bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of accuracy of implantation on range of movement of the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Tochigi Y. , Rudert M. J. , Brown T. D. , McIff T. E. , Saltzman C. L.
Published: April 2005

When performing the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR), the positioning of the talar component and the selection of mobile-bearing thickness are critical. A biomechanical experiment was undertaken to establish the effects of these variables on the range of movement (ROM) of the ankle.

Six cadaver ankles containing a specially-modified STAR prosthesis were subjected to ROM determination, under weight-bearing conditions, while monitoring the strain in the peri-ankle ligaments. Each specimen was tested with the talar component positions in neutral, as well as 3 and 6 mm of anterior and posterior displacement. The sequence was repeated with an anatomical bearing thickness, as well as at 2 mm reduced and increased thicknesses. The movement limits were defined as 10% strain in any ligament, bearing lift-off from the talar component or limitations of the hardware.

Both anterior talar component displacement and bearing thickness reduction caused a decrease in plantar flexion, which was associated with bearing lift-off. With increased bearing thickness, posterior displacement of the talar component decreased plantar flexion, whereas anterior displacement decreased dorsiflexion.
Long-term results of the cementless porous-coated anatomic total hip prosthesis
Authors: Kim Y.-H.
Published: April 2005

Between January 1984 and January 1986, 131 porous-coated anatomic total hip replacements were performed in 119 consecutive patients. Of these, 100 patients (110 hips) who were alive at a minimum of 18 years after replacement were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 48.4 years and that of surviving patients at the latest follow-up was 67.8 years. The mean duration of the clinical and radiological follow-up was 19.4 years (18 to 20).

The mean Harris hip score initially improved from 55 points before to 95 points at two years after operation, but subsequently decreased to 91 points after six years, 87 points after 11.2 years, and 85 points after 19.4 years. At the final follow-up, 23 hips (18%) of the entire cohort and 21% of survivors had undergone revision because of loosening or osteolysis of the acetabular component and eight hips (6%) of the entire cohort and 7% of survivors for loosening or osteolysis of the femoral component. Only four femoral components (4%) were revised for isolated aseptic loosening without osteolysis and two (2%) for recurrent dislocation. On the basis of these long-term results, the porous-coated anatomic femoral component survived for a minimum of 18 years after operation while the acetabular component was less durable. The findings identify the principles of uncemented joint replacement which can be applied to current practice.
Emerging from out of the shadows? Service user and carer involvement in systematic reviews
Authors: Braye Suzy , Preston-Shoot Michael
Published: April 2005

English

The systematic review methodology literature refers to the importance of involving stakeholders, including service users and carers, in the research. However, compared with other aspects of the methodology, this aspect of conducting systematic reviews is underdeveloped and the practice of involvement appears highly variable. This article draws on the experience of working with service users and carers in one systematic review to review the barriers to participation and the components of effective involvement. It suggests that quality standards can be identified for service user and carer involvement in systematic reviews, which will benefit policy and practice development.
From Martinson to meta-analysis: research reviews and the US offender treatment debate
Authors: Petrosino Anthony
Published: April 2005

English

Research evidence in the form of syntheses of offender treatment evaluation has played a role in perceptions of offender rehabilitation. This article reviews the history of the offender treatment debate in the United States, but the focus is more on the reviews than the ideological and political climate of the day. There is no question that such reviews were influential within the academic community during the fall of rehabilitation in the 1960s-70s and especially during its revival since the late 1980s. Narrative reviews such as Robert Martinson’s landmark paper summarised evaluations of rehabilitation programmes and concluded that there was little evidence of treatment efficacy. By the 1980s, however, the findings from quantitative reviews or meta-analysis overturned widespread pessimism about intervention and led to the conclusion that treatment, on average, does have positive effects even if modest in size.
Addendum - Recent advances in plasma techniques for biomedical and drug engineering
Authors: Kuzuya Masayuki , Kondo Shin-ichi , Sasai Yasushi
Published: April 2005

Plasma-induced surface radicals formed on a variety of organic polymers have been studied by electron spin resonance (ESR), making it possible to provide a sound basis for future experimental design of polymer surface processing (i.e., plasma treatment). On the basis of the findings from such studies on the nature of radical formation and radical reactivity, several novel bioapplications in the field of biomedical and drug engineering have been developed. Applications derived from the nature of plasma-induced surface radical formation include the preparation of a reservoir-type drug delivery system (DDS) of sustained and delayed release, and a floating drug delivery system (FDDS) possessing gastric retention capabilities, the combined findings leading to preparation of a novel “patient-tailored DDS” administered under consideration of the fact that the environment (pH and transit time, etc.) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract varies with each patient. Applications derived from the reactivity of plasma-induced surface radicals include the preparation of composite powders applicable to a matrix-type DDS by making a mechanical application to the surface radical-containing polymer powders with drug powders, plasma-assisted immobilization of oligo-nucleotides (DNA) onto polymer surfaces applicable to constructing a DNA diagnosis system, and basic study of plasma-assisted preparation of a novel functionalized chemo-embolic agent of non-crosslinked hydrogel, vinyl alcohol-sodium acrylate copolymer (PVA-PAANa).
Chemical speciation of environmentally significant heavy metals with inorganic ligands. Part 1: The Hg2+– Cl–, OH–, CO32–, SO42–, and PO43– aqueous systems (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Powell Kipton J. , Brown Paul L. , Byrne Robert H. , Gajda Tamás , Hefter Glenn , Sjöberg Staffan , Wanner Hans
Published: April 2005

This document presents a critical evaluation of the equilibrium constants and reaction enthalpies for the complex formation reactions between aqueous Hg(II) and the common environmental inorganic ligands Cl–, OH–, CO3
2–, SO4
2–, and PO4
3–. The analysis used data from the IUPAC Stability Constants database, SC-Database, focusing particularly on values for 25 °C and perchlorate media. Specific ion interaction theory (SIT) was applied to reliable data available for the ionic strength range Ic
< 3.0 mol dm–3.

Recommended values of log10
βp,q,r
° and the associated reaction enthalpies, ∆r
H
m°, valid at Im
= 0 mol kg–1 and 25 °C, were obtained by weighted linear regression using the SIT equations. Also reported are the equations and specific ion interaction coefficients required to calculate log10
βp,q,r
° values at higher ionic strengths and other temperatures. A similar analysis is reported for the reactions of H+ with CO3
2– and PO4
3–.

Diagrams are presented to show the calculated distribution of Hg(II) amongst these inorganic ligands in model natural waters. Under typical environmental conditions, Hg(II) speciation is dominated by the formation of HgCl2(aq), Hg(OH)Cl(aq), and Hg(OH)2(aq).
SH2 domain-mediated activation of an SRC family kinase is not required to initiate Ca2+ release at fertilization in mouse eggs
Authors: Mehlmann Lisa M , Jaffe Laurinda A
Published: April 2005

SRC family kinases (SFKs) function in initiating Ca2+release at fertilization in several species in the vertebrate evolutionary line, but whether they play a similar role in mammalian fertilization has been uncertain. We investigated this question by first determining which SFK proteins are expressed in mouse eggs, and then measuring Ca2+release at fertilization in the presence of dominant negative inhibitors. FYN and YES proteins were found in mouse eggs, but other SFKs were not detected; based on this, we injected mouse eggs with a mixture of FYN and YES Src homology 2 (SH2) domains. These SH2 domains were effective inhibitors of Ca2+release at fertilization in starfish eggs, but did not inhibit Ca2+release at fertilization in mouse eggs. Thus the mechanism by which sperm initiate Ca2+release in mouse eggs does not depend on SH2 domain-mediated activation of an SFK. We also tested the small molecule SFK inhibitor SU6656, and found that it became compartmentalized in the egg cytoplasm, thus suggesting caution in the use of this inhibitor. Our findings indicate that although the initiation of Ca2+release at fertilization of mammalian eggs occurs by a pathway that has many similarities to that in evolutionarily earlier animal groups, the requirement for SH2 domain-mediated activation of an SFK is not conserved.
Differential expression of the PEA3 subfamily of ETS transcription factors in the mouse ovary and peri-implantation uterus
Authors: Koo Tae Bon , Song Haengseok , Moon Irene , Han Kyuyong , Chen Chen , Murphy Kenneth , Lim Hyunjung
Published: April 2005

The objective of the present investigation was to examine the spatio-temporal expression of three members of the ETS family of transcription factors, ERM, ER81, and PEA3, in the peri-implantation mouse uterus and in the ovary. These three factors belong to the PEA3 subfamily and are known to mediate diverse functions ranging from neuronal development to tumor progression. As transcription factors, they regulate the expression of a number of genes with various biological functions. Since several genes with known roles in the reproductive processes have been shown to be under the regulation of one of these factors, we sought to investigate the expression of ERM, ER81, and PEA3 in the mouse ovary and uterus. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that ERM, ER81, and PEA3 were all expressed in the peri-implantation mouse uterus, with higher levels of expression on days 4 and 5 of pregnancy. To determine the cell type-specific expression of these factors, we employedin situhybridization, the results of which revealed that ERM was expressed in both the epithelium and the stroma on days 4 and 5 of pregnancy. Uterine glands showed a high expression of ERM on those days. ERM was also highly expressed in the corpora lutea of the mouse ovary. Both ER81 and PEA3 were expressed at low levels in the stroma on days 4 and 5. On day 8, while ERM and PEA3 were mainly expressed in the embryo and were at low levels in the maternal decidua in a diffused pattern, ER81 was highly expressed in the vascular bed of the mesometrial deciduum. Both ER81 and PEA3 were undetectable in the mouse ovary. Collectively, these data show that ERM is implicated in the early event of implantation as well as in ovarian functions, while ER81 is involved in the establishment of the maternal vasculature for subsequent placental development. PEA3 is apparently an embryonic factor for early embryogenesis.
Differential reprogramming of somatic cell nuclei after transfer into mouse cleavage stage blastomeres
Authors: Eckardt Sigrid , Leu N Adrian , Kurosaka Satoshi , McLaughlin K John
Published: April 2005

Mammalian somatic cell cloning requires factors specific to the oocyte for reprogramming to succeed. This does not exclude that reprogramming continues during the zygote and cleavage stages. The capacity or role of zygotic and cleavage stages to reprogram somatic cell nuclei is difficult to assess due to the limited development of somatic cell nuclei transplanted into cytoplasts of these stages. Alternatively, tetraploid embryos have been used to study reprogramming and can be assessed for their contribution to extra-embryonic lineages. When mouse cumulus cell nuclei transgenic for Oct4-green fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected into intact two- and four-cell stage blastomeres, manipulated embryos developed into blastocysts with expression of Oct4-GFP as observed in embryos produced by nuclear transfer into metaphase II oocytes. However, only the latter contributed to extra-embryonic tissues in day 10.5 conceptuses, with the exclusion of the somatic genome in cells originating from transfer into blastomeres already at 5.5 days post conception. Somatic nuclei transferred into cleavage stage blastomeres reinitiated expression of an embyronic-specific transgene, but lacked the extent of reprogramming required for contribution to postimplantation development, even when complemented by an embryonic genome.
Frugivoria e dispersão de sementes pelo lagarto teiú Tupinambis merianae (Reptilia: Teiidae)
Authors: Castro Everaldo Rodrigo de , Galetti Mauro
Published: April 2005

Os lagartos teiús possuem uma dieta generalista, podendo agir como importantes dispersores de sementes em florestas semidecíduas do sudeste do Brasil. Foram estudadas a frugivoria e a dispersão de sementes de lagartos teiús usando animais em cativeiro, através da oferta de frutos de uma floresta semidecídua. Frutos de trinta espécies vegetais foram oferecidos aos lagartos em cativeiro, com diâmetro variando de 0,81 a 10,0 cm. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas na germinação entre as sementes que passaram pelo trato digestivo do lagarto e as controle de Eugenia uniflora (chi²= 0.69, P>0.50), Genipa americana (chi²= 6.4, P>0.975), Cereus peruvianus (chi²= 0.018, P>0.10), e Solanum viarum (chi²= 6.23, P>0.975). O tempo de retenção da semente no tubo digestivo do teiú variou de 22 a 23 h para Solanum lycocarpum e 43 a 44 h para Syagrus romanzoffiana. Nossos resultados indicam que o lagarto teiú tem potencial para agir como um importante dispersor de sementes nos trópicos.
A identidade do Timbó-verdadeiro: Deguelia utilis (A.C.Sm.) A.M.G.Azevedo (Leguminosae -- Papilionoideae)
Authors: TOZZI ANA M. G. DE AZEVEDO
Published: April 2005

A descrição original de Lonchocarpus utilis A.C.Sm. é ampliada pela inclusão de informações sobre a inflorescência e flor, uma vez que a espécie foi estabelecida com base em material estéril. Considerando que aspectos reprodutivos são descritos aqui, a espécie é transferida para o gênero Deguelia e é designado um epitipo. Também é proposta a sinonimização de Lonchocarpus nicou var. languidus F.J.Herm.
Nichos tróficos em dípteros caliptrados, no Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Authors: d'ALMEIDA J. M. , ALMEIDA J. R.
Published: April 2005

Foram calculadas a extensão e sobreposição de nichos tróficos de dípteros caliptrados, criados em variados ambientes do Rio de Janeiro (área rural, urbana e florestal), utilizando-se diferentes substratos de criação (banana amassada, carcaça de camundongo, peixe (sardinha), fígado bovino, camarão e fezes humanas frescas. Foram criadas 14.294 moscas, pertencentes às famílias Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae e Sarcophagidae. As maiores sobreposições de nichos tróficos, entre as espécies, foram assim constatadas: área rural: Phaenicia cuprina versus Chrysomya megacephala; área urbana: Phaenicia eximia versus Sarcodexia innota e P. eximia versus Synthesiomyia nudiseta; área florestal: P. eximia versus Hemilucilia flavifacies. Na área rural, o nicho mais extenso foi o de Peckia chrysostoma; na área urbana, o de S. nudiseta e Musca domestica. Euboettcheria collusor e P. eximia, na floresta, foram as espécies com nichos tróficos mais amplos.
Estudo experimental sobre anéis diários em escamas nas fases iniciais do desenvolvimento do curimba, Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae)
Authors: DOMINGUES W. M. , HAYASHI C.
Published: April 2005

Neste trabalho, estuda-se experimentalmente o crescimento nas primeiras fases de vida do curimba, Prochilodus lineatus (VALENCIENNES, 1836), pela análise das escamas e tamanho dos peixes. Acompanha-se o surgimento das primeiras escamas e a formação dos anéis "diários", relacionando-os com o tamanho e a idade dos indivíduos. Os resultados mostram que as escamas foram observadas a partir do vigésimo dia em indivíduos que apresentaram tamanhos superiores a 11,2 mm. Isto permitiu a elaboração de uma equação, relacionando o número de escleritos das escamas, a idade dos indivíduos criados em condições experimentais e o dia do ano em que o exemplar (selvagem) foi capturado, resultando no seu dia aproximado de nascimento/eclosão. Outro resultado foi a identificação de duas fases de desenvolvimento, com taxas distintas de crescimento, sendo a primeira compreendida entre o 1º até o 18º dia e a segunda do 19º até o 70º dia.
Crescimento de órgãos do aparelho reprodutor durante o desenvolvimento de Biomphalaria tenagophila (Orbigny) (Mollusca, Planorbidae)
Authors: MONTEIRO W. , KAWANO T.
Published: April 2005

Biomphalaria tenagophila é um hermafrodita simultâneo cujo investimento na função masculina foi avaliado pelo crescimento de seus órgãos sexuais em relação ao diâmetro da concha. Foram criadas novas técnicas para medir órgãos reprodutivos, sem aparentes distorções, e contar folículos do ovoteste. Durante o crescimento de espécimes sexualmente maduros de B. tenagophila, cresceu o número de folículos do ovoteste, mas seus números máximos e mínimos são menores do que os citados na literatura. O número de divertículos da próstata e de folículos do ovoteste de B. glabrata é maior do que o de B. tenagophila. Embora o comprimento do ovoteste, da próstata, da bainha do pênis e da glândula mucípara-ootecal variassem durante o crescimento do caramujo, não variou significativamente o número de divertículos da próstata.
Influence of linear habitats in mammal activity: test of the travel lanes hypothesis
Authors: COELHO L. H. L.
Published: April 2005

Mammal activity was monitored by a track-analysis method, in a 180 ha forest fragment. Three 1 km transects, each one with six tracking stations were established: one along a road side and one along a stream bank ("travel lanes") and one in the forest interior. Transects were monitored for six weeks through the months of September, October and beginning of November 1996. The activity of six morph-species of mammals was accessed, providing 251 records. Results of linear and non-linear habitats were compared, to test the "travel lanes" hypothesis, which predicts higher mammal activity in linear habitats. No statistical evidence supporting the hypothesis was found. The roadside transect showed the lowest mammal activity, whereas the stream side transect showed the highest activity, but most of the records obtained were due to only one species; records of other species were scarce. I conclude that the "travel lane concept" should not be applied to all kind of environments, and the generality of the hypothesis should be accepted with care.
The toxicity of jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] canatoxin to plant pathogenic fungi
Authors: OLIVEIRA A. E. A. , GOMES V. M. , SALES M. P. , FERNANDES K. V. S. , CARLINI C. R. , XAVIER-FILHO J.
Published: April 2005

Protein fractions obtained from seeds of the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) as well as the amino acid canavanine, present in these seeds, were tested for their capacity to inhibit the growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Macrophomina phaseolina, Colletotrichum gloesporioides, Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum. We found that most of the proteins examined and also canavanine did not have any effect on the growth of these fungi. On the other hand the toxic protein canatoxin was found to be effective, at a concentration of 2%, in the inhibition of the growth of M. phaseolina, C. gloesporioides and S. rolfsii.
Reproductive aspects of the gulf pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli (Teleostei: Syngnathidae), from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: GASPARINI J. L. , TEIXEIRA R. L.
Published: April 2005

This study attempts to assess the relationship between fecundity and fertility of males and females of the gulf pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli. Specimens of this pipefish were collected in detached algae in the inner surf-zone of a dissipative sandy beach in southeastern Brazil. 97 specimens were collected, and they were associates to detached algae. From these, 14 were males, 36 females and 47 immature. Male-female sex ratio was 0.4:1, which was significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio. Fish ranged from 43 to 98 mm TL (Fig. 1), and males and females showed similar size. Only 7 males were pregnants, while 9 females had hydrated oocytes. Minimum number of eggs/embryos in the pouch was 30 and the maximum 92. Minimum number of hydrated oocytes was 36, and the maximum was 165. The number of egg/embryos, and hydrated oocytes were weakly related to total length. It seems that the gulf pipefish occupy the inner surf-zone of the Praia do Iate are brought to the shallows accidentally when the specimens were inhabiting drifting vegetation.
Differences in the number of antennal sensory structures of males of three honey bee types
Authors: STORT A. C. , MORAES-ALVES M. M. B.
Published: April 2005

The number of sensilla campaniformia and sensilla coeloconica + sensilla ampullacea of flagellomeres 2 to 11 of the antennae of three types of males (Italian, African and Africanized) was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Comparison of the three male types showed that Italian males did not differ from African males in number of sensilla coeloconica + sensilla ampullacea and that both differed from Africanized males in terms of flagellomere 11. With respect to flagellomeres 3 and 10, Italian males were similar to Africanized males and both differed from African males. No differences between the three male types were detected in the other flagellomeres. In relation to the number of sensilla campaniformia Italian males differed of the African and Africanized males with respect to flagellomere 11.
Short-term changes and longitudinal distribution of carbon metabolism in the Piauí River estuary (Sergipe, Brazil)
Authors: SOUZA M. F. L. de , COUTO E. C. G.
Published: April 2005

Net pelagic metabolism (NPM) and net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) were assessed by sigmaCO2 changes in three sampling stations along Piauí River estuary. At the upper estuary station, sampling was carried out over 48 h. Samples exhibited high DIN:DIP ratios. Chlorophyll-a ranged from 0.2 to 2.5 mug.l-1, being higher at the upper estuarine station than marine ones. Net pelagic metabolic rates ranged from -13.2 to 61.2 mgC.m7-2.d-1. Presence of mucilaginous algal material can explain the net mineralization. In the photic period, NPM ranged from-0.05 to 3.04 mgC.m-2h-1. NEM ranged from -7.77 to 6.65 mgC.m-2.d-1. Bottom ressuspension due to microphytobenthic flotation and a high turbidity plume inside de estuary reflected in negative metabolic rates (mineralization). Benthic metabolism was inferred by net system minus pelagic metabolism. Microphytobenthic community seems to be the main responsible for system metabolism, specially in the upper estuary, although the anthropogenic inputs exert strong long term influence.
Ação da insulina na morfogênese de embriões de Gallus gallus domesticus
Authors: DIAS P. F. , MÜLLER Y. M. R.
Published: April 2005

Aspectos concernentes à morfogênese de Gallus gallus domesticus viabilizam estudos relacionados à ação da insulina sobre estruturas e topografia embrionárias. Na temperatura de 37,5ºC, ovos foram incubados por 24 h, injetados com 5 ml de insulina de suínos em 3 concentrações e reincubados por mais 72 h. As características morfológicas de 80 embriões foram avaliadas e, de acordo com a organização apresentada, classificados em 5 níveis de morfogênese. Em 21 embriões submetidos aos testes com a insulina registrou-se dismorfismo generalizado (4º nível), enquanto nos de experimento de controle foi verificado morfogênese-padrão (1º nível) e dismorfismo localizado (3º nível). Aqueles espécimes mostraram corpo com dimensões reduzidas, caracterizado por limites ântero-dorsal organizados em uma projeção cefálica e regiões posterior-ventral alteradas, evidenciando um padrão de anormalidades na determinação do eixo ântero-posterior, que indica a ação específica da insulina na morfogênese embrionária no período de 96 horas de incubação.
Actual and potential heterotrophicneutrogen fixation and detrification rates of oryza glumaepatula Steud in an amazonian lake
Authors: ENRICH-PRAST A. , ESTEVES F. A. , BIESBOER D. D.
Published: April 2005

Estimates of the rates of heterotrophic nitrogen fixation (HNF) and denitrification by acetylene reduction and acetylene inhibition, respectively, were determined for the roots and culms of wild rice, Oryza glumaepatula, in Lake Batata, a lake severely impacted by the dumping of bauxite tailings into the lake basin. Two stations were established in different parts of the lake: one in a natural area and other in an impacted area of the lake. Plant assays were performed during the principle hydroperiods of dry (December) and flood (July) to determine both: a) Actual rates of HNF and denitrification, and b) potential rates of HNF after amending with glucose potential rates of denitrification after amending with glucose, glucose + nitrate, or nitrate alone. HNF was found to naturally exceed denitrification in this system. HNF and denitrification were consistently found to be greater for roots than culms but no correlation was found between rates of HNF or denitrification and water depth. It was determined that for HNF and denitrification that glucose and nitrate were the limiting factors in controlling those processes in roots and culms of O. glumaepatula . HNF and denitrification of O. glumaepatula does not appear to show differences between impacted and non-impacted areas.
Distribution and abundance of Chironomidae (Diptera, Insecta) in an impacted watershed in South-east Brazil
Authors: MARQUES M. M. G. S. M. , BARBOSA F. A. R. , CALLISTO M.
Published: April 2005

Patterns of abundance and distribution of chironomid midges (Diptera, Chironomidae) in the middle Rio Doce basin were analysed. Human activities (mining, steel processing, and Eucalyptus spp. forestry) contribute to environmental degradation and low water quality in this watershed. Physical and chemical water traits (dissolved oxygen, pH, total alkalinity, electric conductivity, phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations) of 20 sampling points were used in a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to establish the best and worst water quality. Sampling points recorded as the most polluted showed low genus richness of Chironomidae, less than five genera from the total 23, and dominance of the genus Chironomus, a bioindicator of environmental stress. Following Chironomus, the second most frequent and abundant genus was Cricotopus, whose distribution could not be related to pollution levels. The Tanypodinae sub-family showed certain sensitivity to low dissolved oxygen concentrations and high nutrients levels, and was not found at points of high pollution levels.
Variações estruturais e florísticas do carrasco no planalto da Ibiapaba, estado do Ceará
Authors: ARAÚJO F. S. de , MARTINS F. R. , SHEPHERD G. J.
Published: April 2005

Carrasco é uma vegetação xerófila arbustiva densa alta, ainda pouco conhecida, que ocorre no domínio semi-árido do nordeste do Brasil, sobre Areias Quartzosas distróficas profundas, entre 700 e 900 m de altitude, no planalto da Ibiapaba e chapada do Araripe. Este trabalho tem por objetivo conhecer a estrutura e a composição da comunidade lenhosa e possíveis relações dessas variações espaciais com variáveis pedológicas. Em Jaburuna (3°54'34"S, 40°59'24"W, cerca de 830 m de altitude), município de Ubajara, no norte do planalto da Ibiapaba, foram alocadas 100 parcelas de 10 x 10 m, por sorteio de pares de números em um sistema de coordenadas. Foram medidos o perímetro do caule no nível do solo e a altura vertical do sistema aéreo de todos os indivíduos lenhosos com diâmetro mínimo de 3 cm, exceto as alturas das trepadeiras. No centro de cada parcela foi retirada uma alíquota de solo entre 0 e 50 cm de profundidade. Levantamentos publicados do carrasco no sul da Ibiapaba foram usados para comparação. Ocorreu forte concentração de dominância e as espécies Acacia langsdorffii, Piptadenia moniliformis e Thiloa glaucocarpa alternaram-se em abundância nos diferentes levantamentos. Em Jaburuna, 81% das plantas amostradas foram representadas por arbustos, 14% por árvores (a maioria com diâmetro do caule < 10 cm e altura < 6 m) e 5% por trepadeiras. Foram calculados a distância Camberra e o índice de Jaccard a partir de uma matriz primária contendo 87 espécies (com 5 ou mais indivíduos) e 175 parcelas (incluindo dados publicados para o sul da Ibiapaba). As análises de agrupamentos mostraram que o carrasco apresenta grande variação florística no espaço. Foi construída uma matriz com as variáveis físicas e químicas do solo por parcela e feita a análise da correspondência canônica entre a matriz primária e a matriz de solo. Ocorreu associação de espécies com as variáveis edáficas tais como: menor pH e maior soma de bases (por exemplo, Brunfelsia cuneifolia, Neojeobertia candoleana), maior teor de areia grossa (por exemplo, Acacia glomerosa, Aspidosperma subincanum) e maior teor de areia fina (por exemplo, Aspidosperma discolor, Hymenaea velutina). A riqueza florística foi de 74 espécies em Jaburuna e não houve diferença significativa da diversidade de Shannon entre os levantamentos, variando de 2,87 a 3,16 nats/indivíduo.
Pollinators of Oxypetalum (Asclepiadaceae) in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: VIEIRA M. F. , SHEPHERD G. J.
Published: April 2005

Floral visitors of seven species of Oxypetalum were registered in Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais. O. appendiculatum, O. banksii subsp. banksii, O. alpinum var. alpinum and O. pachyglossum are pollinated by wasps, being Polybia ignobilis (Vespidae) a pollinator of these four species. It seems that P. ignobilis promotes interspecific pollinations mainly between O. alpinum var. alpinum and O. pachyglossum, two species with very similar floral morphology. O. jacobinae, O. mexiae and O. subriparium are pollinated by bees. Wasps and bees carry one, two, three or several pollinaria in the mouthparts. O. mexiae, an endemic species in Viçosa, seems to present reproductive limitations, since its flowers are seldom visited.
Antennal malformations in light ocelli drones of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: CHAUD-NETTO J.
Published: April 2005

Malformed antennae of Apis mellifera light ocelli drones were drawn, dissected and mounted permanently on slides containing Canada balsam, in order to count the olfactory discs present in each segment, in comparison with the number of those structures in normal antennae of their brothers. Some drones presented morphological abnormalities in a single segment of the right or left antenna, but others had two or more malformed segments in a same antenna. Drones with malformations in both antennae were also observed. The 4th and 5th flagellum segments were the most frequently affected. In a low number of cases the frequency of olfactory discs in malformed segments did not differ from that one recorded for normal segments. However, in most cases studied, the antennal malformations brought about a significant reduction in the number of olfactory discs from malformed segments.
Variação da biomassa aérea de Allagoptera arenaria (Gomes) O. Kuntze (Arecaceae) em uma comunidade arbustiva de Palmae na restinga de Marambaia, RJ
Authors: MENEZES L. F. T. de , ARAUJO D. S. D. de
Published: April 2005

A variação da biomassa aérea de Allagoptera arenaria (Gomes) O. Kuntze (Arecaceae), ao longo de 5 perfis topográficos perpendiculares ao mar, foi analisada em uma comunidade arbustiva de Palmae, na restinga de Marambaia, RJ. Foi encontrada uma relação positiva e altamente significativa da biomassa aérea dessa espécie (F = 39,57; R² = 0,69; P < 0,01) e da cobertura de detritos (F = 525,92; R² = 0,92; P < 0,01) com o distanciamento do mar. O desenvolvimento de A. arenaria está intimamente relacionado com a variação topográfica da área de estudo. Densas populações de A. arenaria enriquecem o solo através do aumento de matéria orgânica sob sua cobertura proveniente de suas folhas senescentes e, conseqüentemente, potencializa o acúmulo de nutrientes caracterizando um microclima que pode colaborar no estabelecimento de outras espécies.
Biology of Corecoris dentiventris Berg, 1884 (Hemiptera, Coreidae) in tobacco culture (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: CALDAS B.-H. C. , REDAELLI L. R. , DIEFENBACH L. M. G.
Published: April 2005

Corecoris dentiventris Berg, 1884 (HEM., Coreidae) represents a pest in the tobacco culture in Southern Brazil. Nymphs and adults cause the wilting and twisting of the tobacco leaves due to their sucking habit. There are very few works about this species and these are restricted to concise description of the adult morphology, records of host plants and enumeration of injuries. The present investigation aims to study the life cycle of this bug. The experiment was carried out in a tobacco culture (Virginia type, var. K 326) implanted in the experimental area of the Departamento de Fitossanidade of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, in Porto Alegre, RS. The life cycle was studied in field conditions, in nylon cages, from egg clusters oviposited by females of the colonizing generation. The prefered oviposition site was the main vein in the abaxial side of the leaf. The average incubation period was 13.7 ± 0.04 days and the egg viability, 99.63%. The average periods of the different instars of the bug, in days, were: 5.4 ± 0.08, 9.7 ± 0.19, 4.5 ± 0.08, 5.3 ± 0.08, 9.0 ± 0.13 respectively for the first, second, third, fourth and fifth instars. The first instar presented the highest mortality (13.86%). The accumulated mortality of the nymphal phase was 35.29%. The sex ratio was 0.97 males : 1 female.
Spatial heterogeneity of the Tucuruí Reservoir (State of Pará, Amazonia, Brazil) and the distribution of zooplanktonic species
Authors: ESPÍNDOLA E. L. G. , MATSUMURA-TUNDISI T. , RIETZLER A. C. , TUNDISI J. G.
Published: April 2005

With the purpose of analyzing the horizontal distribution of the zooplankton community of the Tucuruí Reservoir in the State of Pará, Brazil, collections were made at 16 stations during August 1988. The stations cover the regions called Caraipé (C), Araçagi (B) and Ararão (A), and represent the different compartments of this ecosystem in regard to the morphometry and the presence or absence of "flooded forest". Our findings showed the existence of three compartments with different limnological characteristics determined as a function of the system's morphometry, a factor that may have influenced the horizontal circulation of the reservoir's water and, consequently, led to physical, chemical and biological differences at each of the sampled stations. All the stations presented physical and chemical stratification and layers of total anoxia or reduced concentrations of oxygen dissolved at depths corresponding to the limit of the euphotic zone. With regard to the zooplankton, a differentiated distribution that was mainly quantitative was found among the compartments (density of organisms and proportion among the species) in the case of Cladocera and Copepoda, and basically qualitative in the case of Rotifera. On the other hand, the greatest densities of organisms for all the groups were recorded at the Caraipé stations. As for the spatial distribution, some species were more restricted or more abundant at given stations. Among the Cladocera, there was a greater abundance of Moina minuta, Bosmina hagmani and Bosminopsis deitersi at the Araçagi stations, while C. cornuta intermedia, C. cornuta rigaudi and C. cornuta cornuta were more plentiful in the Caraipé and Diaphanosoma birgei in the Ararão. Among the Rotifera, Trochosphaera aequatoriales and Lecane proiecta, Ascomorpha ecaudis, besides Polyartha cf vulgaris were restricted, respectively, to the Caraipé, Araçagi and Ararão stations, while the others, such as Keratella americana and Collotheca sp., were more broadly distributed. As regards Copepoda Calanoida, the dominating species was found to be Notodiaptomus maracaibenses, followed by Notodiaptomus henseni and Argyrodiaptomus azevedoi. The most abundant Cyclopoda species was Thermocyclops minutus, although Thermocyclops decipiens, Mesocyclops longisetus, Mesocyclops meridianus e Metacyclops sp. were also found.
Effect of the infestation by Lernaea cyprinacea Linnaeus, 1758 (Copepoda, Lernaeidae) on the leucocytes of Schizodon intermedius Garavello & Britski, 1990 (Osteichthyes, Anostomidae)
Authors: SILVA-SOUZA A. T. , ALMEIDA S. C. , MACHADO P. M.
Published: April 2005

Differential white blood cell counts from Schizodon intermedius infested by Lernaea cyprinacea were carried out and compared using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test. The observations were performed in fish infested by 16-77 adult Lernaea, fish with parasitic lesions but without attached crustaceans, and non parasitized fish (control group). The specimens of Schizodon intermedius were obtained from the University of Londrina fish farming facilities. The following leucocytes were observed: lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and immature leucocytes. Intense lymphocytopenia and neutrophilia were observed in the infested hosts. Consistent increasing of monocyte percentage values occurred in the infested fish. The highest values for immature leucocytes counts were recorded from infested fish specimens.
Ventilatory flow relative to intrabuccal and intraopercular volumes in the serrasalmid fish Piaractus mesopotamicus during normoxia and exposed to graded hypoxia
Authors: KALININ A. L. , SEVERI W. , GUERRA C. D. R. , COSTA M. J. , RANTIN F. T.
Published: April 2005

Ventilation volume ( – mlH2O.min–1 ), respiratory frequency (fR – breaths.min–1) and tidal volume (V T – mlH2O.breath–1 ) were measured in a group of Piaractus mesopotamicus (650.4 ± 204.7 g; n = 10) during normoxia and in response to graded hypoxia. The fR was maintained constant, around 100 breaths.min–1, from normoxia until the O2 tension of the inspired water (PiO2) of 53 mmHg, below which it increased progressively, reaching maximum values (157.6 ± 6.3 breaths.min–1) at 10 mmHg. The V T rose from 1.8 ± 0.1 to 6.0 ± 0.5 and 5.7 ± 0.4 mlH2O. breath–1 in the PiO2 of 16 and 10 mmHg, respectively. The  increased from 169.3 11.0 (normoxia) to 940.1 ± 85.6 mlH2O. min–1 at the PiO2 of 16 mmHg, below which it also tended to decrease. A second group of fish (29 to 1510.0 g, n = 34) was used for the evaluation of allometric relationships concerning ventilation and dimensions of the buccal and opercular cavities. At maximum , the V T corresponded to 93.2 ± 2.4% of the buccal volume and 94.9 2.3% of the opercular volume, suggesting that the  of P. mesopotamicus is limited by the volumes of buccal and opercular cavities in severe hypoxia.
The reproductive strategy of Leporinus friderici (Characiformes, Anostomidae) in the Paraná River basin: the effect of reservoirs
Authors: LOPES C. de A. , BENEDITO-CECILIO E. , AGOSTINHO A. A.
Published: April 2005

The reproductive strategy of a species depends upon the interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Examining the population of Leporinus friderici in two reservoirs of the Upper Paraná River basin in reference to first gonadal maturation and breeding season and sites, the present investigation tested whether the environment formed by damming promoted spatial and temporal changes in the reproductive strategy of this species. Analyses of sex ratios showed that females significantly predominated in Itaipu, while in Corumbá the sexes were about equal with a slight predominance of males. Size-associated sexual dimorphism was observed, that is females dominated the longer length categories, and males the shorter. The minimum size at which L. friderici initiated reproduction varied from year to year, and was larger in the periods soon after formation of both reservoirs. In Itaipu, stabilization between the maximum and minimum lengths at first maturation was also noted after year 6 following closure and continuing until year 15. In general, the breeding season lasted from October through April, although cyclic changes in the duration and intensity of this season were evident. Young individuals predominated during the entire study period in Corumbá. The formation of Itaipu Reservoir had a greater effect on the reproduction of L. friderici, where a gradual adaptation of the reproductive strategy of this species may possibly have been occurring. It is also possible that some of the characteristics of the Itaipu population will in the future be shown by the Corumbá population. It was concluded that reproductive strategies constitute ecological adaptations that are temporally and spatially altered and are fitted to resource availability and environmental pressure.
Ventilatory structures in Cryphocricos barozzii Signoret (Heteroptera, Naucoroidea)
Authors: LOPEZ-RUF M. L. , PELLERANO G. N. , BACHMANN A. O.
Published: April 2005

Plastron and spiracular features strongly resemble those of Aphelocheirus aestivalis (Fab.), described by Messner et al. (1981). Plastronal foliose hairs, somewhat irregular shaped are regularly distributed in the plastron. Very numerous tiny openigs on sternites an tergites connect platronal air with a subcuticular air film limited internally apparently by a membrane. Aplicated, radial, structure at the proximal end of the tracheae, almost occluding the extremely fine spiracular openings, appear with lesser variations in both species, suggesting close relationships than accepted until now.
Ontogenetic events in androgenesis of Brazilian barley genotypes
Authors: SILVA A. L. S. da , MORAES-FERNANDES M. I. , FERREIRA A. G.
Published: April 2005

This paper describes a simple procedure for obtention of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) doubled haploid plants from Brazilian hybrid genotypes. Anatomical and histological examinations showed the reversion of barley pollen to an sporophytic mode of development. A sequence of mitosis led to the formation of multicellular pollen grains. Regeneration of plants occurred either by direct embryogenesis or callus formation followed by differentiation through direct embryogenesis or organogenesis. Plants were formed in the same medium used for induction dispensing an additional regeneration step. This procedure makes doubled haploid production simpler and faster. Plantlets were transferred to another medium for rooting and after that planted in pots with vermiculite and nutrient solution.
The importance of glucose for the freezing tolerance/intolerance of the anuran amphibians Rana catesbeiana and Bufo paracnemis
Authors: STEINER A. A. , PETENUSCI S. O. , BRENTEGANI L. G. , BRANCO L. G. S.
Published: April 2005

Several species of terrestrially hibernating frogs, turtles and insects have developed mechanisms, such as increased plasma glucose, anti-freeze proteins and antioxidant enzymes that resist to freezing, for survival at subzero temperatures. In the present study, we assessed the importance of glucose to cryoresistance of two anuran amphibians: the frog Rana catesbeiana and the toad Bufo paracnemis. Both animals were exposed to -2ºC for measurements of plasma glucose levels, liver and muscle glycogen content, haematocrit and red blood cell volume. Frogs survived cold exposure but toads did not. Blood glucose concentration increased from 40.35 ± 7.25 to 131.87 ± 20.72 mg/dl (P < 0.01) when the frogs were transferred from 20 to -2ºC. Glucose accumulation in response to cold exposition in the frogs was accompanied by a decrease (P < 0.05) in liver glycogen content from 3.94 ± 0.42 to 1.33 ± 0.36 mg/100 mg tissue, indicating that liver carbohydrate reserves were probably the primary carbon source of glucose synthesis whereas muscle carbohydrate seems unimportant. In the toads, the cold-induced hyperglycaemia was less (P < 0.05) pronounced (from 27.25 ± 1.14 to 73.72 ± 13.50 mg/dl) and no significant change could be measured in liver or muscle glycogen. Cold exposition had no effect on the haematocrit of the frogs but significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the haematocrit of toads from 20.0 ± 2.1% to 5.8 ± 1.7% due to a decreased red blood cell volume (from 1532 ± 63 to 728 ± 87 mm³). When toads were injected with glucose, blood glucose increased to levels similar to those of frogs and haematocrit did not change, but this failed to make them cryoresistent. In conclusion, the lack of cold-induced glucose catabolism may not be the only mechanism responsible for the freeze intolerance of Bufo paracnemis, a freeze-intolerant species.
Improvement of silver impregnation technique (Protargol) to obtain morphological features of protists ciliates, flagellates and opalinates
Authors: SILVA-NETO I. D. da
Published: April 2005

The research on ciliates, flagelates and opalinates have been widespread by the utilization of techniques employing silver impregnation (Protargol), modified by several authors. However, these are time consuming and its results are variable. The present work is a variant of the technique described by Tuffrau (1964, 1967) showing some adaptations made in our laboratory. The organisms can be preserved by different fixatives (alcoholic Bouin, Stieve's fluid, 2.5% glutaraldehyde and others) and then rinsed in destilled water followed by a fast clarification by 3% sodium hypochloride. If the organism is very sensitive to hypochloride, 4% sodium lauryl sulfate may be used and then washed 3 times in distilled water. The protista can be adhered to the glass slides with Mayer's glycerinated-albumin (1 glycerin vol. to 1 or 2 albumin vol.), diluted in water at a proportion of 1:10 Cv/v., or with 1% polylysine followed by fast washes with distilled water. After the slide preparation, they were covered with a layer of 0,8% Silver proteinate. Right after that, the slide has to be placed in a glass tray lined with moist tissue and covered to prevent the proteinate to dry. The tray was placed in a incubator at 40º-50ºC for 30 minutes. The slides are rinsed for 1 minute. with warm (35ºC) distilled water. The development of the material should be done with 0.4% hydroquinone with a maximum incubation time of 1 minute. It should be developed gradually, controlling the silver impregnation intensity by observation under optical microscope. Next, rinse in distilled water for 1 minute, and then, fix in 2,5% Sodium thiosulfate. Rinse the slide for two minutes before dehydrating it in an alcoholic serial 50-100º. Finally rinse the slides in xylene. Mount the slides with Entellan MerckTM or Canada balsam.
Regression equations between body and head measurements in the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Authors: VERDADE L. M.
Published: April 2005

In the present study, regression equations between body and head length measurements for the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) are presented. Age and sex are discussed as sources of variation for allometric models. Four body-length, fourteen head-length, and ten ratio variables were taken from wild and captive animals. With the exception of body mass, log-transformation did not improve the regression equations. Besides helping to estimate body-size from head dimensions, the regression equations stressed skull shape changes during the ontogenetic process. All age-dependent variables are also size-dependent (and consequently dependent on growth rate), which is possibly related to the difficulty in predicting age of crocodilians based on single variable growth curves. Sexual dimorphism was detected in the allometric growth of cranium but not in the mandible, which may be evolutionarily related to the visual recognition of gender when individuals exhibit only the top of their heads above the surface of the water, a usual crocodilian behavior.