bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DSM-IV personality disorders in Mexico: results from a general population survey
Authors: Benjet Corina , Borges Guilherme , Medina-Mora Maria Elena
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports the first population estimates of prevalence and correlates of personality disorders in the Mexican population. METHOD: Personality disorders screening questions from the International Personality Disorder Examination were administered to a representative sample of the Mexican urban adult population (n = 2,362) as part of the Mexican National Comorbidity Survey, validated with clinical evaluations conducted in the United States. A multiple imputation method was then implemented to estimate prevalence and correlates of personality disorder in the Mexican sample. RESULTS: Multiple imputation method prevalence estimates were 4.6% Cluster A, 1.6% Cluster B, 2.4% Cluster C, and 6.1% any personality disorder. All personality disorders clusters were significantly comorbid with DSM-IV Axis I disorders. One in every five persons with an Axis I disorder in Mexico is likely to have a comorbid personality disorder, and almost half of those with a personality disorder are likely to have an Axis I disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Modest associations of personality disorders with impairment and strong associations with treatment utilization were largely accounted for by Axis I comorbidity suggesting that the public health significance of personality disorders lies in their comorbidity with, and perhaps effects upon, Axis I disorders rather than their direct effects on functioning and help seeking.
Drinking patterns between men and women in two distinct Brazilian communities
Authors: Kerr-Corrêa Florence , Tucci Adriana Marcassa , Hegedus Andrea Mary , Trinca Luzia Aparecida , Oliveira Janaina Barbosa de , Floripes Tricia Maria Feitosa , Kerr Ligia Regina Franco Sansigolo
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE: A survey was conducted to compare gender differences in patterns of drinking in two stratified, urban and representative samples from two communities (B and RJr). METHOD: The Genacis (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study) questionnaire was used. RESULTS: There were several significant differences in the demographics and patterns of alcohol use between these two samples. One had an older, more Catholic, educated, Caucasian population, with more women in the labor force. Data from B community showed that women and men had similar patterns of drinking. RJr had much higher use of alcohol among men, and almost 22% of those under 49 years old were binge drinkers. DISCUSSION: Access, smoking, income and having a heavy drinker partner were important risk factors for women's drinking. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that when women's roles become more similar to men's, so do their drinking patterns.
Efeito do tempo e da temperatura de estocagem nas determinações de acidez, cálcio, proteínas e lipídeos de leite de doadoras de bancos de leite humano
Authors: Rona Maria Stella S. , Novak Franz Reis , Portilho Márcia , Pelissari Francieli Maria , Martins Ana Beatriz Tozzo , Matioli Graciette
Published: October 2008

OBJETIVOS: verificar o efeito de três condições de estocagem sobre a acidez do leite humano ordenhado, bem como determinar os seguintes constituintes do leite: gordura, sólidos totais, cinzas, cálcio e proteínas totais. MÉTODOS: as amostras foram obtidas a partir de doadoras do Banco de Leite Humano do Hospital Universitário de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil (n=37). Foram determinados os conteúdos de gordura, proteína, sólidos totais, cinzas e cálcio, além da determinação da acidez. O protocolo de pesquisa incluiu três condições de estocagem: tempo zero, 4h à temperatura ambiente e 24h sob refrigeração. RESULTADOS as concentrações médias de nutrientes encontradas eram comparáveis àquelas descritas em leite de nutrizes de outros países ou de outras regiões do país e adequadas para a alimentação de recém-nascidos. Os dados de acidez demonstraram alta variabilidade interindividual para as condições de estocagem à 4h e 24h, o que não aconteceu na estocagem imediata (0h). Observou-se fraca correlação entre as variáveis acidez e concentração de proteína, bem como entre acidez e teor de cálcio. CONCLUSÕES: a acidez não influenciou a concentração desses nutrientes, nas condições de estocagem estudadas, e que a melhor forma de se preservar o leite humano foi congelá-lo imediatamente após sua obtenção.
Influência do apoio à amamentação sobre o aleitamento materno exclusivo dos bebês no primeiro mês de vida e nascidos na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Silva Mírian Barcellos da , Albernaz Elaine P. , Mascarenhas Maria L. W. , Silveira Regina B.da
Published: October 2008

OBJETIVOS: medir os índices de aleitamento exclusivo no primeiro mês e comparar o padrão alimentar das crianças nascidas no hospital que adota a Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança (IHAC), com os demais hospitais de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo quase-experimental, aninhado a uma coorte. A pesquisa contou com dois componentes: triagem hospitalar e acompanhamento domiciliar de um mês (30%); foram acompanhados 973 pares mãe-bebê de uma amostra inicial de 2741 mães. RESULTADOS nascer em hospitais que não adotam a IHAC aumentou o risco das mães não terem sido incentivadas para o aleitamento, dos bebês não mamarem na primeira hora e receberem chupeta e chá no hospital. A prevalência de aleitamento exclusivo com um mês foi de 60%. As crianças nascidas no hospital IHAC tiveram maior índice de aleitamento exclusivo com um mês e o uso de chupeta mostrou uma associação negativa com o desfecho. CONCLUSÕES: a intervenção foi positiva e o impacto seria maior se a implantação dos "dez passos" fosse total, na coleta de dados. O incentivo ao aleitamento deve continuar através da formação de grupos de aconselhamento às mães e, talvez, com o acompanhamento até o sexto mês, se alcançasse melhores resultados.
Avaliação da qualidade da atenção básica utilizando a doença respiratória da infância como traçador, em um distrito sanitário do município de São Paulo
Authors: Tanaka Oswaldo Yoshimi , Espírito Santo Antônio Carlos Gomes do
Published: October 2008

OBJETIVOS: avaliar a qualidade dos serviços de atenção básica utilizando a doença respiratória da infância como traçador. MÉTODOS: a abordagem avaliativa se baseia no referencial de Donabedian acoplado à metodologia da condição traçadora de Kessner. A amostra é composta de 768 crianças de zero a cinco anos de idade, com queixas respiratórias, atendidas em sete Unidades Básicas de Saúde do Distrito Sanitário de Brasilândia, município de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. As fontes de dados foram prontuários e entrevistas com mães ou responsáveis. RESULTADOS o exame médico mais acurado da criança mostrou-se significativamente associado com a evolução favorável dos quadros atendidos. O acolhimento demonstrado pelos profissionais influiu na avaliação dos usuários acerca da qualidade do atendimento, observando-se uma atitude de preservação da figura do médico. O nível de escolaridade da mãe não apresentou diferença significativa em relação à melhora apresentada. CONCLUSÕES: a metodologia de tratadores mostrou-se adequada para a identificação e análise crítica das principais questões envolvendo a avaliação da resolubilidade de serviços de saúde. As doenças respiratórias na infância são uma condição traçadora importante para avaliação da qualidade na atenção básica.
Seasonality of litterfall and leaf decomposition in a cerrado site
Authors: Valenti MW. , Cianciaruso MV. , Batalha MA.
Published: October 2008

We investigated annual litterfall and leaf decomposition rate in a cerrado site. We collected woody plant litter monthly from April 2001 to March 2002 and from July 2003 to June 2004. We placed systematically 13 litter traps (0.5 x 0.5 m) in a line, 10 m one from the other. We sorted litter into 'leaves', 'stems', 'reproductive structures', and 'miscellanea' fractions, oven-dried them at 80 °C until constant mass and weighed the dry material. To assess leaf decomposition rate, we packed leaves recently shed by plants in litter bags. We placed seven sets of nine litter bags in a line, 10 m one from the other, on the soil surface and collected nine bags each time after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Total and leaf litter productions showed a seasonal pattern. Leaf litterfall was the phenological attribute that showed the strongest response to seasonality and drought. Decomposition was slower in the cerrado that we studied compared to a more closed cerrado physiognomy, reflecting their structural and environmental differences. Thus, decomposition rates seem to increase from open to closed cerrado physiognomies, probably related to an increase of humidity and nutrients in the soil.
A year in a Cerrado wet grassland: a non-seasonal island in a seasonal savanna environment
Authors: Cianciaruso MV. , Batalha MA.
Published: October 2008

In some Cerrado regions where the water table is superficial and soils are hydromorphic, we may find wet grasslands. We studied temporal changes in some community descriptors, such as species density, plant density, basal area, and cylindrical volume in a Cerrado wet grassland in four different seasons of the year. We also compared the species richness and composition of the wet grassland with a hyperseasonal cerrado, and a seasonal cerrado. We found significant differences among the seasons only for species density. Chao-Sørensen similarity values varied from 0.86 to 0.99 and, in the wet grassland, were not different among the seasons. On the contrary, similarity values between the wet grassland and hyperseasonal and seasonal cerrados were low. Species richness was lower in the wet grassland and higher in the seasonal cerrado. As long as savannas are highly dynamic on all temporal and spatial scales, the wet grassland stability, at least in a short-term view, introduces an important heterogeneity in regional scale. Wet grasslands are also important in the Cerrado domain to increase b-diversity, since they are floristically dissimilar with cerrado vegetation.
Bird mixed-flocks and nuclear species in a tecoma savanna in the Pantanal
Authors: Amaral PP. , Ragusa-Netto J.
Published: October 2008

In bird mixed flocks, a prominent species, the so-called nuclear species, improves the cohesion and maintenance of the flocks, while other less conspicuous species are assumed as satellite. In this study we described the composition, as well as examined the existence of both nuclear and satellite species in mixed flocks of a savanna in the Pantanal. The observations were developed using three transects during the dry season of 2002. Bird species abundance and respective rate of participation in mixed flocks were surveyed by transects, while intraspecific sociality, communication, foraging maneuvers of species, and responses to predators were sampled by direct observations. These parameters were evaluated to distinguish nuclear from satellite species. We observed 41 bird mixed flocks, which included from 2 to 17 species of which Suiriri suiriri (Vieillot), one of the most abundant species, was present in most flocks, often represented by 2-4 individuals, whereas most other species occurred lone or in pairs. While foraging by acrobatic maneuvers S. suiriri often gave contact calls, as well as earlier giving alarm calls if faced with a risk of predation. In addition, S. suiriri always started mixed flocks movements. Conversely, most other species were silent and closely inspected the vegetation while foraging. Such species always followed S. suiriri and seldom gave contact calls. Hence, the conspicuous traits exhibited by S. suiriri, potentially, are exploited by the other bird species as cues, which are important references for bird mixed flock cohesion in a savanna in the southern Pantanal.
Seasonality of pathogenic fungi in mites of rubber tree plantations adjacent to fragments of Cerrado
Authors: Demite PR. , Feres RJF.
Published: October 2008

Fungi are the most frequently observed pathogens of mite populations, helping to control them on different crops. Twenty-five samples of leaves were collected from rubber tree plantations adjacent to two fragments of Cerrado vegetation. Each rubber tree plantation had 25 plants selected for sampling and seven leaves from around each tree top were collected up to seven to eight meters above ground. Approximately 250 individuals of Calacarus heveae Feres, Phyllocoptruta seringueirae Feres, and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker, collected randomly, were mounted from each plantation. Hirsutella thompsoni Fisher was observed on all three mites and T. heveae was the most infected species. The highest infestation levels occurred from November to February (rainy season). In the dry season, infestation levels were below 5%. Hirsutella thompsonii has potential to be used as mycoacaricide during the rainy season.
Effects of a fire on a population of treefrogs (Scinax cf. alter, Lutz) in a restinga habitat in southern Brazil
Authors: Rocha CFD. , Ariani CV. , Menezes VA. , Vrcibradic D.
Published: October 2008

The area of the Dunas da Joaquina, in Santa Catarina island, contains one of the most important remnants of restinga habitat in Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. In December 2003, a fire occurred in a portion of this area, affecting most of the vegetation, including the bromeliad community. In this study, the density of individuals and the diet composition of the bromelicolous treefrog Scinax cf. alter were compared between the area affected by the fire and an adjacent unburned area. One-hundred-and-fifty-eight ground bromeliads (Vriesea friburguensis) were dissected and searched for the presence of treefrogs among their leaves. We found 30 frogs in 29.5% (23/78) of the bromeliads from the unburned site, with a mean of 1.3 frogs per rosette, and 15 frogs in 12.5% (10/80) of the bromeliads from the burned site, with a mean of 1.6 frogs per rosette. Eight (27%) of the frogs from the unburned site and eleven (73%) of those from the burned site had empty stomachs. Frogs from the burned site also contained less prey per stomach than those from the unburned site. The data suggest that the fire has negatively affected the local population of Scinax cf. alter, though it is possible that the population can recover.
Cetacean diversity on the Parnaiba Delta, Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Magalhães FA. , Tosi CH. , Garri RG. , Chellappa S. , Silva FL.
Published: October 2008

The increase in the research of cetacean surveys on the Brazilian coast has brought new data on the distribution of species never reported before. The present work reviews the current knowledge on cetaceans species and extends this knowledge with an analysis of cetaceans stranded in the Parnaiba Delta, on the coast of Maranhão State, Brazil. The studies on cetacean diversity on the coast of the Parnaíba Delta were made from August 2004 to August 2006. Fourteen strandings were reported, representing six distinct species, such as the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni), dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), pigmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and two specimens which have not yet been identified. The significant degree of cetacean diversity in the region shows that the Parnaíba Delta is, possibly, of an important area for cetacean studies in Brasil.
Expression of cell adhesion molecules in the normal and T3 blocked development of the tadpole's kidney of Bufo arenarum (Amphibian, Anuran, Bufonidae)
Authors: Izaguirre MF. , García-Sancho MN. , Miranda LA. , Tomas J. , Casco VH.
Published: October 2008

Cell adhesion molecules act as signal transducers from the extracellular environment to the cytoskeleton and the nucleus and consequently induce changes in the expression pattern of structural proteins. In this study, we showed the effect of thyroid hormone (TH) inhibition and arrest of metamorphosis on the expression of E-cadherin, β-and α-catenin in the developing kidney of Bufo arenarum. Cell adhesion molecules have selective temporal and spatial expression during development suggesting a specific role in nephrogenesis. In order to study mechanisms controlling the expression of adhesion molecules during renal development, we blocked the B. arenarum metamorphosis with a goitrogenic substance that blocks TH synthesis. E-cadherin expression in the proximal tubules is independent of thyroid control. However, the blockage of TH synthesis causes up-regulation of E-cadherin in the collecting ducts, the distal tubules and the glomeruli. The expression of β-and α-catenin in the collecting ducts, the distal tubules, the glomeruli and the mesonephric mesenchyme is independent of TH. TH blockage causes up-regulation of β-and α-catenin in the proximal tubules. In contrast to E-cadherin, the expression of the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 1 (Dsg-1) is absent in the control of the larvae kidney during metamorphosis and is expressed in some interstitial cells in the KClO4 treated larvae. According to this work, the Dsg-1 expression is down-regulated by TH. We demonstrated that the expression of E-cadherin, Dsg-1, β-catenin and α-catenin are differentially affected by TH levels, suggesting a hormone-dependent role of these proteins in the B. arenarum renal metamorphosis.
Ion fluxes and hematological parameters of two teleosts from the Rio Negro, Amazon, exposed to hypoxia
Authors: Baldisserotto B. , Chippari-Gomes AR. , Lopes NP. , Bicudo JEPW. , Paula-Silva MN. , Almeida-Val VMF. , Val AL.
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to describe the effect of hypoxia on whole body ion fluxes and hematological parameters in two Amazonian teleosts: Serrasalmus eigenmanni and Metynnis hypsauchen. The increase of Na+ and Cl- effluxes on M. hypsauchen exposed to hypoxia may be related to an increase of gill ventilation and effective respiratory surface area, to avoid a reduction in the oxygen uptake, and/or with the decrease of pHe, that could inhibit Na+ and Cl- transporters and, therefore, reduce influx of these ions. Effluxes of Na+ and Cl- were lower in hypoxia than in normoxia for S. eigenmanni, possibly because in hypoxia this species would reduce gill ventilation and oxygen uptake, which would lead to a decrease of gill ion efflux and, consequently, reducing ion loss. The increase on hematocrit (Ht) during hypoxia in M. hypsauchen probably was caused by an increase of the red blood cell volume (MCV). For S. eigenmanni the increase on glucose possibly results from the usage of glucose reserve mobilization. Metynnis hypsauchen showed to be more sensitive to hypoxia than Serrasalmus eigenmanni, since the first presented more significant alterations on these osmoregulatory and hematological parameters. Nevertheless, the alterations observed for both species are strategies adopted by fishes to preserve oxygen supply to metabolizing tissues during exposure to hypoxia.
Size and shape variability in the skull of Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from two geographic areas in Brazil
Authors: Bornholdt R. , Oliveira LR. , Fabián ME.
Published: October 2008

We present a quantitative analysis of sexual dimorphism and geographic variation in the skull of Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821) assessed by geometric morphometrics. Differences in size and shape of skulls were investigated using 30 landmarks plotted on two-dimensional images of lateral and ventral views. Results of geometric morphometrics revealed sexual dimorphism in the centroid size of the skull in both views. Females were larger than males. Nevertheless, there was no sexual dimorphism in skull shape of M. nigricans. Geographic variation was detected in size and shape of the skull. South Brazilian specimens were significantly larger than Ceará specimens only in the lateral view. Differences in skull shape were statistically significant in both views: specimens from South Brazil were brevirostri and presented a more expanded skull in the posterior region while Ceará specimens were longirostri and do not present any expansion in the brain case. Ecological factors for these phenomena are discussed in the text.
Feeding and morphological analysis of the digestive tract of four species of fish (Astyanax altiparanae, Parauchenipterus galeatus, Serrasalmus marginatus and Hoplias aff. malabaricus) from the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: Peretti D. , Andrian IF.
Published: October 2008

The present study is inspired by the great wealth of species exhibited by the ichthiofauna. Not only concepts and techniques of ecology deserve attention, but also knowledge in other biological areas, such as zoology and anatomy, are necessary. The intention of the present work is to discover the morphology of fish through the study of the digestive tract morphology, associating it to diet data, in order to better understand the biology of four fish species of the upper Paraná River floodplain. The samples were collected quarterly in the year 2000 with gillnets of different meshes. The stomach content was analyzed under a stereoscopic microscope and the frequencies of occurrence (FO) and volumetric (FV) and the alimentary index (IAi) were calculated. Various morphologic characteristics were analyzed and schematized using a light chamber. The species were grouped into two trophic guilds - insectivores (Astyanax altiparanae and Parauchenipterus galeatus) and piscivores (Serrasalmus marginatus and Hoplias aff. malabaricus). The first two, although consumers of insects, preyed on different alimentary groups, notably Hymenoptera in the case of A. altiparanae and Coleoptera in the case of P. galeatus. Serrasalmus marginatus and H. aff. malabaricus consumed mainly fishes. However, only pieces of prey were usually found in the stomach content of the first species, whereas whole fishes were found in the stomach content of the second. Astyanax altiparanae exhibited characteristics that allowed it to obtain food in several compartments of the water column. Similarly P. galeatus consumed food resources that were available in all aquatic compartments, although the abilities to capture, to manipulate and to absorb food differed, as shown by the importance of teeth plates and pharyngeal teeth. Serrasalmus marginatus and H. aff. malabaricus, although resembling each other in many aspects of the digestive tract morphology, differed in the strategies used to capture prey. The analysis showed that, according to the main food item of the diet, the species were grouped into two trophic guilds. However, those within the same category used different feeding methods, and similarity in items consumed does not imply the same group of morphological characteristics.
Determinantes da satisfação dos clientes com serviços bancários
Authors: Zacharias Maria Luiza Barcellos , Figueiredo Kleber Fossati , Almeida Victor Manoel Cunha de
Published: October 2008

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os resultados de uma pesquisa que procurou investigar o papel de diversos aspectos do serviço na satisfação do cliente de bancos de varejo. Os resultados da pesquisa, realizada com 1.001 clientes de serviços bancários nas cidades do Rio de Janeiro e de São Paulo, mostraram que as práticas de recuperação do serviço adotadas pelos bancos se constituem no fator que mais influencia a satisfação geral do cliente. Outros fatores, como a satisfação com os gerentes, com os produtos e serviços oferecidos e com os caixas eletrônicos, também foram identificados como importantes para os clientes bancários, enquanto a satisfação com o atendimento por telefone e com o atendimento nos caixas não foram considerados significativos.
Análise das metas do consumidor: uma contribuição metodológica
Authors: Escudero Fabiana Thiele , Prado Paulo Henrique Muller
Published: October 2008

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é contribuir teórica e metodologicamente para a pesquisa do comportamento, orientado para metas do consumidor, por meio da proposição e da verificação da aplicabilidade da abordagem de Cadeias Meios-Fim (Means-End Chains ou MEC) para a análise da hierarquia de metas, inserindo no modelo um quarto nível de complexidade (metas "fazer"), bem como um desdobramento da Técnica de Padrão de Associação (Association Pattern Technique ou APT), ampliando sua capacidade de análise para cadeias mais complexas. O estudo foi realizado com consumidores de automóveis utilitários esportivos, e foi proposta uma tipologia, através da utilização do modelo de Classes Latentes, permitindo a classificação dos consumidores em dois grupos: o de "segurança e bem-estar", que prioriza valores relacionados à segurança em diversos aspectos da vida, e o de "individualidade e hedonismo", que busca valores relacionados ao prazer e está aberto a riscos.
The diet of cubomedusae (cnidaria, cubozoa) in southern Brazil
Authors: Nogueira Júnior Miodeli , Haddad Maria Angélica
Published: October 2008

The diet of cubomedusae Tamoya haplonema Müller, 1859 (Carybdeidae) and Chiropsalmus quadrumanus (Müller, 1859) (Chirodropidae) was examined in specimens collected on the Southern Brazilian coast (25º20' - 25º55'S; 48º10' - 48º35'W), between December 1998 and December 2004. This is the first study to analyze this biological aspect in cubomedusae from the South Atlantic. The gastrovascular cavities of most (55%; n = 29) specimens of T. haplonema were empty while the remainder had teleosteans parts such as scales, vertebrae and otoliths. In C. quadrumanus (n = 726), the most important items were the pelagic sergestid shrimp Peisos petrunkevitchi Burkenroad, 1945 and Brachyura larvae, mainly megalops. Small crabs, isopods, fish, fish eggs and nematodes were less common. A dietary shift was clearly observed during C. quadrumanus growth. Smaller individuals consumed a greater variety of prey, mostly Brachyura larvae, and they also had higher frequencies of empty stomachs. As their size increased, megalopas decreased and P. petrunkevitchi became the most important item in their diet.
Evidences of continental groundwater inputs to the shelf zone in Albardão, RS, Brazil
Authors: Attisano Karina Kammer , Niencheski Luis Felipe Hax , Milani Idel Cristiana Bigliardi , Machado Caroline dos Santos , Milani Márcio Raimundo , Zarzur Simoni , Andrade Carlos Francisco Ferreira de
Published: October 2008

The southern coastal region of Brazil is highly productive and many of its oceanographic processes are still poorly understood due to a great number of forces, such as the continental input from the Plata River and Patos Lagoon, several distinct oceanic water masses, and a complex contribution from groundwater. The shelf near Albardão is highly rich in dissolved nutrients, particularly in the coastal zone. The narrow sandy barrier that separates the ocean from Mangueira Lagoon has led us to wonder about the possibility of groundwater, and if it might play a role in the productivity of the surrounding area. In order to test this hypothesis, nutrient data from Mirim and Mangueira Lagoons and from Albardão were collected during a rainy period. The present work shows the need to include groundwater transport from Mangueira Lagoon to the coastal zone as one of the main sources for the productivity in that region. However, for such phenomenon to be quantified and better understood, it becomes necessary to use natural isotopes as tracers of the underground input.
Lobster (Panulirus argus) captures and their relation with environmental variables obtained by orbital sensors for Cuban waters (1997-2005)
Authors: Somoza Regla Duthit , Kampel Milton , Rudorff Frederico de Moraes , Sousa Ronald B. , Cobas Susana
Published: October 2008

Chlorophyll concentrations (Chl a) data obtained from the Sea Viewing Wide Field of View Sensor (SeaWIFS) ocean color monthly images, Sea Surface Temperature (SST) pathfinder data obtained from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensors, and lobster (Panulirus argus) captures at the Cuban shelf were examined in order to analyze their spatial and temporal variability. A cross-correlation analysis was made between the standardized anomalies of the environmental variables (Chl a and SST) and the standardized anomalies of lobster captures for each fishery zones for the period between 1997 and 2005. For the deep waters adjacent to the fishing zones it was not observed a clear Chl a seasonality and on average the lowest values occurred south of the Island. It is with the three years lag that Chl a had the greatest numbers of significant correlation coefficients for almost all fishing zones. However, the cross-correlation coefficients with SST showed higher values with 1,5 year lag at all zones. Since the two environmental variables obtained by satellite sensors (SST and Chl a) influence the lobsters mainly during the planktonic life cycle, the cross-correlation with lobster captures begin to show significant indexes with lags of 1.5 years or more.
Motivating Students to Read in the Content Classroom: Six Evidence‐Based Principles
Authors: Brozo William G. , Flynt E. Sutton
Published: October 2008

Teachers who plan content area instruction with evidence‐based principles of reading engagement in mind will seek ways of making learning interesting and worthwhile; will create learning contexts that maximize participation in reading, writing, and thinking; and will always account for motivation and engagement when considering students' classroom experiences.

إن الأساتذة الذين يخطّطون لتعليم مجال المحتوى وفي ذهنهم المبادئ المبنية على أدلة إشغال القراءة سيبحثون عن طرق لتجعل التعلم مثيراً ومفيداً وسيخلقون سياقات التعلم التي تستغل المشاركة في القراءة والكتابة والتفكير إلى أقصى حد وسيأخذون بعين الاعتبار الدافع والانشغال حين يتأملون تجارب الطلاّب في غرفة الصف.

教师在设计学科教学时，如能考虑到有关投入阅读的循证原则，便会寻找方法使学习成为有趣的和有意义的活动；更会为学生创造一些鼓励充份参与阅读，写作，和思考活动的学习环境；也一定会把学习动机和投入学习这两个因素加进学生课堂学习经验的考虑中。

Les enseignants qui préparent un enseignement sur un thème spécifique en ayant en tête des principes basés sur les recherches relatives à l'investissement dans la lecture vont chercher des façons de rendre l'apprentissage intéressant et valable; vont créer des contextes qui maximisent la participation en lecture, écriture, et la réflexion; et tiendront toujours compte de la motivation et de l'investissement quand ils penseront à ce que vivent les élèves dans la classe.

Учителя, которые следуют принципам увлекательного чтения по той или иной учебной дисциплине, всегда ищут способы сделать процесс обучения содержательным и ценным в глазах учеников, создают такую учебную среду, которая максимально стимулирует учащихся к активному чтению, письму и размышлению, а при планировании уроков всегда учитывают такие важные его аспекты, как мотивация и поддержание интереса учащихся.

Los maestros que planean su instrucción de contenido teniendo en cuenta principios basados en evidencia de la lectura participativa buscarán maneras de hacer la enseñanza interesante y valiosa; crearán contextos de aprendizaje que llevan al máximo la participación en la lectura, la escritura y el acto de pensar; y siempre tendrán en cuenta la motivación y la participación al considerar las experiencias de los estudiantes en el salón de clase.
TEMPERATURE AS A KEY DRIVER OF ECOLOGICAL SORTING AMONG INVASIVE PEST SPECIES IN THE TROPICAL ANDES
Authors: Dangles O. , Carpio C. , Barragan A. R. , Zeddam J.-L. , Silvain J.-F.
Published: September 2008

Invasive species are a major threat to the sustainable provision of ecosystem products and services, both in natural and agricultural ecosystems. To understand the spatial arrangement of species successively introduced into the same ecosystem, we examined the tolerance to temperature and analyzed the field distribution of three potato tuber moths (PTM, Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), that were introduced in Ecuador since the 1980s. We studied physiological responses to constant temperatures of the three PTM species under laboratory conditions and modeled consequences for their overall population dynamics. We then compared our predictions to field abundances of PTM adults collected in 42 sites throughout central Ecuador. Results showed that the three PTM species differed with respect to their physiological response to temperature. Symmetrischema tangolias was more cold tolerant while Tecia solanivora had the highest growth rates at warmer temperatures. Phthorimaea operculella showed the poorest physiological performance across the range of tested temperatures. Overall, field distributions agree with predictions based on physiological experiments and life table analyses. At elevations >3000 m, the most cold‐tolerant species, S. tangolias, was typically dominant and often the only species present. This species may therefore represent a biological sensor of climate change. At low elevations (<2700 m), T. solanivora was generally the most abundant species, probably due to its high fecundity at high temperatures. At mid elevations, the three species co‐occurred, but P. operculella was generally the least abundant species. Consistent with these qualitative results, significant regression analyses found that the best predictors of field abundance were temperature and a species × temperature interaction term. Our results suggest that the climatic diversity in agricultural landscapes can directly affect the community composition following sequential invasions. In the tropical Andes, as in other mountain ecosystems, the wide range of thermal environments found along elevational gradients may be one reason why the risks of invasion by successively introduced pest species could increase in the near future. More data on potential biological risks associated with climatic warming trends in mountain systems are therefore urgently needed, especially in developing nations where such studies are lacking.
DIFFERENTIAL ANTAGONISM OF COCAINE SELF—ADMINISTRATION AND COCAINE—INDUCED DISRUPTIONS OF LEARNING BY HALOPERIDOL IN RHESUS MONKEYS
Authors: Winsauer Peter J. , Moerschbaecher Joseph M. , Roussell Alison M.
Published: October 2008

Six rhesus monkeys responding under a three‐component multiple schedule were administered haloperidol to determine its effects on cocaine self—administration and on cocaine's disruptive effects on the repeated acquisition and performance of response chains. In the absence of haloperidol, 0.0032–0.032 mg/kg/infusion of cocaine increased response rate and the number of infusions in the self‐administration component when compared to saline administration, whereas 0.1–0.32 mg/kg/infusion decreased response rate and the number of infusions. When compared to saline administration, the two lowest infusion doses of cocaine had little or no effect on responding in the acquisition and performance components; however, higher infusion doses of cocaine dose‐dependently decreased response rate in these components. In addition, the higher doses of cocaine also increased the percentage of errors in the acquisition and performance components. Pretreatment with haloperidol (0.0032 or 0.01 mg/kg, i.m.) antagonized the effects of low doses of cocaine on the number of infusions in the self‐administration component, whereas only the 0.01‐mg/kg dose antagonized the effects of high doses of cocaine on the number of infusions. Neither dose of haloperidol antagonized the ratedecreasing effects of cocaine on responding in the acquisition and performance components significantly; the highest dose of haloperidol alone decreased rates of responding in each component. Antagonism of cocaine's error—increasing effects by haloperidol was only evident at one dose of cocaine (0.032 mg/kg/infusion), and was more complete in the performance components than in theacquisition components. Together, these data show the limited suitability of haloperidol for selectively antagonizing cocaine self—administration in the context of a multiple schedule involving transition behavior, and show the lack of uniform antagonism across operant behaviors.
Long‐Term Fertilization Influences on Clay Mineral Composition and Ammonium Adsorption in a Rice Paddy Soil
Authors: Liu Yan-li , Zhang Bin , Li Cheng-liang , Hu Feng , Velde Bruce
Published: October 2008

Increasing NH4+adsorption can be an effective alternative in building an available N pool in soils to optimize crop recovery and minimize losses into the environment. We hypothesized that long‐term fertilization may change NH4+adsorption due to changes in the chemical and mineralogical properties of a rice (Oryza sativaL.) paddy soil. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine clay minerals in two soil clay size fractions using classical x‐ray diffraction methods and a numerical diagram‐decomposition method, (ii) to measure NH4+adsorption isotherms before and after H2O2oxidation of organic matter, and (iii) to investigate whether NH4+adsorption is correlated with changes in soil chemical and mineral properties. The 23‐yr long‐term fertilization treatments caused little change in soil organic C (SOC) but a large variation in soil mineral composition. The whole‐clay fraction (<5 μm) corresponded more to the fertilization treatment than did the fine‐clay fraction (<1 μm) in terms of illite peak area percentage. The total vermiculite–chlorite peak area percentage was significantly correlated with the total illite peak area percentage (R= −0.9,P< 0.0001). Different fertilization treatments gave significantly different results in NH4+adsorption. The SOC oxidation test showed positive effects of SOC on NH4+adsorption at lower NH4+concentration (≤200 mg L−1) and negative effects at higher NH4+concentration (300 mg L−1). The NH4+adsorption by soil clay minerals after SOC oxidization accounted for 60 to 158% of that by unoxidized soils, suggesting a more important role of soil minerals than SOC on NH4+adsorption. The NH4+adsorption potential was significantly correlated to the amount of poorly crystallized illite present (P= 0.012). The availability of adsorbed NH4+for plant growth needs further study.
Nitrogen Immobilization and Mineralization Kinetics of Cattle, Hog, and Turkey Manure Applied to Soil
Authors: Burger Martin , Venterea Rodney T.
Published: October 2008

Nitrogen mineralization and immobilization following manure application are critical processes influencing plant N supply and offsite N losses. We conducted laboratory experiments to examine the influence of these two processes in addition to N oxide gas production on N availability for 180 d following manure addition. A Tara loam (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, frigid Aquic Hapludoll) and a Webster clay loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquoll) amended with liquid dairy (Bos taurus) manure (LD) were incubated at 25 and 10°C, while Tara soil amended with solid dairy manure (SD) and turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) manure (T), and Webster soil amended with liquid hog (Sus scrofa) manure (H), were incubated at 25°C. Maximum net N immobilization was 14 and 40% of the initial NH4+ concentration in H and LD, respectively, and persisted for 35 to 180 d. In LD‐, H‐, and T‐amended soils, net manure N mineralization was not apparent, and there was good agreement between initial NH4+ content and available inorganic N from the manure. These data suggest that, for these manure types, estimates of first‐season available N would be improved by measuring manure NH4+ In contrast, in soil amended with SD, which had the lowest initial NH4+ content, 22% of organic N was mineralized. Gaseous N losses were <1% of the added N in all treatments. The previously developed model NCSOIL was used to predict plant N availability and NO3− leaching potential with various manure incorporation dates. Under climate conditions typical of the Upper Midwest, no clear advantage of late fall compared with spring incorporation of manure with regard to N availability could be shown, but NO3− leaching potential seemed high with early fall incorporation.
The Effects of the pH‐influenced Structure on the Dielectric Properties of Kaolinite–Water Mixtures
Authors: Dong Xiaobo , Wang Yu-Hsing
Published: October 2008

The properties of clay–water mixtures are reflected in their wide‐frequency dielectric responses that result from different polarization mechanisms. This feature is useful in various soil science applications but has not been systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to characterize the broadband dielectric spectrum of kaolinite sediments with different charge properties and structures using a slim‐form open‐ended coaxial probe. The sediment structure in this study was manipulated by changing the pore‐fluid pH. When the pH was below the isoelectrical point of the edge surface, IEPedge, the edge‐to‐face flocculation structure was formed in voluminous sediments with an average porosity of 0.87 (Group A samples). A higher dielectric constant due to bulk water polarization (an average of 65.47) was measured because of the higher water content. As the pH was increased to greater than the IEPedge, a dense sediment with face‐to‐face aggregation was produced in the Group B samples, and a lower dielectric constant (an average of 60.11) was obtained. In bound water polarization, a higher relaxation strength (∼2.7 times higher on average) and a longer relaxation time (∼1.5 times longer on average) were observed in the Group B samples compared with those of the Group A samples. Similar trends can also be found in the results of spatial polarization. These findings can be attributed to more negatively charged surfaces and denser packing. Fluid conductivity dominated the global conductivity of the sediment in the Group A samples so that the β value, i.e., the ratio between the conductivity of the sediment and the fluid, was <1. The β value was >1 in the Group B samples owing to an overcompensation of surface conduction.
Simulated Effects of Nitrogen Management and Soil Microbes on Soil Nitrogen Balance and Crop Production
Authors: Ma Liwang , Malone R. W. , Jaynes D. B. , Thorp K. R. , Ahuja L. R.
Published: October 2008

Searching for environmentally friendly N management practices in the midwestern United States is an ongoing task in the agricultural community. Many practices have shown promise in reducing N in tile drainage that may contribute to hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. In this study, an agricultural system in central Iowa, managed using a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation from 1996 to 2005 was evaluated with the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) for crop yield, grain N, annual N loss in tile drainage flow, and residual soil NO3–N under high (H, 199 kg N ha −1), medium (M, 138 kg N ha−1), and low (L, 69 kg N ha−1) N application rates shortly after planting, and a split (S, 69 kg N ha−1 shortly after planting and again at midseason) N treatment. The model adequately simulated the responses of yield and N loss to N application rates. Simulated N losses to drainage flow from 1996 to 2005 were 348, 277, and 228 kg N ha−1 for the H, M, and L treatments, respectively, compared with corresponding measured values of 369, 265, and 201 kg N ha−1 The S treatment had simulated and measured total N losses in drainage flow of 194 and 172 kg N ha−1, respectively, from 1999 to 2005. The study also demonstrated that RZWQM without soil microbial growth produced very similar simulation results for crop production and soil N and water balances as RZWQM with dynamic soil microbial growth.
Bulk Density Determination by Automated Three‐Dimensional Laser Scanning
Authors: Rossi Ann M. , Hirmas Daniel R. , Graham Robert C. , Sternberg Paul D.
Published: October 2008

This study examined the application of a relatively new automated three‐dimensional scanning technology to bulk density determination of intact soil clods and rock fragments. The method uses an inexpensive commercially available three‐dimensional desktop scanner. Measurements obtained by the scanning method were compared with those of the paraffin‐coated clod method determined on the same clods. Results showed excellent agreement between volume and bulk density measurements obtained by the two methods across a wide range of textural classes. Use of the technology has several important advantages over the traditional clod method. The nondestructive nature of the scanning method makes it possible to use the same intact ped or clod for other purposes, such as thin sections for micromorphological analysis. In addition, high‐resolution digital imaging opens up possibilities for new physical measurements of soil morphological features.
Chemical Sensor Networks for Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Duffin Kevin , Johnstone Walter , McGettrick Andrew , Moodie Dave , Stewart George , Thursby Graham , Culshaw Brian
Published: October 2008

This paper reviews the principles and prospects for optical fibre based measurement techniques for determining gas concentrations. Most of these exploit the precision and versatility of tuneable diode laser spectroscopy in the near infrared. We demonstrate the potential offered by large area multipoint totally passive networks and establish the performance potential which these may offer in hostile environments. These benefits include more than adequate sensitivity for most applications, automatic recalibration of both zero point and scale factor and the ability to precisely determine line shape information and in some cases perform detailed line spectrum analysis to determine concentration, pressure and temperature simultaneously. We also briefly describe the principles and application of photo acoustic spectroscopy and outline the performance improvements which tuneable diode laser systems also offer in this context. These studies have illustrated that, in appropriate niche applications, fibre based gas measurement systems offer substantial long term engineering potential.
The US Trade Deficit, the Decline of the WTO and the Rise of Regionalism
Authors: Agur Itai
Published: September 2008

This paper argues that the growing US trade deficit has caused the decline of the WTO and the rise of regional trade agreements. Growing imbalances make countries more selective about who to cooperate with. This is formally shown in a three-country negotiation game that is based on a goods-market model. Subsequently, the model is parameterized and applied quantitatively. Using historical data, the model correctly predicts the date that US-Canada FTA talks began. Based on current data, moreover, the model paints a bleak picture for multilateralism: US exports to China would have to triple for a new WTO round to stand a chance. But even this may be insufficient: a dynamic extension of the game shows that regionalism can have a lock-in effect. Nonetheless, this does not plead for tougher WTO rules on regionalism. As is argued both qualitatively and quantitatively, these may push countries to less, not more, cooperation.