bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes dietéticos em cordeiros de diferentes grupos genéticos alimentados com farelo de castanha de caju
Authors: Silva Vandenberg Lira , Rogério Marcos Cláudio Pinheiro , Bomfim Marco Aurélio Delmondes , Leite Eneas Reis , Lamdim Aline Vieira , Alves Arnaud Azevedo , Costa Hélio Henrique Araújo , Freire Ana Paula Alves
Published: February 2014

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão do farelo de castanha de caju (FCC) fornecido a cordeiros de três grupos genéticos sobre os consumos e digestibilidades dos nutrientes dietéticos. Foram utilizados dezoito ovinos, machos e inteiros, ½ sangue Dorper, ½ sangue Somalis e ½ sangue Santa Inês, com 22,66kg de peso vivo. A dieta controle composta por feno de Aruana, milho, farelo de soja. A dieta teste, composta pelos mesmos alimentos mais o FCC. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 x 2, três grupos genéticos versus duas dietas (contendo ou não FCC) com três repetições por tratamento. Maiores consumos de nutrientes foram obtidos pelos animais ½ sangue Dorper x SRD em relação aos animais ½ sangue Santa Inês x SRD, tendo sido ambos semelhantes aos animais ½ sangue Somalis x SRD. Houve interação significativa somente para os coeficientes de digestibilidade da MS. Menores coeficientes de digestibilidade foram observados para os animais ½ sangue Santa Inês x SRD nas dietas contendo FCC. Menores digestibilidades da FDA e da HCEL foram observadas nas dietas com FCC. Considerando-se os grupos genéticos, maiores digestibilidades da FDN, da FDA e da HCEL foram verificadas para os animais ½ sangue Dorper x SRD em comparação aos animais ½ sangue Santa Inês x SRD, sendo ambos genótipos, semelhantes aos animais ½ sangue Somalis x SRD. A inclusão de FCC exerce efeito negativo sobre a digestibilidade das frações fibrosas, notadamente sobre a hemicelulose, implicando em redução da digestibilidade da MS dietética nos cordeiros ½ sangue Santa Inês.
Comportamento de frangos de corte criados em condições de estresse térmico alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de selênio
Authors: Carvalho Genilson Bezerra de , Lopes João Batista , Santos Natanael Pereira da Silva , Reis Nayron Bruno do Nascimento , Carvalho Wanderson Fiares de , Silva Shirlenne Ferreira , Carvalho Débora Araújo de , Silva Edson Mendes da , Silva Sillas Mayron da
Published: February 2014

A pesquisa foi desenvolvida para avaliar o comportamento de frangos de corte, criados em condições de estresse térmico, no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade, alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de selênio (0,5; 1,1; 1,7; 2,3; 2,9 e 3,5ppm de Se.Kg-1de ração). As dietas experimentais foram isonutritivas, exceto para o selênio. Foram utilizados sessenta pintos da linhagem Ross, mistos, distribuídas em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e cinco repetições com duas aves por parcela. O ambiente interno dos galpões foi avaliado com base no Índice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade (ITGU), no Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) e Temperatura Efetiva (TE). As variáveis comportamentais estudadas foram: comer, beber, abrir bico, asa aberta, parada, deitar, andar, ciscando, esticando membros, bando de poeira, limpar penas, brigar e prostrar. Os níveis de selênio na dieta interferiram na frequência de visita dos frangos ao comedouro, nos tratamentos experimentais com 1,7 e 2,3mg de Se.Kg-1, apresentando menores valores. Porem, as frequências dos frangos, com os comportamentos: bebendo, com asa aberta, parado, andando, realizando limpeza das asas, brigando e prostrado, não foram influenciadas pelos níveis de selênio das dietas. Assim, pode-se inferir a partir dos resultados comportamentais contraditórios obtidos neste estudo, que vários fatores estão envolvidos no comportamento das aves, com destaque para as variáveis ambientais e nutricionais.
Prevalência e histopatologia de lesões sugestivas de tuberculose em carcaça de bovinos abatidos no Sudoeste da Bahia
Authors: França Leonardo Rosa da , Cruz Jurandir Ferreira da , Neves Vanêssa Brito Fernandes , Cerqueira Robson Bahia
Published: February 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de lesões sugestivas de tuberculose em carcaças de bovinos abatidos na região Sudoeste da Bahia. No período de março a novembro de 2012 foram inspecionados 58.268 bovinos abatidos em um matadouro frigorífico em Vitória da Conquista-BA. A inspeção consistiu na avaliação sistemática dos gânglios linfáticos e órgãos em busca das lesões sugestivas, por meio de exame visual e tátil com posterior incisão dos gânglios linfáticos. A prevalência de animais com lesões sugestivas de tuberculose ao exame anatomopatológico foi de 0,12%. Os linfonodos mais acometidos foram os pré-escapulares (51,5%) traqueobronquiais (19,2%) e isquiáticos (11,1%). Dos linfonodos com lesões presuntivas, 60,6% apresentaram alterações histológicas sugestivas de micobactérias e 10,0% apresentaram bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes pela coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen, portanto, positivas para micobactérias. Conclui-se que prevalência de carcaças bovinas com lesões sugestivas de tuberculose no Sudoeste da Bahia é baixa, mas remete a necessidade de intensificação das ações para o controle e erradicação da tuberculose bovina no Estado da Bahia.
Desenvolvimento ponderal e biométrico de cabritos lactentes com acesso ao creep feeding em diferentes idades
Authors: Borges Gisele Daiane Silveira , Macedo Vicente de Paulo , Baiffus Franciele Silveira Borges , Atoji Katia , Hill João Ari Gualberto , Batista Rafael , Bianchi Anderson Elias , Ortiz Sidney
Published: February 2014

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da disponibilidade de creep feeding por diferentes períodos de tempo sobre o ganho de peso, peso a desmama e as medidas biométricas corporais de cabritos mestiços da raça Bôer. Foram utilizadas 12 cabras 7/8 Bôer, lactantes, e suas respectivas crias, distribuídas em três tratamentos, totalizando 27 cabritos, sendo nove por tratamento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e nove repetições por tratamento. Os tratamentos foram: acesso ao creep feeding do nascimento até os 70 dias de idade; acesso ao creep feeding a partir dos 20 dias até os 70 dias de idade; acesso ao creep feeding a partir dos 40 dias até os 70 dias de idade. Os dados foram coletados a cada 10 dias. A análise de variância e comparação entre médias foi realizada pelo teste Tukey. Os diferentes tratamentos possibilitaram diferenças de ganho de peso, peso vivo corporal, comprimento corporal, perímetro torácico e abdominal e altura de garupa. Não houve diferença no escore corporal e na altura de cernelha dos animais. Os melhores resultados foram observados em grupos submetidos aos maiores tempos de acesso à suplementação. Assim, indica-se esse tipo de suplementação durante a amamentação por pelo menos 50 dias, e demonstra a irrelevância do fornecimento de concentrado nos primeiros 20 dias de vida.
Princípio de ação quântica de Schwinger
Authors: Melo C.A.M. de , Pimentel B.M. , Ramirez J.A.
Published: February 2014

O princípio de ação quântica de Schwinger é uma caracterização dinâmica das funções de transformação e está fundamentado na estrutura algébrica derivada da análise cinemática dos procesos de medida em nível quântico. Como tal, este princípio variacional permite derivar as relações de comutação canônicas numa forma totalmente consistente. Além disso, propociona as descrições dinâmicas de Schrödinger, Heisenberg e uma equação de Hamilton-Jacobi em nível quântico. Implementaremos este formalismo na resolução de sistemas simples como a partícula livre, o oscilador harmônico quântico e o oscilador harmônico quântico forçado.
Transformações de Galileu e de Lorentz: um estudo via teoria de grupos
Authors: Rocha A.N. , Rizzuti B.F. , Mota D.S.
Published: February 2014

Neste trabalho destacaremos a conexão entre teoria de grupos e transformações entre referenciais. A partir da definição da representação dos grupos abstratos de Galileu e de Lorentz sobre o espaço-tempo, somos levados naturalmente às transformações de Galileu e de Lorentz nos regimes newtoniano e relativístico. Além de fornecer um material introdutório para assuntos mais avançados, como teoria de grupos e suas representações, este artigo apresenta também uma formulação alternativa à teoria da relatividade especial.
Demonstração algébrica das condições de ocorrência do desvio mínimo em um prisma de base triangular
Authors: Ribeiro Jair Lúcio Prados
Published: February 2014

Apesar da situação de desvio mínimo de um raio de luz que sofre refração em faces adjacentes de um prisma triangular ser amplamente utilizada em situações experimentais e estar presente na literatura acadêmica e nas obras didáticas, a demonstração matemática das condições de ocorrência desse desvio mínimo não é facilmente encontrada, sendo comumente atribuída apenas a dados experimentais. Nesse trabalho, é conduzida uma demonstração matemática acessível a estudantes de graduação das matérias introdutórias de física e cálculo, contribuindo para cobrir essa lacuna na literatura.
Angiospermas aquáticas da Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) do Cariri, Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Lima Elimar Alves de , Machado-Filho Hermes de Oliveira , Melo José Iranildo Miranda de
Published: February 2014

A Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) do Cariri está localizada entre os municípios de Boa Vista e Cabaceiras, estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Esta APA apresenta microhabitats variados, dentre os quais se destacam os corpos aquáticos. O presente estudo compreende o levantamento das angiospermas aquáticas na APA do Cariri, onde foram registradas 29 espécies distribuídas em 22 gêneros e 14 famílias, sendo Cyperaceae a que apresentou maior riqueza específica (nove spp.). Nesse trabalho são apresentadas descrições, ilustrações, dados de distribuição, floração e/ou frutificação, além de uma chave de identificação para as espécies registradas na APA.
Biologia reprodutiva de Ipomoea eriocalyx (Convolvulaceae): espécie com distribuição restrita às regiões do leste do Brasil
Authors: Paz Joicelene Regina Lima da , Pigozzo Camila Magalhães
Published: February 2014

Ipomoea eriocalyx Meisn. é uma espécie nativa, de distribuição restrita a alguns estados do Nordeste e Sudeste, sendo limitada aos domínios fitogeográficos da Caatinga e Mata Atlântica. O presente estudo objetivou investigar aspectos da floração, biologia floral e o mecanismo de polinização de I. eriocalyx, em um remanescente urbano de Mata Atlântica, em Salvador (BA), visando registrar, também, dados ecológicos. A floração e frutificação de I. eriocalyx foram contínuas ao longo do ano. As flores são conspícuas, de formato infundibiliforme, apresentam antese diurna, e oferecem pólen, e possivelmente néctar como recurso floral. Apesar das características melitófilas, as flores também são atrativas a outros visitantes florais, tais como borboletas, moscas e besouro. Ipomoea eriocalyx é autocompatível, e adicionalmente, apresenta as abelhas [Ceratina (Crewella) spp. e Melitoma segmentaria] como polinizadores principais, fatos que podem favorecer o seu estabelecimento em ambientes antropizados.
Flora do Ceará, Brasil: Cactaceae
Authors: Menezes Marcelo Oliveira Teles de , Taylor Nigel P. , Loiola Maria Iracema Bezerra
Published: February 2014

Maior parte do território do Ceará é semiárido, clima no qual as cactáceas são abundantes. A despeito de sua representatividade, há poucos estudos sobre a família no estado, especialmente de caráter taxonômico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer um levantamento dos representantes de Cactaceae no Ceará, visando o conhecimento da flora local. A partir de consultas aos acervos botânicos dos herbários EAC, HVASF e IPA, foram registrados 12 gêneros e 24 táxons específicos e infraespecíficos: Arrojadoa rhodantha, Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis, Cereus albicaulis, C. jamacaru subsp. jamacaru, Discocactus bahiensis, D. zehntneri subsp. zehntneri, Epiphyllum phyllanthus, Harrisia adscendens, Hylocereus setaceus, Melocactus oreas subsp. oreas, M. violaceus subsp. violaceus, M. zehntneri, Pereskia aculeata, P. grandifolia subsp. grandifolia, Pilosocereus catingicola subsp. salvadorensis, P. chrysostele subsp. chrysostele, P. chrysostele subsp. cearensis, P. flavipulvinatus, P. gounellei subsp. gounellei, P. pachycladus subsp. pernambucoensis, Rhipsalis baccifera subsp. baccifera, Tacinga inamoena, T. palmadora e T. subcylindrica. Foram elaboradas chaves de identificação e descrições dos táxons. Apresenta-se ainda fotos e dados da distribuição geográfica de cada táxon no estado.
Fenologia reprodutiva e vegetativa de arbustos endêmicos de campo rupestre na Serra do Cipó, Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Belo Renata M. , Negreiros Daniel , Fernandes G. Wilson , Silveira Fernando A.O. , Ranieri Bernardo D. , Morellato Patrícia C.
Published: February 2014

Os Campos rupestres têm destaque no cenário mundial da conservação por sua enorme riqueza em espécies e alta taxa de endemismo. É considerado um ecossistema ameaçado devido à intensa e progressiva descaracterização que vêm sofrendo pela ação antrópica. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os padrões fenológicos reprodutivos e vegetativos em seis espécies arbustivas endêmicas dos campos rupestres da Cadeia do Espinhaço, simpátricas na Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, e testar a relação entre suas fenofases e a estacionalidade climática. Esperamos que as espécies tenham suas fenofases fortemente relacionadas às variações entre as estações seca e úmida. As observações fenológicas foram conduzidas mensalmente nas fenofases reprodutivas (flor, fruto e dispersão) e vegetativas (queda de folhas e brotamento). De acordo com a combinação dos padrões fenológicos reprodutivos, vegetativos e sazonalidade, foi possivel distinguir quatro estratégias fenológicas para as seis espécies avaliadas. Dessa forma, o presente estudo mostrou uma grande diversidade de padrões fenológicos, mesmo considerando o pequeno número de espécies amostradas. Por outro lado, em todas as espécies as fenofases reprodutivas apresentaram um padrão significativamente sazonal, com alta concentração de espécies reproduzindo em uma dada estação do ano, sugerindo uma importância destacada da sazonalidade do clima na definição dos padrões fenológicos em campos rupestres.
Passifloraceae na área de proteção ambiental de Belém, PA, Brasil
Authors: Silva Eduardo Oliveira , Santos João Ubiratan Moreira dos , Dias Ana Cristina Andrade de Aguiar
Published: February 2014

Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo levantar e descrever as espécies de Passifloraceae que ocorrem na Área de Proteção Ambiental de Belém (APA-Belém). A família Passifloraceae está representada, na área de estudo, por dois gêneros: Dilkea (D. johannesii)e Passiflora (P. acuminata, P. auriculata, P. araujoi, P.ceratocarpa, P. foetida, P. nitida, P. glandulosa, P. picturata, P. quandrangularis, P. serratodigitata, P. tholozanii, e P. vespertilio), totalizando 13 espécies. Uma nova ocorrência de P. ceratocarpa foi registrada para o estado de Mato Grosso. A presença de corona com três séries de filamentos em P. glandulosa é relatada como um novo caráter diagnóstico para a espécie. A partir desses resultados, podemos concluir que se fazem necessários novos estudos para ampliação do conhecimento desta família na região amazônica.
Quantifying the dominance of local control and the sources of regional control in the assembly of a metacommunity
Authors: Ray Chris , Collinge Sharon K.
Published: February 2014

To understand the relative roles of local and regional processes in structuring local communities, and to compare sources of dispersal, we studied plant species composition in the context of a field experiment in vernal pool community assembly. In 1999, we constructed 256 vernal pools in a grid surrounding a group of over 60 naturally occurring reference pools. Each constructed pool received a seeding or control treatment. Seeding treatments involved several “focal species” native to vernal pools in this region. Earlier analyses identified local habitat quality (pool depth) and pool history (seeding treatment) as strong predictors of local species composition. For the current analysis, we asked how connectivity among pools might enhance models of focal species presence and cover within pools, using long‐term data from control pools and from unseeded transects within a stratified random sample of all constructed pools. We fitted connectivity models for each of four focal species, and compared the relative support for connectivity, seeding treatment, and pool depth as predictors of local species presence and cover. We modeled connectivity in several ways to quantify the relative importance of immigration (1) from constructed pools, (2) from reference pools within the study site, (3) from a cluster of natural pools off‐site, and (4) along ephemeral waterways. We found strongest support for effects of connectivity with reference pools. Species presence in a target pool was usually well predicted by an exponential decline in connectivity with distance to source pools, and our fitted estimates of mean dispersal distance indicate strong dispersal limitation in this system. Effects of target and source pool size were also supported in some models, and long‐term effects of seeding were supported for most species. However, pool depth was by far the strongest predictor of focal species presence, and depth rivaled connectivity with reference pools as a top predictor of cover after accounting for species presence. We conclude that local species composition was determined primarily by local processes in this system, and we encourage more widespread use of a straightforward method for weighing local vs. regional influences.
Disturbance and clonal reproduction determine liana distribution and maintain liana diversity in a tropical forest
Authors: Ledo Alicia , Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: February 2014

Negative density dependence (NDD) and habitat specialization have received strong empirical support as mechanisms that explain tree species diversity maintenance and distribution in tropical forests. In contrast, disturbance appears to play only a minor role. Previous studies have rarely examined the relative strengths of these diversity maintenance mechanisms concurrently, and few studies have included plant groups other than trees. Here we used a large, spatially explicit data set from Barro Colorado Island, Panama (BCI) to test whether liana and tree species distribution patterns are most consistent with NDD, habitat specialization, or disturbance. We found compelling evidence that trees responded to habitat specialization and NDD; however, only disturbance explained the distribution of the majority of liana species and maintained liana diversity. Lianas appear to respond to disturbance with high vegetative (clonal) reproduction, and liana species' ability to produce clonal stems following disturbance results in a clumped spatial distribution. Thus, clonal reproduction following disturbance explains local liana spatial distribution and diversity maintenance on BCI, whereas negative density dependence and habitat specialization, two prominent mechanisms contributing to tree species diversity and distribution, do not.
Effect of temperature on streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Dong Weihong , Ou Gengxin , Chen Xunhong , Wang Zhaowei
Published: February 2014

In this study, in situ and on-site permeameter tests were conducted in Clear Creek, Nebraska, USA to evaluate the effect of water temperature on streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity Kv. Fifty-two sediment cores were tested. Five of them were transferred to the laboratory for a series of experiments to evaluate the effect of water temperature on Kv. Compared with in situ tests, 42 out of the 52 tests have higher Kv values for on-site tests. The distribution of water temperature at the approximately 50 cm depth of streambed along the sand bar was investigated in the field. These temperatures had values in the range 14–19 °C with an average of 16 °C and had an increasing trend along the stream flow. On average, Kv values of the streambed sediments in the laboratory tests increase by 1.8% per 1 °C increase in water temperature. The coarser sandy sediments show a greater increase extent of the Kv value per 1 °C increase in water temperature. However, there is no distinct increasing trend of Kv value for sediment containing silt and clay layers.
An assessment of the skill of downscaled GCM outputs in simulating historical patterns of rainfall variability in South Africa
Authors: Hughes D. A. , Mantel S. , Mohobane T.
Published: February 2014

Uncertainties associated with General Circulation Models (GCMs) and the downscaling methods used for regional or local scale hydrological modelling can result in substantial differences in estimates of future water resources availability. This paper assesses the skill of nine statistically downscaled GCMs in reproducing historical climate for 15 catchments in five regions of South Africa. The identification of skilled GCMs may reduce the uncertainty in future predictions and the focus is on rainfall skill as the GCMs show very similar patterns of change in temperature. The skill tests were designed to assess whether the GCMs are able to realistically reproduce precipitation distribution statistics and patterns of seasonality, persistence and extremes. Some models are consistently less skilful for the regions assessed, while some are generally more skilful with some regionally specific exceptions. There are differences in the GCMs skill across the different regions and in the skill ranking between coastal areas and inland regions. However, only a limited reduction in uncertainty is achieved when using only the downscaled GCM outputs identified as being skilled in a hydrological model for one of the regions. Further modelling studies are required to determine the general applicability of this observation.
Reducing uncertainty in the calibration and validation of the INCA-N model by using soft data
Authors: Randall Etheridge J. , Lepistö Ahti , Granlund Kirsti , Rankinen Katri , Birgand François , Burchell Michael R.
Published: February 2014

Process-based nutrient models are increasingly used to determine the impact of future changes in land use, agriculture production practices and climate on the quantity and timing of nutrients reaching surface waters. Calibration of catchment-scale models to observed conditions can be difficult due to parameter uncertainty and the heterogeneity of catchment processes. Soft data, i.e. knowledge of processes gained through experimentation, have been suggested as one method of reducing uncertainty and producing a more accurate model of the processes that occur in a catchment. In this work, the Integrated Catchment model for Nitrogen was calibrated and validated for the Yläneenjoki catchment in south-western Finland by incorporating soft data. The calibration for 2003–2008 produced an adequate model of the in-stream nitrate concentrations (R2 = 0.45, NS = 0.42). However, model validation using data from 1997–2002 showed that the simulated in-stream nitrate concentrations were above the observed concentrations throughout the entire period (R2 = 0.34, NS < 0). These results show that soft data can be used to constrain model parameters, resulting in a more accurate model of the catchment, but do not guarantee the best validation results as the simulated processes may not occur at the same time and rate as they did in the catchment.
Using radar altimetry to update a large-scale hydrological model of the Brahmaputra river basin
Authors: Finsen Flemming , Milzow Christian , Smith Richard , Berry Philippa , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: February 2014

Measurements of river and lake water levels from space-borne radar altimeters (past missions include ERS, Envisat, Jason, Topex) are useful for calibration and validation of large-scale hydrological models in poorly gauged river basins. Altimetry data availability over the downstream reaches of the Brahmaputra is excellent (17 high-quality virtual stations from ERS-2, 6 from Topex and 10 from Envisat are available for the Brahmaputra). In this study, altimetry data are used to update a large-scale Budyko-type hydrological model of the Brahmaputra river basin in real time. Altimetry measurements are converted to discharge using rating curves of simulated discharge versus observed altimetry. This approach makes it possible to use altimetry data from river cross sections where both in-situ rating curves and accurate river cross section geometry are not available. Model updating based on radar altimetry improved model performance considerably. The Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency increased from 0.77 to 0.83. Real-time river basin modelling using radar altimetry has the potential to improve the predictive capability of large-scale hydrological models elsewhere on the planet.
Overcoming the challenges of using a rainfall–runoff model to estimate the impacts of groundwater extraction on low flows in an ephemeral stream
Authors: Ivkovic K. M. , Croke B. F. W. , Kelly R. A.
Published: February 2014

Simple modelling approaches such as a spatially lumped, rainfall–runoff model offer a number of advantages in the management of water resources including the relative ease with which groundwater and surface water accounts can be evaluated at the river-reach scale in data-poor areas. However, rainfall–runoff models are generally not well suited for use in ephemeral river systems because of their inability to simulate abrupt transitions from flow to no-flow periods and the highly non-linear rainfall–runoff relationships that exist in low yielding catchments. This paper discusses some of the challenges of using a rainfall–runoff model to assess the impacts of groundwater extraction on low flows within an ephemeral river system and demonstrates how these challenges were overcome during the development of the IHACRES_GW (Identification of Hydrographs And Component flows from Rainfall, Evaporation and Streamflow data – with Ground Water store) model. Details on the model algorithms, calibration, validation and objective function fits are provided. The performance of the IHACRES_GW model in Cox's Creek (Namoi Valley, Australia), and 13 additional areas investigated, suggests that this simple modelling approach may be of considerable utility for water accounting, especially when attempting to evaluate the impacts of groundwater extraction on low flows in similar systems.
Learning from Demonstration? Developing Construction for Sustainability
Authors: Koch Christian , Bertelsen Niels Haldor
Published: February 2014

Demonstration projects are often used in the building sector to provide a basis for using new processes and/or
products. The climate change agenda implies that construction is not only required to deliver value for the customer, cost
reductions and efficiency but also sustainable buildings. This paper reports on an early demonstration project, the building
of a passive house dormitory in the Central Region of Denmark in 2006-2009. The project was supposed to deliver value,
lean design, prefabrication, quality in sustainability, certification according to German standards for passive houses, and
micro combined heat and power using hydrogen. Using sociological and business economic theories of innovation, the
paper discusses how early movers of innovation tend to obtain only partial success when demonstrating their products and
often feel obstructed by minor details. The empirical work encompasses both an evaluation of the design and construction
process as well as a post-occupancy evaluation. Process experiences include the use of a multidisciplinary competence
group and performance measurement. The commencement of the project was enthusiastic, but it was forced into more traditional
forms of control, driven by such challenges as complying with cost goals, the need to choose a German prefab
supplier, and local contractors. Energy calculations, indoor climate, issues related to square meter requirements, and the
hydrogen element became problematic. The aim to obtain passive house certification prevailed over realizing a good indoor
climate, which included sufficient heating. Project management must be able to handle quantitative complexity
where simple issues add up to major challenges.
Influence of Water Binder Ratio on High Performance Concrete
Authors: Sekhar N. Seshadri , Raghunath P.N.
Published: February 2014

High performance concrete M60 cubes of 150 mm X 150 mm X 150 mm were tested experimentally under
static loading. With the variation in the water binder ratios of 0.25, 0.28, 0.33, 0.39 and hyper plasticizer of 0.6%. 0.8%.
1.0%, 1.2% the cubes were cast and accordingly the cylinders were cast. For each ratio of water binder, 12 cubes and 2
cylinders were cast. Out of 12 cubes, 3 cubes were cured for 7 days, 3cubes for 15 days, 3 cubes for 21 days and the
balance 3 cubes for 28 days. All the cubes were tested in a 2000kn compression testing machine. The load deflection
curves, stress- strain curves were drawn for each cube and cylinder. The average compressive strength of each mix for
different number of days of curing were calculated. The modulus of elasticity was calculated for each design mix.
The MafA Transcription Factor Becomes Essential to Islet β-Cells Soon After Birth
Authors: Hang Yan , Yamamoto Tsunehiko , Benninger Richard K.P. , Brissova Marcela , Guo Min , Bush Will , Piston David W. , Powers Alvin C. , Magnuson Mark , Thurmond Debbie C. , Stein Roland
Published: February 2014

The large Maf transcription factors, MafA and MafB, are expressed with distinct spatial–temporal patterns in rodent islet cells. Analysis of Mafa−/− and pancreas-specific Mafa∆panc deletion mutant mice demonstrated a primary role for MafA in adult β-cell activity, different from the embryonic importance of MafB. Our interests here were to precisely define when MafA became functionally significant to β-cells, to determine how this was affected by the brief period of postnatal MafB production, and to identify genes regulated by MafA during this period. We found that islet cell organization, β-cell mass, and β-cell function were influenced by 3 weeks of age in MafaΔpanc mice and compromised earlier in MafaΔpanc;Mafb+/− mice. A combination of genome-wide microarray profiling, electron microscopy, and metabolic assays were used to reveal mechanisms of MafA control. For example, β-cell replication was produced by actions on cyclin D2 regulation, while effects on granule docking affected first-phase insulin secretion. Moreover, notable differences in the genes regulated by embryonic MafB and postnatal MafA gene expression were found. These results not only clearly define why MafA is an essential transcriptional regulator of islet β-cells, but also why cell maturation involves coordinated actions with MafB.
T Cell–Derived IL-22 Amplifies IL-1β–Driven Inflammation in Human Adipose Tissue: Relevance to Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Dalmas Elise , Venteclef Nicolas , Caer Charles , Poitou Christine , Cremer Isabelle , Aron-Wisnewsky Judith , Lacroix-Desmazes Sébastien , Bayry Jagadeesh , Kaveri Srinivas V. , Clément Karine , André Sébastien , Guerre-Millo Michèle
Published: February 2014

Proinflammatory cytokines are critically involved in the alteration of adipose tissue biology leading to deterioration of glucose homeostasis in obesity. Here we show a pronounced proinflammatory signature of adipose tissue macrophages in type 2 diabetic obese patients, mainly driven by increased NLRP3-dependent interleukin (IL)-1β production. IL-1β release increased with glycemic deterioration and decreased after gastric bypass surgery. A specific enrichment of IL-17- and IL-22-producing CD4+ T cells was found in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetic obese patients. Coculture experiments identified the effect of macrophage-derived IL-1β to promote IL-22 and IL-17 production by human adipose tissue CD4+ T cells. Reciprocally, adipose tissue macrophages express IL-17 and IL-22 receptors, making them sensitive to IL-17 and IL-22. IL-22 increased IL-1β release by inducing pro-IL-1β transcription through activation of C-Jun pathways in macrophages. In sum, these human data identified IL-1β and the T-cell cytokine IL-22 as key players of a paracrine inflammatory pathway previously unidentified in adipose tissue, with a pathological relevance to obesity-induced type 2 diabetes. These results provide an additional rationale for targeting IL-1β in obesity-linked type 2 diabetes and may have important implications for the conception of novel combined anti-IL-1β and anti-IL-22 immunotherapy in human obesity.
RAGE Regulates the Metabolic and Inflammatory Response to High-Fat Feeding in Mice
Authors: Song Fei , Hurtado del Pozo Carmen , Rosario Rosa , Zou Yu Shan , Ananthakrishnan Radha , Xu Xiaoyuan , Patel Payal R. , Benoit Vivian M. , Yan Shi Fang , Li Huilin , Friedman Richard A. , Kim Jason K. , Ramasamy Ravichandran , Ferrante Anthony W. , Schmidt Ann Marie
Published: February 2014

In mammals, changes in the metabolic state, including obesity, fasting, cold challenge, and high-fat diets (HFDs), activate complex immune responses. In many strains of rodents, HFDs induce a rapid systemic inflammatory response and lead to obesity. Little is known about the molecular signals required for HFD-induced phenotypes. We studied the function of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in the development of phenotypes associated with high-fat feeding in mice. RAGE is highly expressed on immune cells, including macrophages. We found that high-fat feeding induced expression of RAGE ligand HMGB1 and carboxymethyllysine-advanced glycation end product epitopes in liver and adipose tissue. Genetic deficiency of RAGE prevented the effects of HFD on energy expenditure, weight gain, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance. RAGE deficiency had no effect on genetic forms of obesity caused by impaired melanocortin signaling. Hematopoietic deficiency of RAGE or treatment with soluble RAGE partially protected against peripheral HFD-induced inflammation and weight gain. These findings demonstrate that high-fat feeding induces peripheral inflammation and weight gain in a RAGE-dependent manner, providing a foothold in the pathways that regulate diet-induced obesity and offering the potential for therapeutic intervention.
Linking the Circadian Rhythm Gene Arntl2 to Interleukin 21 Expression in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Lebailly Basile , He Chenxia , Rogner Ute C.
Published: February 2014

The circadian rhythm–related aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like 2 (Arntl2) gene has been identified as a candidate gene for the murine type 1 diabetes locus Idd6.3. Previous studies suggested a role in expansion of CD4+CD25− T cells, and this then creates an imbalance in the ratio between T-effector and CD4+CD25+ T-regulator cells. Our transcriptome analyses identify the interleukin 21 (IL21) gene (Il21) as a direct target of ARNTL2. ARNTL2 binds in an allele-specific manner to the RNA polymerase binding site of the Il21 promoter and inhibits its expression in NOD.C3H congenic mice carrying C3H alleles at Idd6.3. IL21 is known to promote T-cell expansion, and in agreement with these findings, mice with C3H alleles at Idd6.3 produce lower numbers of CD4+IL21+ and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared with mice with NOD alleles at Idd6.3. Our results describe a novel and rather unexpected role for Arntl2 in the immune system that lies outside of its predicted function in circadian rhythm regulation.
FDG-PET-CT in the early response evaluation for primary systemic therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Tőkés Tímea , Torgyík László , Kulka Janina , Borka Katalin , Szász Attila , Tóth Andrea , Harsányi László , Lengyel Zsolt , Györke Tamás , Dank Magdolna
Published: February 2014

Primary systemic therapy (PST) is a standard treatment for patients with locally advanced breast cancer. We report one of our patients to demonstrate the optimal use of FDG-PET-CT in the routine clinical workup during PST, especially when clinicians face contradictory clinical and pathological findings, and to show the advantages of this imaging modality in the decision-making process about the initial treatment choice. By reviewing the literature we would also like to confirm that FDG-PET-CT is highly sensitive in the measurement of the early therapeutic response and the prediction of the complete pathological remission, as early as after the first cycle of chemotherapy is administered.
Double teeth: evaluation of 10-years of clinical material
Authors: Koszowski Rafał , Waśkowska Jadwiga , Kucharski Grzegorz , Śmieszek-Wilczewska Joanna
Published: February 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate 10-years of clinical material referring to the rare dental abnormality of double teeth. The study material consisted of case records, operation-books and radiographic or photographic documentation on patients treated in the Department of Oral Surgery, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, from the 1st of June 2000 to the 31st of May 2010. The following features were considered important: age and sex, the reason why the patient reported for treatment, general state of health, the time of recognition and type of double teeth, location of double teeth, complaints and disturbances connected with double teeth, types of radiographs, the radiographic and macroscopic appearance of double teeth and treatment method. Diagnoses were as follows: eight conrescent teeth, two fused teeth, two geminated teeth and one invaginated tooth. The anomaly of a deciduous tooth was referred to in one case only. Double teeth were most often seen in the region of maxillary incisors and molars but rarely in the mandible. The region of incisors was affected chiefly in children and the region of molars in adults. Double incisors are usually recognized prior to treatment whereas double molars as late as during their extraction. In many cases, neither intraoral radiographs nor pantomographs help to confirm double teeth or provide sufficient information to plan the treatment. In such a situation, CT or CBCT should be used in addition to imaging diagnostics. Double teeth among incisors are usually accompanied by occlusal disorders. Therefore the therapeutic management is conducted by a team, including orthodontists.
Numerical Modeling of Macroscale Brittle Rock Crushing during Impacts
Authors: Badr Salah A. , Abdelhaffez Gamal S.
Published: February 2014

Several machines, such as crushers use the physical effect of compression to cause fragmentation “crushing” of brittle rocks. As a consequence of the complex fragmentation process, crushers are still sized by empirical approaches. This paper presents the results of a numerical study to understand some aspects of rock crushing phenomenon in terms of energy consumption. The study uses the discrete element approach of PFC2D code to simulate a stamp mill. The stamp mill has a simple crushing mechanism of a fixed kinetic energy delivered by a rigid ram impact. A single rock fragment crushing process dependent on the number of stamp mill ram blows is numerically examined. Both amount and type of energy generated by a ram blow are monitored besides the type of fractures generated. The model results indicate that the ram impact energy is mainly consumed in form of friction energy (up to 61 %) while strain energy stays at about 5 % of delivered energy. The energy consumed by crushing the rock represents only 32 % to 45 % of stamp mill energy and tends to decrease as the number of impacts increases. The rock fragmented matrix tends to convert into more friction energy with reduced number of new fractures as number of blows increase. The fragmentation caused by tensile is more often compared to those caused by shear, this behaviour increased with increasing number of ram blows.
Dietitians’ Perceptions of Precepting: Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, Barriers, and Training
Authors: Nasser Roseann , Morley Catherine , Cook Stephanie , Coleman Jean , Berenbaum Shawna
Published: February 2014

Purpose

The extent to which dietitians agreed or disagreed with key informants’ perceptions of precepting knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA), training needs, and barriers was determined.

Methods

A 98-item survey was developed and distributed electronically to Dietitians of Canada members (n=5376).

Results

Of the 750 respondents who completed the survey (14% response rate), more than 95% agreed that preceptors should have knowledge of promoting learning and skills acquisition, and of learner assessment and evaluation. More than 90% of respondents agreed that preceptors should have skills in planning, teaching, coaching, research, facilitation, and evaluation. Differences in respondents’ perceptions of preceptor participation in practice-based research differed with years of experience. Respondents with fewer than five years of experience had a higher level of agreement that preceptors should participate in practice-based research than did those with more experience (P<0.05). Respondents indicated that barriers to precepting training were insufficient time (93%) and work environments not supportive of precepting (64%).

Conclusions

The findings articulate the KSA, training needs, and barriers to precepting considered significant for dietitian preceptors. The results are important for the advocacy for resources to support the training and development of preceptors, upon whom sustainability of the profession depends.
Antioxidant Activity in Two Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoideum) Cultivars as Influenced by Processing
Authors: Pushparaj Florence , Urooj Asna
Published: February 2014

Research on the effect of processing on the retention of bioactive components with potential antioxidant activity is gaining importance. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of various processing methods (milling, boiling, pressure cooking, roasting and germination respectively) on the antioxidant components as well as the antioxidant activities in the commonly used pearl millet cultivars—Kalukombu (K) and Maharashtra Rabi Bajra (MRB). The methanolic extracts of processed pearl millet flours were analyzed for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay (RPA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays respectively. The samples were also evaluated for tannin, phytic acid and flavonoid content which was then correlated with the antioxidant activity assayed using three methods. The results indicated that the bran rich fraction showed high antioxidant activity (RPA) owing to high tannin, phytic acid and flavonoid levels. Heat treatments exhibited significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging activity and RPA) reflecting the high flavonoid content. Processing did not have any significant effect on the FRAP activity of pearl millet. The data on the correlation coefficient suggests that DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay in the K variety was largely due to the presence of flavonoid content, however in MRB, no relationship was found between antioxidant activities and antioxidant components.
Tribology and Micromechanics of Chromium Nitride Based Multilayer Coatings on Soft and Hard Substrates
Authors: Lackner Juergen , Waldhauser Wolfgang , Major Lukasz , Kot Marcin
Published: February 2014

The tribological protection of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFC) is essential for broadening their use from structural to functional applications, e.g., to linear bearings in mechanical engineering. However, their wear resistance in sliding and rolling contacts is low. This work focusses on the possibility of improving their tribological properties by the application of thin hard multi-layered coatings. Chromium nitride (CrN) single layer and chromium-CrN multilayer coatings of ~4 µm thickness, partly finished with a 1 µm diamond-like carbon (DLC) top layer, were deposited by magnetron sputtering at low temperatures on soft CFC and for comparison of the mechanical behavior on comparatively hard austenitic steel substrates. Structural investigations showed especially that the multilayer coatings possess a very fine grained, columnar microstructure and a very low density of intercolumnar micro-cracks, while the single layer coatings possess a coarse structure. The indentation testing and the analysis of the deformed and fractured cross-sections revealed a tougher behavior with improved plastic deformability of the multilayers in comparison to CrN single layers. However, in wear testing only coatings with DLC top layers significantly improved the tribological material properties of CFC. This is due to the reduced shear forces in sliding on low-friction DLC coatings on the soft epoxy-based CFC, decreasing the total dynamic stresses during sliding under high loads.
Palazzi, E.; Currò, F.; Fabiano, B. Accidental Continuous Releases from Coal Processing in Semi-Confined Environment. Energies 2013, 6, 5003–5022
Authors: Palazzi Emilio , Currò Fabio , Fabiano Bruno
Published: February 2014

The authors wish to make the following corrections, due to typographical errors, to this paper [1]. [...]
Fermented Brown Rice Flour as Functional Food Ingredient
Authors: Ilowefah Muna , Chinma Chiemela , Bakar Jamilah , Ghazali Hasanah , Muhammad Kharidah , Makeri Mohammad
Published: February 2014

As fermentation could reduce the negative effects of bran on final cereal products, the utilization of whole-cereal flour is recommended, such as brown rice flour as a functional food ingredient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of fermented brown rice flour on white rice flour, white rice batter and its steamed bread qualities. Brown rice batter was fermented using commercial baker’s yeast (Eagle brand) according to the optimum conditions for moderate acidity (pH 5.5) to obtain fermented brown rice flour (FBRF). The FBRF was added to white rice flour at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% levels to prepare steamed rice bread. Based on the sensory evaluation test, steamed rice bread containing 40% FBRF had the highest overall acceptability score. Thus, pasting properties of the composite rice flour, rheological properties of its batter, volume and texture properties of its steamed bread were determined. The results showed that peak viscosity of the rice flour containing 40% FBRF was significantly increased, whereas its breakdown, final viscosity and setback significantly decreased. Viscous, elastic and complex moduli of the batter having 40% FBRF were also significantly reduced. However, volume, specific volume, chewiness, resilience and cohesiveness of its steamed bread were significantly increased, while hardness and springiness significantly reduced in comparison to the control. These results established the effectiveness of yeast fermentation in reducing the detrimental effects of bran on the sensory properties of steamed white rice bread and encourage the usage of brown rice flour to enhance the quality of rice products.