bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton community and physical-chemical characteristics of water in the public reservoir of Cruzeta, RN, Brazil
Authors: Chellappa NT. , Borba JM. , Rocha O.
Published: October 2008

The Phytoplankton community and the abiotic factors of the Cruzeta reservoir were studied at three depths, surface, middle (2 m) and bottom, from September, 2004 to June, 2005, in order to characterize the environment and assess the possible factors that influence the compositional change of phytoplankton. Ninety species belonging to 6 classes (Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae, Chrysophyceae and Euglenophyceae) were identified with 66 and 80 taxonomic units in the dry and rainy season. The most representative class in terms of species richness was Chlorophyceae and dominated by Scendesmus quadricauda, Oocystis sp. and Chlorella sp. The group cyanobacteria were represented by 18 species of diverse morphological characteristics and the dominance of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii in September 2004. The other major group, Bacillariophyceae is represented by 21 species with the predominance of Aulacoseira granulata in mid-column and bottom waters. The other dominant species was Phacus acuminatus of Euglenophyceae. The species diversity and evenness indices were high, moderate and low in relation to the three hydroperiod registered during the 2004-2005 annual cycle. The reservoir exhibits high electrical conductivity (290-550 µS.cm-1), alkaline pH (7.3-9.4), mean temperature of 28 °C, varying concentrations of dissolved oxygen (3.29-7.6 mg.L-l) and the greatest concentration of nutrients at the bottom (orthophosphate, 0.22-0.62 mg.L-1) with the general tendency of oligo-mesotrophic status during sampling periods. The chlorophyll a fluctuated to a minimum of 1.34 µg.L-l at the bottom in April, 2005 and a maximum of 14.3 µg.L-l in mid-column water in September, 2004. The reservoir is characteristically an oligo-mesotrophic environment.
Characterization of habitats based on algal periphyton biomass in the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: Leandrini JA. , Fonseca IA. , Rodrigues L.
Published: October 2008

Considering the relevant role played by the hydrological regime on the structure and functioning of floodplains, this study aims at characterizing different types of aquatic environments according to periphyton biomass and evaluating the influence of the fluviometric levels of the Paraná River and other forcing functions upon the periphytic community. Periphyton (chlorophyll a) was analyzed in 28 habitats, during the years 2000 and 2001, in high and low water seasons. Both years were characterized by lacking the characteristic high water season. The Principal Components Analysis revealed two groups. The first component was positively associated with hydrometric level, electric conductivity, pH and transparency, and negatively with total nitrogen and total phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon and turbidity. The second component separated the habitats of Paraná River in the period of low waters from other environments, mainly for hydrometric level and high transparency values. Periphytic biomass of the habitats demonstrated that the maintenance of the functional integrity of the Upper Paraná River floodplain is closely related to its hydrologic cycle.
Mathematical models for Isoptera (Insecta) mound growth
Authors: Buschini MLT. , Abuabara MAP. , Petrere-Jr Miguel
Published: October 2008

In this research we proposed two mathematical models for Isoptera mound growth derived from the Von Bertalanffy growth curve, one appropriated for Nasutitermes coxipoensis, and a more general formulation. The mean height and the mean diameter of ten small colonies were measured each month for twelve months, from April, 1995 to April, 1996. Through these data, the monthly volumes were calculated for each of them. Then the growth in height and in volume was estimated and the models proposed.
Filamentous fungi isolated from sand and water of "Bairro Novo" and "Casa Caiada" beaches, Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Gomes DNF. , Cavalcanti MAQ. , Fernandes MJS. , Lima DMM. , Passavante JZO.
Published: October 2008

Fungi comprehend a heterogeneous group of heterotrophic microorganisms that act as saprobes or parasites or, less frequently, as symbionts living in association with other organisms. They are cosmopolitan and important components of ecosystems. Considering the small number of Brazilian papers on the filamentous mycota in marine environments, and the need to improve knowledge of the diversity of these microfungi in "Casa Caiada" and "Bairro Novo" beaches, Olinda, PE, the aim of this work was to isolate and identify the fungi from sand and water samples of these ecosystems. Thirty two samplings of sand (surface and 20 cm deep) and water (surface and 1 m deep) were carried out during the dry and rainy seasons, in low and high tide. From each sand sample, a suspension was made with 50 g of sand diluted in 90 mL of sterilized distilled water. From each sand suspension and water sample, 0.5 mL was spread, in triplicate, onto Petri dishes containing Sabouraud Agar added of chloramphenicol. The plates were incubated at 28 °C (±2 °C). Fifty seven species were isolated, identified, and classified in 20 genera. Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most frequent genera in both sand and water, with a total of 11 and 19 species, respectively.
Snakes from the Atlantic Rainforest area of Serra do Mendanha, in Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil: a first approximation to the taxocenosis composition
Authors: Pontes JAL. , Figueiredo JP. , Pontes RC. , Rocha CFD.
Published: October 2008

We studied the species composition of the snake community of Serra do Mendanha, in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil, with an effort of 800 hours/man in different habitats, including undisturbed forest, secondary forest, areas under regeneration, and banana plantation. We sampled snakes monthly in the area using a combination of methods including intensive visual searching and pitfall traps with drift-fences. We found a total of 191 individuals of 27 snake species, belonging to four families: Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae and Viperidae. In terms of species richness, the most speciose snake family in the area was Colubridae (85.2%; n = 23), followed by Viperidae (7.4%; n = 2), Boidae (3.7%; n = 1) and Elapidae (3.7%; n = 1) (Table 1). Quantitatively, the family Colubridae represented 81.7% (n = 156) of the total of individuals captured throughout the study, followed by Elapidae (13.1% of the individuals; n = 25), Viperidae (4.7%; n = 9) and Boidae (0.5%; n = 1). The data obtained in the study allowed a first approximation of the richness and composition of the snake fauna from Serra do Mendanha, including the records obtained during fieldwork in the present study and those of specimens deposited in Institutional Collections and detailed field data for each voucher specimen. All records are novel data for the area.
Pentastomids infecting an invader lizard, Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae) in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Anjos LA. , Almeida WO. , Vasconcellos A. , Freire EMX. , Rocha CFD.
Published: October 2008

From January to April 2006, 37 specimens of Hemidactylus mabouia were collected in houses, in the municipality of Barbalha (7° 20' S and 39° 18' W), Ceará State, Northeast Brazil. Among the individuals captured, 17 were infected with pentastomids, totalling a prevalence of 45.9%, which did not differ between sexes. Host size did not influence the infection intensity. Two species of pentastomids were found: Raillietiella frenatus and R. mottae. The prevalence of R. frenatus (43.2%) was higher than R. mottae (2.7%), whereas the infection intensity of R. frenatus was comparatively lower (1.8 ± 1.4) than R. mottae (36 parasites in a single host). Overall mean intensity of infection was 3.8 ± 8.4 pentastomids. We found no pentastomid infecting juvenile geckos. The parameters of infection in this host population are in accordance to the findings of other studies, in which the high parasitism rate was associated to the feeding habits of geckos living in houses and buildings. Hemidactylus mabouia is a new host to R. mottae and the infection by R. frenatus is the first record of the occurrence this pentastomid species in Brazil.
Individual growth of Heleobia piscium in natural populations (Gastropoda: Cochliopidae) from the multiple use natural Reserve Isla Martin Garcia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Martin SM.
Published: October 2008

The present work analyses the individual growth of Heleobia piscium in natural conditions in coastal drainage channels of the Multiple Use Natural Reserve Isla Martín García, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Isla Martín García is located in the Upper Río de la Plata, to the south of the mouth of the Uruguay river (34° 11' 25" S and 58° 15' 38" W). Monthly collections were made from July 2005 to July 2006 in the eastern part of the island (Arena Beach). The population of H. piscium showed a complex and dynamic structure of sizes during a long period of the annual cycle. Two cohorts could be detected. The Bertalanffy growth equation was: Lt = 6 (1-e -1.85 (t+0.38)) and Lt = 3.9 (1-e -0.19 (t+4.84)) for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. The pattern of population growth displayed a staggered model, where the greatest growth is observed during the summer. The reproductive period occurred during six months, from the beginning of summer to middle of fall. Based on only one reproductive effort, this pattern is not similar to that of other cogeneric species already studied.
Chemosystematics of the Rosiflorae
Authors: Castilho RO. , Kaplan MAC.
Published: October 2008

The superorder Rosiflorae (sensu Dahlgren, 1980) belongs to the Angiospermae. It comprises twelve orders and thirty-eight families formed of species with varied habits widely distributed in temperate regions. The chemistry of Rosiflorae species is highly diversified; nevertheless it shows clearly phylogenetic affinity among the orders, except for Buxales. Flavonoids and triterpenoids are the real taxonomic markers for the superorder, due not only to the great number of occurrences, but also to the high structural diversity. On the other hand, the alkaloids are suitable as chemical markers only for the order Buxales. For orders and families of Rosiflorae, analysis of correlations among chemical parameters based on flavonoids and triterpenoids, with themselves and with the morphological and chemo-morphological parameters, showed evolutionary gradients among these taxa in which Trochodendrales occupy a primitive position while Saxifragales have the outpost. According to the types of flavonoids found in the superorder, there is clearly a higher incidence of flavonols than flavones, suggesting a primitive status of the Rosiflorae. Evolutionary advancement parameters relative to flavonoid hydroxyl protection show preferential protection mechanisms of glycosylation against methylation as well as a high percentage of free hydroxyl groups. The order Buxales has an isolated position in the superorder Rosiflorae with a high alkaloid production, which is quite exclusive to this taxon.
Influence of a 60 Hz, 3 µT, electromagnetic field on the somatic maturation of wistar rat offspring fed a regional basic diet during pregnancy
Authors: Anselmo CWSF. , Silva TL. , Holanda TG. , Prado LVS. , Cabral-Filho JE. , Catanho MTJA. , Medeiros MC.
Published: October 2008

The aim of the present study was to observe how the exposition of pregnant rats to an electromagnetic field (EMF), with frequency of 60 Hz, and a magnetic field of 3 µT for 2 hours per day and/or using the so-called Regional Basic Diet (RBD), influenced the somatic maturation in their offspring. Four groups were formed: Group A (casein), B (casein and EMF), C (RBD) and D (RBD and EMF). The diet manipulation occurred during pregnancy. The somatic maturation indexes - assessed daily between 12:00 AM and 2:00 PM - were: Eye Opening (EO), Auricle Opening (AO), Auditory Canal Opening (ACO), Low Incisor Eruption (LIE), and Upper Incisor Eruption (UIE). The association between EMF and deficient diet caused a delay in all Somatic Maturation Indexes (SMI) and the RBD caused delay only in the AO. Furthermore, the EMF caused delay in AO, ACO, LIE. In relation to the body weight, the EMF associated with the deficient diet caused change in the twenty-first day of life. The RBD, during pregnancy, caused lower body weight in the offspring in the first and third day of life. The body weight of the offspring whose mothers were fed casein and exposed to the EMF during pregnancy was lower in the third and sixth day of life. In conclusion, the EMF associated with under-nutrition caused delay in all SMI. In relation to the body weight, the EMF associated with under-nutrition caused a decrease in the body weight at the sixth day of life.
Bipedal locomotion in Tropidurus torquatus (Wied, 1820) and Liolaemus lutzae Mertens, 1938
Authors: Rocha-Barbosa O. , Loguercio MFC. , Velloso ALR. , Bonates ACC.
Published: October 2008

Bipedalism has evolved on numerous occasions in phylogenetically diverse lizard families. In this paper we describe, for the first time, bipedal locomotion on South American lizards, the sand-dweller Liolaemus lutzae and the generalist Tropidurus torquatus. The lizards were videotaped running on a racetrack and the sequences were analyzed frame by frame. The body posture, as a whole, diverged a lot during bipedal locomotion between the two species, even though there was no difference regarding their sprint performance. The locomotor behavior of L. lutzae is, in general, more similar to the one observed on other sand-dweller lizards. Certain particularities are common, such as the digitigrade posture at footfall and throughout stance, trunk angles; and tail posture. In contrast, T. torquatus exhibited high trunk angles and dragged its tail, in a posture compared to basilisks. This body posture could be related to certain characteristics and obstacles of a microhabitat such as the one around lakes and streams (basilisks) and the one with compact shrubby vegetation (T. torquatus).
Haematological changes in Nile tilapia experimentally infected with Enterococcus sp.
Authors: Martins ML. , Mouriño JLP. , Amaral GV. , Vieira FN. , Dotta G. , Jatobá AMB. , Pedrotti FS. , Jerônimo GT. , Buglione-Neto CC. , Pereira-Jr. G.
Published: October 2008

This study evaluated the haematological changes in Nile tilapia experimentally infected with 1 x 10³ and 1 x 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL of Enterococcus sp. in the swim bladder. The experiment consisted of four treatments in triplicates: non-injected fish (NI); fish injected with 1 mL of sterile saline solution 0.65% (SAL); fish injected with 1 x 10³ and 1 x 10(6) CFU/mL of Enterococcus diluted in 1 mL sterile saline. Twenty-four hours after injection, the fish were anesthetized and the blood collected. The haematological tests included red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, hematocrit, number of total thrombocytes, and differential counting of WBC. Fish injected with 1 x 10(6) CFU/mL of Enterococcus showed a higher number of thrombocytes than the other treatments. White blood cell and lymphocyte numbers increased significantly in fish injected with 1 x 10(6) CFU/mL of Enterococcus when compared to non-injected control. There was significant increase in the number of neutrophils in saline injected fish and reduced number of monocytes after injections with 1 x 10(6) CFU/mL of Enterococcus. Hematocrit increased in fish injected with 1 x 10³ and 1 x 10(6) CFU/mL of Enterococcus.
A criança no varejo de baixa renda
Authors: Veloso Andres Rodriguez , Hildebrand Diogo Fajardo Nunes , Daré Patricia Regina Caldeira , Campomar Marcos Cortez
Published: October 2008

Este trabalho aborda um segmento de mercado ainda pouco estudado no Brasil: crianças até 14 anos pertencentes a famílias de baixa renda. Sob tal foco e mediante a teoria acerca do tema, são analisados e detectados padrões de comportamento deste segmento de mercado dentro de um ambiente de varejo supermercadista e a sua influência nesta atmosfera. Este trabalho se apóia teoricamente nas principais obras que tratam do desenvolvimento psicológico e do processo de socialização da criança, bem como em textos específicos da área de consumo infantil. A parte empírica desta pesquisa recorreu a técnicas de observações e de entrevistas para maior compreensão do objeto de estudo. Como contribuição, este trabalho gerou categorias que auxiliam a construção de uma visão holística do comportamento e do processo de socialização da criança no ambiente varejista.
Inclusão social e marketing na base da pirâmide: uma agenda de pesquisa
Authors: Rocha Angela da , Silva Jorge Ferreira da
Published: October 2008

Este trabalho se insere no debate sobre como o marketing pode atender às necessidades dos consumidores de baixa renda. Inicialmente, discutem-se as lacunas na literatura internacional e as principais estratégias que podem ser seguidas pelas empresas para reduzir a pobreza, focalizando-se, em seguida, a perspectiva do "marketing na base da pirâmide". É feita uma revisão de estudos realizados no Brasil sobre o consumo dos pobres, ainda em pequeno número, agrupando seus resultados pela temática abordada, incluindo gastos familiares, uso do crédito, escolha de marcas, escolha de lojas e significado dos bens. Em seguida, analisam-se formas pelas quais as empresas podem atuar no segmento de baixa renda, por meio de estratégias de marketing desenhadas especificamente para tal. Finalmente, propõe-se uma agenda de pesquisas à comunidade acadêmica brasileira, que cubra o consumo dos pobres e o marketing voltado para esse segmento.
Tendências sobre as comunidades virtuais da perspectiva dos prosumers
Authors: Fonseca Marcelo Jacques , Gonçalves Manuela Albornoz , Oliveira Marta Olivia Rovedder de , Tinoco Maria Auxiliadora Cannarozzo
Published: October 2008

O desenvolvimento de tecnologias de comunicação e de informação, tais como a Internet, revolucionou as formas de comunicação de maneira jamais vista. Uma das principais evidências desse fato é que as pessoas se aproximam, formando grupos de relacionamento online conhecidos por comunidades virtuais. Este artigo tem como propósito identificar as tendências quanto ao futuro das comunidades virtuais a partir da perspectiva de um perfil de usuário específico - os prosumers. Para tanto, foram realizadas combinações de diferentes técnicas qualitativas, envolvendo a utilização de imagens, entrevistas em profundidade, técnicas projetivas e, ainda, análise de cenários. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as tendências de uso e participação das comunidades virtuais, do ponto de vista dos prosumers, estão vinculadas a cenários mais inovadores: de maior participação ativa dos usuários, maior envolvimento das pessoas, adoção de novas tecnologias e formas de acesso, entre outros. Além disso, demonstram a importância de sua consideração dentro das políticas de marketing e a influência que terão no futuro sobre os consumidores e sobre o processo de prosumption.
Em busca de uma trilha interpretativista para a pesquisa do consumidor: uma proposta baseada na fenomenologia, na etnografia e na grounded theory
Authors: Pinto Marcelo de Rezende , Santos Leonardo Lemos da Silveira
Published: October 2008

O presente artigo se insere em debate recentemente aberto na pesquisa do consumidor, na qual novas questões teóricas e metodológicas têm (re)surgido, levando os pesquisadores desse campo a (re)estabelecerem suas conversações com disciplinas das Ciências Humanas e Sociais, como a Filosofia, a Sociologia e a Antropologia. O objetivo é apresentar e discutir uma proposta para uma pesquisa interpretativa do consumidor baseada em três movimentos - fenomenologia, etnografia e grounded theory - distintos, mas não paralelos, que podem ser conciliados de forma a permitir um estilo de pesquisa mais abrangente. Nesta discussão, procuramos argumentar que associá-los parece ser uma alternativa não só possível, mas também desejável. Desta forma, o trabalho pretende contribuir para o debate sobre a utilização de metodologias complementares que permitam lidar com as ambigüidades, fluidez e contradições da vida real vivenciada pelos consumidores.
The upper pleistocene of São Francisco do Sul Island coastal plain: geomorphologic, sedimentologic and evolutive aspects
Authors: Horn Filho Norberto Olmiro , Simó Daniel Higueras
Published: October 2008

The upper Pleistocene deposits (± 120 ky BP) outcrop in several coastal plains throughout the Brazilian coast. The occurrences in Santa Catarina State - Northern coast, where São Francisco do Sul Island is located are included in this context. The Pleistocene deposits which have marine and lagoon origin on the base and eolic origin on the top, characterize typical barrier island confined to crystalline basement elevations. The deposits outcrop on the central sector of São Francisco do Sul Island, close to the coastline, reaching up to 6 km of width and have variable heights from 12 to 17 m in elevations and 10 to 12 m in depressions. The geologic contact with the others coastal plain unities are interdigited and/or abrupt through scarps well defined that reach up to 4 m of vertical fall. The geomorphologic features consist in terraces exhibiting horizontal and undulated surface, dominating sandy sediments, fine to medium, well sorted, constituted by quartz and heavy minerals. These deposits were formed in higher sea level (8±2 m), between 18 to 120 ky BP, during regressive phase of the Sangamonian - Yarmoutian maximum transgression/regression, which is correlated to the interglacial Riss/Wurm, corresponding in Brazil to Cananéia transgression (SP), Penultimate transgression (BA) or barrier III (RS).
Growth parameters and mortality rate of the Scomber japonicus peruanus (Jordán & Hubb, 1925) along the Peruvian coast, South Pacific
Authors: Caramantin-Soriano Hilda , Vega-Pérez Luz Amelia , Ñiquen Miguel
Published: October 2008

The growth parameters and the mortality rates of the Scomber japonicus peruanus (Chub mackerel) were studied based on monthly data of frequency of fork length classes obtained from commercial landings off the Peruvian coast from 1996 to 1998. The asymptotic body length and growth rate values obtained by the ELEFAN I (Electronic Length Frequency Analysis) ranged from 40.20 cm to 42.20 cm and from 0.38 to 0.39, respectively. The oscillation amplitude was 0.60; the Winter point values varied from 0.50 to 0.60 and the performance index from 2.79 to 2.84. The total mortality rate of the Chub mackerel obtained by the linearized catch curve oscillated between 1.68 and 3.35. The rate of fishing mortality varied from 1.16 to 2.78 and the exploitation rate from 0.68 to 0.84. The annual rate of natural mortality estimated by the Pauly's method ranged from 0.52 to 0.53. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the longevity of the Chub mackerel was slightly over seven years.
Spatial and temporal variation of the zooplankton community in the area of influence of the Itajaí-açu River, SC (BRAZIL)
Authors: Resgalla Junior Charrid , Souza Vitor Gonçalves Coutinho de , Rörig Leonardo Rubi , Schettini Carlos Augusto França
Published: October 2008

On the north coast of the State of Santa Catarina (Brazil), the Itajaí-Açu River mouth shows a low-saline water plume on the internal shelf with strong density gradients. This oceanographic condition has a possible influence over the pelagic community, and it has been little investigated on the Brazilian coast. The present work seeks to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations of the zooplankton community in the area of influence of the Itajaí-açu River, and its relations with the abiotic forces of temperature (seasonal variation) and salinity of the river plume. For this purpose, 14 monthly oceanographic cruises were carried out during the years 2002 and 2003, to obtain physical and chemical parameters, and zooplankton hauls in 9 sampling points. The zooplankton analyses were carried out at the lowest taxon possible to characterize the resident community of the river mouth. It was observed that the zooplankton presented the highest densities in winter and spring. The species with higher densities and frequencies of occurrence were Paracalanus quasimodo, Parvocalanus crassirostris, Acartia lilijeborgi, Temora stylifera, T. turbinata, and Penilia avirostris, indicating a prevalence in this region, of Tropical Water from the Brazil Current and greater similarity with the coastal community of the Southeast region of Brazil. However, even for the species typical of Tropical Water, there were alterations in dominance of the species, due to the seasonality and level of flow rate of the river on the salinity of the internal shelf of the study area.
Feeding preference of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck, 1816) on seaweeds
Authors: Souza Camilla Ferreira , Oliveira Aline Santos de , Pereira Renato Crespo
Published: October 2008

Seaweeds exhibit different strategies to minimize the damage caused by herbivores and also to influence the feeding preference of these consumers. This study evaluated the feeding preference of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus through multiple-choice experiments using the seaweeds Caulerpa racemosa, Dictyota menstrualis, Osmundaria obtusiloba, Plocamium brasiliense, Sargassum sp., and Ulva sp. In order to verify the importance of morphological and chemical aspects on this feeding preference, two assay-types were carried out using live and powdered macroalgae, respectively. Two different methods were employed to analyze the results obtained: comparison between biomass losses versus autogenic changes, and inclusion of autogenic values in biomass loss through herbivory. In both experiments a clear differential consumption of certain species of seaweeds by L. variegatus was observed, in the following decreasing order of preference: C. racemosa ≈ Ulva sp. > O. obtusiloba ≈ Sargassum sp. > P. brasiliense > D. menstrualis. It was also verified that both methods of analysis used yielded similar results. According to the results obtained, feeding preference of L. variegatus is probably established by the defensive chemicals produced by P. brasiliense and D. menstrualis, and by morphological aspects of C. racemosa, Ulva sp., O. obtusiloba and Sargassum sp.
Liver-derived IGF1 enhances the androgenic response in prostate
Authors: Svensson Johan , Kindblom Jon , Shao Ruijin , Movérare-Skrtic Sofia , Lagerquist Marie K , Andersson Niklas , Sjögren Klara , Venken Katrien , Vanderschueren Dirk , Jansson John-Olov , Isaksson Olle , Ohlsson Claes
Published: October 2008

Both IGF1 and androgens are major enhancers of prostate growth and are implicated in the development of prostate hyperplasia and cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether liver-derived endocrine IGF1 modulates the androgenic response in prostate. Mice with adult, liver-specific inactivation of IGF1 (LI-IGF1−/− mice) displayed an ∼80% reduction in serum IGF1 levels associated with decreased prostate weight compared with control mice (anterior prostate lobe −19%, P<0.05; dorsolateral prostate (DLP) lobe −35%, P<0.01; ventral prostate (VP) lobe −47%, P<0.01). Reduced androgen receptor (Ar) mRNA and protein levels were observed in the VP lobe (−34% and −30% respectively, both P<0.05 versus control mice). Analysis of prostate morphology showed reductions in both the glandular and fibromuscular compartments of the VP and DLP lobes that were proportional to the reductions in the weights of these lobes. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced intracellular AR immunoreactivity in the VP and DLP lobes. The non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone increased VP weight to a lesser extent in orchidectomized (ORX) LI-IGF1−/− mice than in ORX controls (−40%, P<0.05 versus control mice). In conclusion, deficiency of liver-derived IGF1 reduces both the glandular and fibromuscular compartments of the prostate, decreases AR expression in prostate, and reduces the stimulatory effect of androgens on VP weight. These findings may explain, at least in part, the well-known clinical association between serum IGF1 levels and conditions with abnormal prostate growth.
Performance of geosynthetic-reinforced alternative sub-ballast material in a railway track
Authors: Fernandes G. , Palmeira E. M. , Gomes R. C.
Published: October 2008

Geosynthetics have been used as reinforcement in various applications in geotechnical engineering. This paper presents a study on the use of geosynthetic reinforcement to reduce the consumption of good-quality sub-ballast material in a railway track in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Six test sections on the railway were instrumented and monitored for a period of 2 years. Nonwoven geotextile and a geogrid were used as reinforcement in different positions in the sub-ballast. The results obtained showed that the presence of geosynthetic reinforcement reduced the strains mobilised in the sub-ballast, reduced the breakage of ballast element, and allowed the use of a cheaper alternative material in the sub-ballast construction. The results showed the potential of the use of alternative sub-ballast material reinforced with geosynthetic to reduce the costs of construction and maintenance of railway tracks.
Liquefaction resistance of sand reinforced with geosynthetics
Authors: Altun S. , Göktepe A. B. , Lav M. A.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes an investigation into the performance of geosynthetics in enhancing the resistance to liquefaction of medium dense (Dr = 50%) sand deposits. Cyclic torsional shear tests were carried out on 99 laboratory test specimens under a confining pressure of 98 kPa and a loading frequency of 0.1 Hz. A series of shear stress ratios was used to evaluate the behaviour of sand under cyclic loading conditions. Different types of geotextile (woven, nonwoven) and different arrangements of geotextiles (one, two, three and four layers) were tested. Test results revealed that the liquefaction resistance of sand deposits can be significantly increased by geosynthetic reinforcement. Nonwoven geotextiles were found to perform better than woven geotextiles as reinforcement materials. The results indicate that both the type and the arrangement of reinforcements are crucial in increasing the liquefaction resistance of medium dense sands, and there can be significant variations in the behaviour, depending on the arrangement of the reinforcement.
Seismic stability of reinforced slopes: failure mechanisms and displacements
Authors: Huang C.-C. , Horng J.-C. , Charng J.-J.
Published: October 2008

Failure mechanisms of reinforced slopes with different seismic resistance capacities were examined, based on the results of tilting table tests previously reported by the authors. Three seismic resistance levels for slopes reinforced using various reinforcement materials and facing rigidities were identified, based on various ultimate tilting angles and modes of wall deformation. It was found that a high reinforcement interface friction angle (δr = 30°) is a prerequisite for attaining the highest level of seismic resistance with an ultimate tilting angle, θf ≥ 20° (or a critical seismic coefficient, [Formula: see text]). Reinforcement length and reinforcement stiffness play secondary roles, in the sense that these two factors are optional in attaining the highest level of seismic resistance. When a high tensile stiffness reinforcement was used, base sliding failure associated with maximum slope face deformation over the lower third of the slope occurred for slopes with a medium or a low seismic resistance level. Therefore, for a slope reinforced using a high tensile stiffness reinforcement, a maximum slope deformation in the lower third portion of the slope face may be used to identify a ‘less robust’ slope with a relatively low seismic resistance capacity. For slopes reinforced with a low tensile stiffness reinforcement, maximum deformation in the lower third of the facing is the dominant mode of deformation, regardless of the seismic resistance level. The bending rigidity of the facing may moderately influence the seismic resistance level when using a reinforcement sheet with a high interface friction angle (δr = 30°), but it has no influence on the seismic resistance level when using reinforcement sheets with relatively low surface friction angles of δr = 20° and 15°.
Reinforcement design for construction of cover soil over soft sludge
Authors: Espinoza R. D. , Sabatini P. J.
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a design procedure for selecting the reinforcement tensile strength and strain that are required for the construction of cover soils over soft low-permeability sludge using the ‘finger fill soil placement technique’, which consists in placing a high-strength reinforcement over the soft, low-permeability sludge and building parallel narrow berms over the reinforcement. The design procedure described in this paper: (1) considers the proposed construction sequence; (2) takes advantage of the ability of the high-strength reinforcement to withstand tensile stresses; and (3) considers the large vertical displacement due to the applied load. The proposed design procedure allows the design engineer to select the reinforcement characteristics as well as the initial berm thickness and spacing.
Comparative study on performance and index tests simulating abrasion damage of a woven geotextile
Authors: Huang C.-C.
Published: October 2008

A series of modified sliding block/sandpaper tests are performed to investigate the relationship between the sliding cycles (Ns) and percentage ultimate strength reduction (PSR) of a woven geotextile. This relationship is then employed to calculate the required sliding cycles (Nreq) for a similar amount of damage induced by various turbid flow conditions. To this end, relationships between PSR and various turbid flow-related parameters, such as flow velocity (Vm), particle concentration (Pc) and resistance to particle breakdown of rock minerals represented by Los Angeles percentage weight loss (AL), obtained in a series of laboratory turbid flow chamber tests are utilised to facilitate the derivation of Nreq. Results of the comparative study show that the values of Nreq can be much larger than 250 for some commonly encountered turbid flow environments, such as Vm ranging between 1.5 m/s and 2.5 m/s, and Pc of several percent. It is also shown that the effect of Vm on the value of Nreq is significant. For all tests using Vm = 2.5 m/s, the corresponding values of Nreq are greater than the maximum value of sliding cycles (Ns = 750) recommended in current sliding block/sandpaper tests, regardless of the aggregate type and particle concentration used in this study. At present, a standardised performance test on abrasion damage of geosynthetic materials is lacking, and the index tests such as sliding block/sandpaper may require revision to fill this gap.
Electrokinetic improvement of soft clay using electrical vertical drains
Authors: Rittirong A. , Douglas R. S. , Shang J. Q. , Lee E. C.
Published: October 2008

The performance of electrical vertical drains (EVDs) is investigated using laboratory tests and a field test. The electrokinetic treatment generates an increase in the soil undrained shear strength of a natural clay soil from London, Ontario, from 3 kPa to over 100 kPa in the laboratory. The soil undrained shear strength in a field test conducted in marine clay increases from between 5 kPa and 13 kPa to between 22 kPa and 39 kPa on average after only five days of electrokinetic treatment using EVDs. It is observed in laboratory and field tests that the water flow generated by electro-osmosis stops shortly after the application of the electric current. The significant shear strength gains of soils observed in the laboratory and field tests are attributed to the reduction of soil water content and increases in Atterberg limits which result from electrochemical reactions.
ASYMMETRY OF REINFORCEMENT AND PUNISHMENT IN HUMAN CHOICE
Authors: Rasmussen Erin B. , Newland M. Christopher
Published: October 2008

The hypothesis that a penny lost is valued more highly than a penny earned was tested in human choice. Five participants clicked a computer mouse under concurrent variable‐interval schedules of monetary reinforcement. In the no‐punishment condition, the schedules arranged monetary gain. In the punishment conditions, a schedule of monetary loss was superimposed on one response alternative. Deviations from generalized matching using the free parameters c (sensitivity to reinforcement) and log k (bias) were compared in the no‐punishment and punishment conditions. The no‐punishment conditions yielded values of log k that approximated zero for all participants, indicating no bias. In the punishment condition, values of log k deviated substantially from zero, revealing a 3‐fold bias toward the unpunished alternative. Moreover, the c parameters were substantially smaller in punished conditions. The values for bias and sensitivity under punishment did not change significantly when the measure of net reinforcers (gains minus losses) was applied to the analysis. These results mean that punishment reduced the sensitivity of behavior to reinforcement and biased performance toward the unpunished alternative. We concluded that a single punisher subtracted more value than a single added, indicating an asymmetry in the law of effect.
AVOIDANCE OF TIMEOUT FROM RESPONSE‐INDEPENDENT FOOD: EFFECTS OF DELIVERY RATE AND QUALITY
Authors: Richardson Joseph V. , Baron Alan
Published: October 2008

In three experiments, a rat's lever presses could postpone timeouts from food pellets delivered on response‐independent schedules. In Experiment 1, the pellets were delivered at variable‐time (VT) rates ranging from VT 0.5 to VT 8 min. Experiment 2 replicated the VT 1 min and VT 8 min conditions of Experiment 1 with new subjects. Finally, subjects in Experiment 3 could postpone timeouts from delivery of pellets that differed in quality rather than quantity (unsweetened versus sweetened pellets). In general, response rates and success in avoiding increased as a function of the rate and quality of the pellets. Also, performance efficiency increased as the experiments progressed, that is, the avoidance response occurred later and later in the response‐timeout interval. The results support the conclusion that timeout from reinforcement has functional properties similar to those of more commonly studied aversive stimuli (e.g., shock).
DETERMINANTS OF IMITATION OF HAND‐TO‐BODY GESTURES IN 2‐ AND 3‐YEAR‐OLD CHILDREN
Authors: Erjavec Mihela , Horne Pauline J.
Published: October 2008

Twenty children, ten 2‐year‐olds and ten 3‐year‐olds, participated in an AB procedure. In the baseline phase, each child was trained the same four matching relations to criterion under intermittent reinforcement. During the subsequent imitation test, the experimenter modeled a total of 20 target gestures (six trials each) interspersed with intermittently reinforced baseline trials. In each session, target gestures were selected in a pre‐randomized sequence from: Set 1—ear touches; Set 2—shoulder touches; Set 3—midarm touches; and Set 4—wrist touches; subjects' responses to targets were not reinforced. In each target set, half the gestures featured in nursery matching games and were termed common targets whereas the remainder, which were topographically similar but did not feature in the games, served as uncommon targets. The children produced significantly more matching responses to common target models than to uncommon ones. Common responses were also produced as mismatches to uncommon target models more often than vice versa. Response accuracy did not improve over trials, suggesting that “parity” did not serve as a conditioned reinforcer. All children showed a strong bias for “mirroring”—responding in the same hemispace as the modeler. The 2‐year‐olds produced more matching errors than the 3‐year‐olds and most children showed a bias for responding with their right hands. The strong effects of training environment (nursery matching games) are consistent with a Skinnerian account, but not a cognitive goal theory account, of imitation in young children.
QUANTIFICATION OF DRUG CHOICE WITH THE GENERALIZED MATCHING LAW IN RHESUS MONKEYS
Authors: Koffarnus Mikhail N. , Woods James H.
Published: October 2008

The generalized matching law provides precise descriptions of choice, but has not been used to characterize choice between different doses of drugs or different classes of drugs. The current study examined rhesus monkeys' drug self‐administration choices between identical drug doses, different doses, different drugs (cocaine, remifentanil, and methohexital), and between drug and drug‐paired stimuli. The bias parameter of the generalized matching law was used to quantify preference for one reinforcer over another. Choice between identical drug doses yielded undermatching. Choices between 0.3 μg/kg/injection remifentanil and either 0.1 μg/kg/injection remifentanil or saline plus drug‐paired stimuli revealed bias for the 0.3 μg/kg/injection dose. Choice was relatively insensitive to differences in random interval schedule value when one reinforcer was replaced with drug‐paired stimulus presentations. Bias for 0.3 μg/kg/injection remifentanil over 10 μg/kg/injection cocaine was seen in one subject, and indifference was generally observed between 0.1 μg/kg/injection remifentanil and 56 μg/kg/injection cocaine and between 30 μg/kg/injection cocaine and 320 μg/kg/injection methohexital. These findings suggest the bias parameter may be useful in quantitatively measuring level of preference, which would be an advantage over concurrent FR procedures that often result in exclusive choice.
A REVIEW OF DOMESTIC DOGS' (CANIS FAMILIARIS) HUMAN‐LIKE BEHAVIORS: OR WHY BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS SHOULD STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THEIR DOGS
Authors: Udell Monique A. R. , Wynne C. D. L.
Published: October 2008

Dogs likely were the first animals to be domesticated and as such have shared a common environment with humans for over ten thousand years. Only recently, however, has this species' behavior been subject to scientific scrutiny. Most of this work has been inspired by research in human cognitive psychology and suggests that in many ways dogs are more human‐like than any other species, including nonhuman primates. Behavior analysts should add their expertise to the study of dog behavior, both to add objective behavioral analyses of experimental data and to effectively integrate this new knowledge into applied work with dogs.
Estimating the Nonaqueous‐Phase Liquid Content in Saturated Sandy Soil Using Amplitude Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Moroizumi Toshitsugu , Sasaki Yumi
Published: October 2008

Groundwater contamination by nonaqueous‐phase liquids (NAPLs) has become a serious environmental issue. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the NAPL content (θNAPL) in saturated soil to detect and monitor the NAPL contamination in groundwater. The objective of this study was to investigate three estimation methods for the θNAPL in saturated sandy soil, namely, the noncalibration method (NCM), the permittivity regression method (PRM), and the best‐fit α method (BFαM). These methods utilize the permittivity (K) measured by amplitude domain reflectometry (ADR) and two dielectric mixing models: a theoretical Maxell–de Loor (MD) model and an empirical α model. The NCM applies the measured K to the models directly. The PRM applies the measured K to the models indirectly using the regression equation between the measured and estimated K The RMSEs of the NCM for the α model were 0.038 m3 m−3 for light NAPL (LNAPL) and 0.015 m3 m−3 for dense NAPL (DNAPL) when the constant α value was set at 0.5. The RMSEs of the MD model, however, were 0.090 m3 m−3 for LNAPL and 0.070 m3 m−3 for DNAPL. Using the PRM, the RMSEs of the MD model became much better than those of the NCM. The RMSEs for θNAPL estimated by the BFαM were 0.007 m3 m−3 for LNAPL and 0.018 m3 m−3 for DNAPL. These results demonstrate that θNAPL was estimated easily and with sufficient accuracy with the α model and the PRM.
Drastic Short‐Term Changes in the Isotopic Composition of Soil Nitrate in Forest Soil Samples
Authors: Hales Heidi C. , Ross Donald S.
Published: October 2008

Stable isotope signatures in soil‐derived NO3− provide an opportunity for environmental source tracing, but rapid changes in N transformation rates caused by sampling disturbance may create an artifact in the signature of extracted NO3− To study this, we measured net nitrification and ammonification rates and the δ15N and δ18O of NO3− in soils from a watershed in Camels Hump State Forest, Vermont, known to be sensitive to sampling disturbance. Eleven Oa and one A horizon samples (C/N ratio 15–25, pH 3.3–4.2) had NO3− extracted for isotope analysis approximately 30 min after sampling and again after a 2‐ to 3‐d incubation period at 10°C. Net nitrification rates during incubation were rapid and linear (0.9–15.3 μmol L−1 soil h−1), with increases in NO3− detectable within 1 h after sampling. The δ15N and δ18O of soil NO3− changed dramatically between field extraction and extraction after the incubation period. Soils that were initially relatively enriched in δ15NO3− became more depleted after incubation, as much as 13.5‰ lighter. Soils that were initially relatively depleted in δ15NO3− became more enriched after incubation, as much as 16.5‰ heavier. The latter had high net nitrification rates and low final NH4+ concentrations, probably causing the enrichment of 15N in NO3− due to a diminishing substrate pool. The δ18O of soil NO3− showed little change during incubation and changes were not significantly related to changes in the 15N of NO3−, suggesting that denitrification was not a primary mechanism. Added enriched 15NH4Cl (111.9‰) was rapidly incorporated into the soil NO3− pool in a pattern supportive of a mechanism due to increased nitrification rates. Soil sampling disturbance can dramatically alter the isotopic signature of soil NO3−, and the isotopic signature of extracted NO3− may not be a reliable environmental tracer.
Nutrient Status in Alpine Soils of the Colorado Front Range Using the Nitrogen/Phosphorus Ratio Index
Authors: Litaor M. Iggy , Seastedt T. R. , Sackett L. C.
Published: October 2008

The suitability of the foliar N/P ratio was evaluated as a predictor of nutrient limitation in an alpine ecosystem of the Colorado Front Range. We hypothesized that foliar N/P ratios are directly correlated with the alpine soil nutrient status. We used a long‐term fertilization experiment conducted in three alpine plant communities, where 48 plots were established consisting of four replicates of control, N, P, and N + P additions. We characterized four extractable P fractions, maximum P sorption capacity, and extractable NO3–N and NH4–N, measured N and P adsorption fluxes, determined the soil moisture content, and measured the total N and P concentrations in soils and below‐ and aboveground plant material. The fertilized plots exhibited significantly higher nutrient concentrations in above‐ and belowground plant materials and adsorption fluxes of N and P (P< 0.001 for all additions) than the control plots. The N‐added plots were significantly acidified (<3.8) vs. the control plots (>4.14), which may have partially contributed to increased P flux. A correlation analysis showed that N and P accumulations in aboveground plant material could not be predicted by the traditional extractable N and P tests. Nutrient adsorption flux measurements and especially P showed better correlation with nutrient accumulation in below‐ and aboveground plant material (r= 0.53 and 0.43, respectively,P< 0.001). This moderate correlation suggested, however, that the N/P ratio index is somewhat limited in providing a definitive answer for the nutrient limitation status of this alpine ecosystem.