+ foi influenciada pelos mesmos fatores. Pelos resultados concluiu-se que o teste de condutividade elétrica não é indicado para avaliar o vigor de sementes de soja armazenadas sob baixa temperatura (10 ºC) e o K+ é o íon lixiviado em maior quantidade de semente de soja, independentemente da temperatura de armazenamento.
Influência da gestação e do puerpério no lipidograma de bovinos da raça Holandesa
Authors: Pogliani F.C. , Azedo M.R. , Souza R.M. , Raimondo R.F.S. , Birgel Junior E.H.
Published: May 2010

Avaliou-se a influência da gestação e do puerpério no lipidograma de bovinos da raça Holandesa por meio da determinação de colesterol, triglicérides, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), β-hidroxibutirato (β-HBO) e glicose em 80 amostras de soro e plasma sangüíneo. Os animais foram distribuídos em cinco grupos (G) experimentais: G1 - constituído por 16 fêmeas não prenhes; G2 -18 fêmeas na fase inicial da gestação (com até três meses); G3 - 15 fêmeas prenhes, entre três e seis meses de gestação; G4 - 15 fêmeas na fase final da gestação (entre seis e nove meses); G5 - 16 fêmeas recém-paridas, com até 30 dias de puerpério. Houve influência da gestação sobre o lipidograma, pois os teores séricos de AGNE foram mais altos no terço final da gestação, enquanto os teores séricos de β - HBO foram mais elevados durante o terço inicial de gestação. O puerpério influenciou os constituintes do lipidograma, pois, nos primeiros 30 dias após a parição, os teores séricos de AGNE e β - HBO foram mais altos, enquanto os de triglicérides foram mais baixos nos animais no puerpério em relação aos que estavam em gestação.
Processo de maturação das gônadas de pintado (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans) alimentado com dois níveis proteicos e suplementados com óleo de milho
Authors: Andrade V.X.L. , Honji R.M. , Romagosa E.
Published: May 2010

Investigou-se o efeito da adição de C18:2n6, por meio da inclusão de óleo de milho em dietas com dois níveis de proteína bruta, sobre o processo de maturação de gametas de pintado, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, mantidos em tanques-rede. Foram avaliados: taxa de sobrevivência, relação peso x comprimento, fator de condição (K) e índice gonadossomático (IGS). O experimento foi realizado entre março de 2004 e fevereiro de 2006, em 12 tanques-rede, distribuídos em seis viveiros-escavados de 600m² e densidade de estocagem de 20 peixes/tanque-rede. Utilizaram-se três tratamentos (T) com duas repetições/viveiro: T1 com 28% de PB; T2 com 28% de PB + 5% óleo de milho e T3 com 40% de PB. O crescimento foi ligeiramente mais alto nos peixes do T3. As taxas de sobrevivência foram acima de 77%. Pode-se inferir que as rações ofertadas não causaram alterações histomorfológicas durante o processo de maturação gonadal dessa espécie. O IGS e o K foram ligeiramente mais altos nos animais alimentados com a ração enriquecida com óleo de milho.
Consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes em novilhos suplementados e terminados em pasto, na seca
Authors: Baroni C.E.S. , Lana R.P. , Mancio A.B. , Mendonça B.P.C. , Leão M.I. , Sverzut C.B.
Published: May 2010

Avaliaram-se o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes por novilhos Nelore suplementados com elevado teor de proteína na terminação, em pasto, durante a seca. Foram utilizados quatro novilhos com 30 meses e peso médio inicial de 440kg, distribuídos em quadrado latino 4x4 (quatro níveis de suplementação e quatro períodos de 16 dias). Foram usados quatro piquetes de um hectare de capim Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, e os animais receberam: 0 (grupo-controle); 1,0; 2,0; ou 4,0kg de suplemento/dia. Os suplementos, à exceção do controle, apresentaram níveis decrescentes de proteína bruta (58 a 32% da matéria seca) e proporções de mistura mineral:ureia:farelos de 10:10:80, 5:5:90 e 2,5:2,5:95 para os respectivos tratamentos. O consumo e a digestibilidade foram determinados com o uso do óxido crômico e FDAi, o delineamento estatístico foi em quadrado latino, e os tratamentos foram avaliados pela análise de regressão. Houve efeito linear crescente sobre o consumo e sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro, e sobre o consumo de nutrientes digestíveis totais. Não houve efeito sobre o consumo de pasto e o consumo e a digestibilidade dos carboidratos não fibrosos. Os suplementos avaliados em geral melhoraram o consumo e a digestibilidade e, consequentemente, o valor nutritivo da dieta de novilhos em terminação sob pastejo, no período da seca.
Desempenho de novilhos suplementados e terminados em pasto, na seca, e avaliação do pasto
Authors: Baroni C.E.S. , Lana R.P. , Mancio A.B. , Queiroz A.C. , Sverzut C.B. , Mendonça B.P.C.
Published: May 2010

Avaliaram-se o ganho de peso e as características de carcaça de novilhos Nelore suplementados com elevado teor de proteína na terminação em pasto, durante a seca, e estimou-se a disponibilidade dos componentes da pastagem. O experimento foi implantado em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha, cv. Marandu, em seis piquetes de nove hectares. Foram utilizados 48 novilhos Nelore com 30 meses de idade e 415±16 kg. Cada lote, alojado em um piquete, foi pesado no início e a cada 21 dias, durante 84 dias. A suplementação constou de: 0 (grupo-controle); 0,25; 0,5; 1,0; 2,0; ou 4,0 kg/animal/dia. Os suplementos, à exceção do controle, apresentaram porcentagens decrescentes de proteína bruta (111 a 32% da matéria seca) e proporções de mistura mineral:ureia:farelos de 25:25:50; 15:15:70; 10:10:80; 5:5:90 e 2,5:2,5:95, para os respectivos tratamentos. O delineamento foi o inteiramente ao acaso e os tratamentos foram avaliados pela análise de regressão. A proporção de colmo e folha seca aumentou no decorrer dos períodos experimentais, caracterizando o déficit hídrico da estação seca. Houve efeito linear crescente sobre o peso vivo final, ganho médio diário, peso de carcaça, espessura de gordura subcutânea e rendimento de carcaça em função do consumo de suplemento. A conversão do suplemento em kg/kg de ganho de peso, de 10:1, é típica de suplementação energética, mostrando que os animais não responderam satisfatoriamente à suplementação proteica.
Xilanase e β-glucanase na digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes do triticale pela Tilápia-do-nilo
Authors: Tachibana L. , Pinto L.G.Q. , Gonçalves G.S. , Pezzato L.E.
Published: May 2010

Avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes níveis do composto enzimático Natugrain Blend L®, que contém endo-xilanase e endo-beta-glucanase, sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e a energia do triticale pela tilápia-do-nilo. O método para a determinação da digestibilidade foi o indireto, utilizando-se o óxido de crômio III (0,10%). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e três repetições. O nível de substituição da dieta-referência foi 50,0% pelo triticale. Os tratamentos foram 0,0; 150,0; 300,0; 450,0 e 600,0mg kg-1 de Natugrain Blend L, que contém 800 unidades g-1 de endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase (BGU) e 36.600 unidades g-1 de endo-1,4-β-xylanase (EXU). Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente foram: da matéria seca, 76,42; 74,01; 83,39; 82,97 e 78,34%; da proteína bruta 88,19; 88,39; 90,52; 92,05 e 88,34%, da energia bruta 75,93; 71,31; 81,78; 80,27 e 78,62%, respectivamente, para os níveis de inclusão na dieta 0,0; 150,0; 300,0; 450,0 e 600,0mg kg-1 de Natugrain Blend L.Os resultados demonstram que 300mg kg-1 do complexo de enzimas foi suficiente para aumentar o coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca. O composto de enzimas pode ser utilizado para aumentar a eficiência de aproveitamento dos nutrientes do triticale.
Qualidade de leites fermentados funcionais elaborados a partir de bactérias ácido-lácticas isoladas de queijo de coalho
Authors: Viegas R.P. , Souza M.R. , Figueiredo T.C. , Resende M.F.S. , Penna C.F.A.M. , Cerqueira M.M.O.P.
Published: May 2010

Leites fermentados foram elaborados a partir de bactérias ácido-lácticas com propriedades funcionais, isoladas de queijo de coalho com e sem a adição de concentrado proteico de soro (CPS). Características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais dos produtos elaborados foram analisadas durante 40 dias de estocagem sob refrigeração a 8-10ºC. Todos os leites fermentados elaborados, independentemente da adição de CPS e da cultura utilizada, apresentaram contagens adequadas de bactérias (>10(8)UFC/mL) durante todo o período de avaliação, o que garantiria seu possível potencial funcional. Leites fermentados por Lactobacillus acidophilus apresentaram melhor aceitação (P<0,05) pelos provadores aos 10 dias de estocagem; enquanto, aos 40 dias, o leite fermentado por Weissella confusa sem CPS resultou em pior aceitação (P<0,05). A associação de Lactobacillus acidophilus e Weissella confusa ou somente Lactobacillus acidophilus, independentemente da adição de CPS, seriam recomendados para elaboração industrial de novos leites fermentados potencialmente funcionais a partir de culturas lácticas brasileiras.
Fluorosis in rats exposed to oscillating chronic fluoride doses
Authors: Catani Danilo Bonadia , Tenuta Livia Maria Andaló , Andaló Fernanda Alcântara , Cury Jaime Aparecido
Published: May 2010

Considering that blood fluoride concentration varies according to fluoride exposure and that dental fluorosis is related to the amount of enamel formed under a given fluoride dose, the present study investigated whether the fluorosis produced by an oscillating chronic fluoride dose would be similar to that caused by exposure to a constant dose, representing the mean of the oscillation during a given time. Rats received during 78 days water with fluoride concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25 or 37.5 µg F/mL, or oscillating concentrations of 12.5 and 37.5 µg F/mL every 72 h (mean exposure=25 µg F/mL). The concentrations of fluoride in the plasma, femur and incisors of the rats were determined at the end of the experimental period. Also, the enamel dental fluorosis index was determined in the incisors using a quantitative method developed by our research group named Dental Fluorosis by Image Analysis (DFIA). Fluoride concentrations in plasma, femur and teeth, and DFIA increased linearly for constant fluoride concentrations in water (p<0.0001, r values=0.87-0.98). The results of the oscillating group and the groups receiving 25 µg F/mL did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The findings of this study suggest that in animals chronically exposed to symmetrically oscillating fluoride doses, the resulting dental fluorosis reflects the metabolic effect of the mean of the oscillating doses.
Grupo genético, sistema de acasalamento e efeitos genéticos aditivos e não-aditivos nas características de musculosidade da carcaça de novilhos oriundos do cruzamento rotativo Charolês × Nelore
Authors: Pacheco Paulo Santana , Restle João , Brondani Ivan Luiz , Alves Filho Dari Celestino , Padua João Teodoro , Miotto Fabrícia Rocha Chaves
Published: May 2010

Foram avaliadas as carcaças de 800 novilhos oriundos do cruzamento rotativo entre as raças Charolesa e Nelore abatidos aos 2 anos de idade. As características avaliadas foram: conformação, espessura de coxão, perímetro de braço, área de olho-de-lombo e área de olho-de-lombo dividida por 100 kg de peso da carcaça fria (AOL100). Na análise dos dados, consideraram-se dois modelos: o Modelo 1 incluiu os efeitos genéticos de sistema de acasalamento e grupo genético do novilho aninhado em sistema de acasalamento e o Modelo 2 correspondeu ao Modelo 1, porém o sistema de acasalamento e o grupo genético foram substituídos pelas covariáveis representativas da porcentagem da raça Charolesa no indivíduo e na sua mãe e da porcentagem de heterozigose no indivíduo e na sua mãe. Pela análise do Modelo 1, novilhos charoleses foram superiores aos nelores em todas as características avaliadas. A heterose retida foi significativa para conformação (4,2%), espessura de coxão (3,2%), perímetro de braço (4,2%), área de olho-de-lombo (7,3%) e AOL100 (-6,7%). O efeito genético aditivo individual da raça Charolesa em relação à Nelore foi de 1,89 pontos para conformação, 1,37 cm para espessura de cochão, 2,55 cm para perímetro de braço, 12,70 cm² para área de olho-de-lombo e 3,13 cm² para AOL100. O efeito genético heterótico individual (em relação à média dos definidos) foi de 3,9% para conformação, 3,8% para espessura de cochão, 3,1% para perímetro de braço e 9,8% para área de olho-de-lombo. A heterose materna é significativa apenas para perímetro de braço (1,6%) e AOL100 (-5,4%). Os efeitos genéticos não-aditivos, representados por epistasia e ligação gênica, não influenciam as características avaliadas.
Ingestive behavior of Nellore cows and their straightbred or crossbred calves
Authors: Vargas Junior Fernando Miranda de , Wechsler Francisco Stefano , Rossi Patrícia , Oliveira Marcus Vinicius Morais de , Schmidt Patrick
Published: May 2010

This trial aimed to investigate the influence of calf genetic group on the ingestive behavior of Nellore dams and their offspring on pasture. Twenty one primiparous and multiparous Nellore cows were assigned to the experiment; 13 cows nursed straightbred Nellore calves; and eight cows nursed halfbred Simmental × Nellore calves. The observations started in the morning, as soon as identification of the animals in daylight was possible, and they lasted until after sunset, when identification became impossible. The observations were made at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 30 weeks after calving. The following events were continuosly observed: grazing, rumination, idleness, water and mineral intake, and suckling frequency and length.. The dams of straightbreds showed a shorter rumination time and longer idleness. Nellore calves showed shorter grazing time and higher suckling frequency. The ingestive behavior of Nellore cows on pasture is affected by the genetic group of their offspring, possibly because of the suckling frequency of the calves.
Changes of NOM fractions during conventional drinking water treatment process in Riga, Latvia
Authors: Tihomirova K. , Rubulis J. , Juhna T.
Published: May 2010

In Latvia, as in other countries of the Boreal region, raw water sources contain elevated concentration of natural organic matter (NOM). Originally the conventional water treatment plants (WTP) were mainly designed for removal of turbidity hence the optimization of water treatment processes for more effective removal of NOM is often needed nowadays. In this paper a rapid fractionation (RF) technique of NOM developed by Chow et al. was applied to better understand the removal mechanisms of NOM during chemical precipitation and ozonation-biofiltration processes at WTP in Riga, Latvia. Results showed that NOM removal, determined as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) constituted from 15.34±3.84 mg/L in raw water to 5.33±1.45 mg/L in drinking water and was mainly due to decrease of very hydrophobic acids (VHA) during coagulation and precipitation processes. Other NOM fractions viz. slightly hydrophobic acids (SHA) and hydrophilic charged acids (CHA) were only slightly removed. During ozonation the fraction of CHA were transformed into hydrophilic neutral (NEU) fractions and removed by biologically activated carbon (BAC) filters. However, this trend was not observed during the cold season. In conclusion, coagulation and precipitation mainly removed humic substances, as indicated by VHA removal, whereas ozonation-BAC filtration was not effective since biologically degradable fractions of NOM were either transformed into other substances (from NEU to VHA) or were not removed (in cold season) due to insufficient biological activity or contact time in BAC filters.
Assessment of rainwater harvesting for drinking water supply in Bangladesh
Authors: Karim M. R.
Published: May 2010

Rainwater harvesting is a potential option of water supply to the coastal and arsenic affected rural communities in Bangladesh and during the last few years, several projects were undertaken to promote and install various types of rainwater harvesting systems by government organizations and NGOs mainly for drinking and cooking water supply. A study was undertaken to assess the currently practiced rainwater harvesting systems located in the south west coastal and arsenic affected areas in the country. A total of 1,000 rainwater-harvesting systems were investigated using structured questionnaires; among them 14.8% were community based and 85.2% were household rainwater harvesting systems. The results of this assessment are presented in this paper. Availability of the harvested rainwater, operation, storage and maintenance of community based rainwater harvesting and ensuring water quality to meet the drinking water standard are the important issues that must be addressed properly. A protocol for the operation and maintenance according to WHO guideline can be adopted for the safe and sustainable rainwater harvesting in the country.
Credit Union Membership and Use of Internet Banking Technology
Authors: Damar Evren , Hunnicutt Lynn
Published: May 2010

What makes households use internet banking? Bank adoption of internet banking technology has been widely considered, but relatively few papers address consumer usage of internet banking. This study looks at the determinants of internet banking usage among credit union members in the Western United States. We use call report data from the National Credit Union Administration to calculate the rate of internet banking usage among a credit union's members, which allows us to examine whether variations in institutional characteristics, local economic conditions and membership criteria have an impact on the internet usage rates among members of different credit unions. We find that members in credit unions that were early internet technology adopters have higher usage rates, and that the contribution to usage rates varies among types of online services offered.