bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilização do óleo de alho e da amoxilina, metronidazol e omeprazol no controle de Helicobacter spp. em cães
Authors: Costa M.C. , Costa P.R.S. , Silva J.C.P. , Maia R.E.N. , Moreira J.C.L. , Carvalho R.M.
Published: July 2009

Avaliaram-se a eficácia do óleo de alho e da terapia tripla (amoxicilina, metronidazol e omeprazol) no tratamento de 21 cães infectados por Helicobacter spp., que apresentavam alterações histológicas nas biopsias endoscópicas da mucosa gástrica e reação positiva ao teste de urease. Os animais foram distribuídos, aleatoriamente, em três grupos de sete cães, os quais receberam os seguintes tratamentos: grupo 1 - cápsulas vazias; grupo 2 - 500mg de óleo de alho em cápsulas, diariamente, por um período de 30 dias; grupo 3 - amoxicilina, metronidazol e omeprazol, respectivamente, nas doses de 20mg/kg a cada 12 horas, 25mg/kg e 20mg/kg a cada 24 horas, durante 15 dias. Ao final dos tratamentos, os cães foram submetidos à endoscopia com realização de biopsias da mucosa gástrica. O tratamento com amoxicilina, metronidazol e omeprazol resultou em erradicação de Helicobacter spp. tanto na região fúndica quanto na pilórica. No grupo 2, houve redução da degeneração glandular na região fúndica em dois animais e em outros dois na pilórica. O tratamento com óleo de alho não foi eficaz em erradicar Helicobacter spp., apenas reduziu a sua colonização em quatro dos animais tratados.
Efeito da covariância genética aditivo-materna sobre estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e em avaliações genéticas de características de crescimento de animais Tabapuã
Authors: Ribeiro S.H.A. , Pereira J.C.C. , Verneque R.S. , Silva M.A. , Bergmann J.A.G.
Published: July 2009

Avaliou-se o efeito da covariância genética aditiva direto-materna sobre estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e sobre a predição e a ordenação de valores genéticos de animais da raça Tabapuã. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados com base em 19646, 14276, 10663 e 6172 registros de pesos ao nascimento e ajustados para 205, 365 e 550 dias de idade em análises unicaracterística, utilizando o programa computacional MTDREML, pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita livre de derivadas por modelos animal com ou sem a inclusão da covariância. As estimativas da covariância genética aditiva direto-materna foram, respectivamente, -0,08; -0,22; -0,10 e 0,34, para os pesos ao nascer e ajustados para 205, 365 e 550 dias de idade. As herdabilidades diretas e maternas obtidas sob modelo com a inclusão da covariância genética direto-materna foram, respectivamente, 0,31 e 0,10; 0,20 e 0,17; 0,20 e 0,06 e 0,17 e 0,01, para os mesmos pesos, enquanto sem a inclusão foram, respectivamente, 0,31 e 0,09; 0,18 e 0,14; 0,20 e 0,05 e 0,18 e 0,02. Os valores de correlação de posto entre os valores genéticos preditos pelos modelos com e sem a inclusão foram 0,999; 0,992; 0,999 e 0,998. As correlações de posto entre os valores genéticos maternos foram 0,999; 0,985; 0,992 e 0,771. A inclusão da covariância genética aditiva direto-materna não influenciou as estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos e teve efeito inexpressivo na ordenação dos valores genéticos dos pesos de animais da raça Tabapuã.
Modelos matemáticos para o estudo do fluxo biológico do fósforo em suínos alimentados com dietas suplementadas com níveis crescentes de fitase
Authors: Moreira J.A. , Lopes J.B. , Vitti D.M.S.S. , Teixeira A.O.
Published: July 2009

A pesquisa foi realizada para avaliar o fluxo biológico do fósforo entre os compartimentos, fisiológicos ou anatômicos, de suínos mantidos em dietas que continham níveis crescentes de fitase, usando o P-32 como traçador. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, sendo os tratamentos constituídos por níveis de enzima fitase, 253, 759, 1265 e 1748 UF/kg, nas dietas. As variáveis avaliadas foram: ingestão, excreção, atividades específicas e fluxo de P nos compartimentos (trato digestivo, corrente sanguínea, tecidos moles e ossos). A enzima fitase não interferiu nas excreções fecais e urinárias, nas atividades específicas, na incorporação e na reabsorção de P nos ossos e nos tecidos moles e no fluxo bidirecional do trato digestivo e na corrente sanguínea, mas afetou linearmente a absorção e a retenção nos ossos. As respostas mais evidentes dos efeitos da adição da fitase são observadas nos níveis mais baixos.
Composição física da carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhos Charolês e Nelore que receberam diferentes proporções de concentrado na dieta
Authors: Silveira M.F. , Brondani I.L. , Arboitte M.Z. , Alves Filho D.C. , Restle J. , Pizzuti L.A.D. , Luz T.R.R. , Retore M.
Published: July 2009

Avaliaram-se a composição física da carcaça e a qualidade da carne de 22 novilhos contemporâneos, com média de idade de 22 meses, das raças Charolês ou Nelore, terminados em confinamento, e que receberam diferentes proporções de concentrado na dieta. A fração volumosa da dieta foi composta pelas silagens de milho e sorgo em partes iguais. Os animais foram distribuídos em três tratamentos constituídos por 35, 50 ou 65% de concentrado na matéria seca. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) da porcentagem de concentrado na dieta sobre a composição física da carcaça. A proporção de inclusão do concentrado influenciou (P=0,0013) positivamente a maciez da carne, aumentando em 0,026 pontos a cada ponto percentual de aumento do concentrado. As demais características qualitativas da carne não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelo aumento do concentrado na dieta. A carne dos novilhos Charolês apresentou textura mais fina, 4,15 x 3,14 pontos, foi mais macia, 6,85 x 5,71 pontos, mais suculenta, 7,17 x 5,77 pontos, e apresentou menor resistência das fibras ao cisalhamento, 3,79 x 5,79kgF. A carcaça dos novilhos Charolês apresentou maior deposição muscular, 65,5 x 61,5%, e a dos novilhos Nelore apresentou maior percentagem de gordura, 23,3 x 20,3%.
Avaliação de características de desempenho e de carcaça de codornas de corte por meio da análise de componentes principais
Authors: Leite C.D.S. , Corrêa G.S.S. , Barbosa L. , Melo A.L.P. , Yamaki M. , Silva M.A. , Torres R.A.
Published: July 2009

Foram utilizados dados de 288 codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) para avaliar a possibilidade de resumir a informação contida no complexo de variáveis originais, eliminando-se variáveis inexpressivas por meio da técnica de componentes principais. Foram registrados o peso vivo (PVIVO) e pesos do peito (PPEITO), das coxas (PCOXA), da gordura abdominal (GA), das vísceras comestíveis (fígado, moela e coração) (FIG, MOELA e CORA) e da carcaça eviscerada (PCEVIS). As carcaças foram secas e trituradas para a avaliação do teor matéria seca (MS), gordura (GORD) e proteína bruta (PB). Dos 11 componentes principais, sete (63,6%) apresentaram variância menor que 0,7 (autovalor inferior a 0,7), sendo sugeridas para descarte, respectivamente, em ordem de menor importância, para explicar a variação total das seguintes variáveis: PCEVIS, PPEITO, PCOXA, CORA, FIG MOELA e GORD. Com base nos resultados, recomenda-se manter as seguintes variáveis em experimentos futuros: PVIVO, MS, PB e GA.
Dendrometry and litterfall of neotropical pioneer and early secondary tree species
Authors: Benvenuti-Ferreira Glaci , Coelho Geraldo Ceni , Schirmer Jorge , Lucchese Osório Antônio
Published: July 2009

The increased forest cover loss in the tropical and subtropical regions has stimulated the development of restoration methods through tree plantations. Based on the successional model of forest development the use of different successional groups can be seen as a strategy to accelerate the re-composition of forests and an attempt to recover ecological conditions prior to disturbance. Tree species have particular growth rates and ecological needs, and this knowledge is important in the development of high diversity models of forest restoration. The objective of this study was to compare the initial growth and litterfall of native pioneer versus early secondary tree species in a mixed plantation system, and to determine the relationships between guilds and measurements. The comparison among species and guilds was made based on dendrometric and allometric parameters, and in terms of annual litterfall. The study was carried out in the Guarita Indian Area, Tenente Portela, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Dendrometry of seven species was evaluated, including the pioneer tree species Mimosa scabrella Bentham, Trema micrantha (L.) Blume, Schinus molle L., Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong, and the early secondary tree species Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub., Cedrela fissilis Vell. and Tabebuia alba (Cham.) Sandwith. The litterfall was quantified for the first six species. The pioneer tree species exhibited higher average height, stem diameter and crown width than the early secondary tree species. The pioneer species (except E. contortisiliquum) showed also higher values of average annual litterfall. A positive interspecific correlation between stem diameter and annual litterfall was observed. The data indicate that the choice of the species and guilds is significant to the quality of the restoration. Nevertheless, the aboveground architecture may depend on species-specific allometric characteristics and a distinction among guilds was not observed.
Diversidade de bromélias epífitas na Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Serra do Teimoso - Jussari, BA
Authors: Reis Joice Rodrigues de Mendonça , Fontoura Talita
Published: July 2009

A presença de epífitas vasculares em florestas tropicais está freqüentemente associada a ambientes mésicos e de altitude média. Este trabalho objetivou investigar a diversidade e a composição de espécies de bromélias epífitas na Reserva Natural da Serra do Teimoso que é uma área de transição entre as florestas ombrófila e a semidecídua. A amostragem foi adaptada do "Protocolo para Amostragem Rápida e Representativa da Diversidade de Epífitas Vasculares e Não-Vasculares de Florestas Tropicais" utilizando-se oito indivíduos de Cariniana legalis localizados entre 285 m e 573 m de altitude. Foram registradas 19 morfoespécies e 526 grupos de bromélias. Quase um terço das espécies possui distribuição ampla e 27,3% é endêmica do sul da Bahia. O índice de Shannon foi 2,2 nats.indivíduo-1 e o número de espécies estimado foi 25 (SD = ±3,5). A maioria dos indivíduos de Jequitibá possuiu abundância e composição de bromélias semelhantes entre si com predominância de espécies de Aechmea e Hohenbergia. Três novas ocorrências para o sul da Bahia e mais um gênero ainda não coletado na área foram registrados. Os resultados estão de acordo com o padrão de menor diversidade de epífitas em florestas mais secas. Somente com técnicas específicas para acessar as grandes árvores do dossel, foi possível registrar as novas ocorrências, pois tais espécies são exclusivas das copas das grandes árvores. Comparada as outras metodologias para levantamentos florísticos, a metodologia empregada teve um baixo esforço amostral apresentando resultados semelhantes. As grandes árvores possuem especial importância para as epífitas devido à concentração de espécies e de indivíduos sobre elas. Assim, seria aconselhável que outros levantamentos utilizassem metodologias de acesso ao dossel para coletar epífitas mais apropriadamente nas grandes árvores.
Variação espacial e temporal nas assembléias de peixes de riachos na bacia do rio Guiraí, Alto Rio Paraná
Authors: Súarez Yzel Rondon , Lima-Junior Sidnei Eduardo
Published: July 2009

O presente trabalho procura caracterizar as comunidades de peixes relacionando a variação espacial e temporal com a organização das comunidades de peixes em riachos da bacia do rio Guiraí, Alto Rio Paraná. As amostragens foram realizadas bimestralmente em sete riachos, entre outubro/2006 e agosto/2007 e, para a análise destes dados, utilizamos análises de agrupamento, de similaridade, de variância, de correspondência canônica e árvore de regressão. Foram coletadas 64 espécies de peixes e a variação espacial das comunidades estudadas se mostrou mais evidente que a variação temporal. As variáveis mais importantes na determinação da ocorrência das espécies foram a altitude do trecho amostrado, largura e profundidade do riacho e velocidade da água, o que indica que há interação de fatores em escala regional (altitude) com fatores locais (profundidade, velocidade e largura) na definição da composição de espécies em cada um dos riachos amostrados. O turnover na composição de espécies foi significativamente influenciado pela profundidade e altitude dos riachos. A diferenciação na riqueza e composição de espécies entre os trechos superiores e inferiores da bacia pode permitir o incremento da riqueza em nível regional (bacia hidrográfica) através da diminuição da sobreposição de nichos, permitindo a manutenção de subconjuntos populacionais (para as espécies de distribuição ampla) que podem resistir melhor às alterações antrópicas na estrutura dos habitats.
Dieta do cascudo Aspidoras fuscoguttatus (Ostariophysi, Callichthyidae) em riachos com diferentes características limnológicas e estruturais
Authors: Casatti Lilian , Veronezi Júnior José Luis , Ferreira Cristiane de Paula
Published: July 2009

No presente estudo a dieta de Aspidoras fuscoguttatus Nijssen & Isbrücker, 1976 foi analisada em exemplares procedentes de 18 riachos da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo, sistema do Alto Rio Paraná. Foram analisados os conteúdos gástricos de 246 indivíduos, com o registro de 26 tipos de itens alimentares e predominância de itens autóctones. Destes, larvas de Chironomidae, Simuliidae e Ceratopogonidae foram os mais importantes, mas a contribuição de detritos, tecamebas e fragmentos de vegetais variou de acordo com as características dos riachos. Enquanto em águas mais claras os itens alimentares podem ser visualmente selecionados pelos peixes, em águas mais turvas essa seleção pode ocorrer. Assim, a habilidade da espécie em obter recursos em riachos com fundos arenosos e águas turvas e a abundância de recursos (larvas de Chironomidae) são fatores que parecem explicar a elevada abundância e ampla ocorrência da espécie na região.
Rhodnius zeledoni sp. nov. afim de Rhodnius paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles, 1977 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)
Authors: Jurberg José , Rocha Dayse da Silva , Galvão Cleber
Published: July 2009

Uma nova espécie de Rhodnius é descrita e ilustrada baseada em um exemplar macho do nordeste brasileiro. O espécime foi encontrado morto e ressecado. Esta espécie pode ser separada da espécie afim, R. paraensis Sherlock, Guitton & Miles, pelo seu maior tamanho, pelo aspecto geral de coloração do corpo, pela cor uniforme das pernas, pelas diferentes proporções entre as estruturas morfológicas da cabeça e dos segmentos do rostro; ainda, na genitália masculina, pelo aspecto do processo mediano do pigóforo, do falosoma e de seu processo.
Herpetofauna dos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica da região de Tapiraí e Piedade, SP, sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Condez Thais Helena , Sawaya Ricardo Jannini , Dixo Marianna
Published: July 2009

Apresentamos aqui a lista de espécies de anfíbios e répteis registradas nos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica contínua e fragmentada da região de Tapiraí e Piedade, Planalto Atlântico de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. Amostramos 21 localidades na região, sendo 15 fragmentos florestais e seis localidades do interior e entorno do Parque Estadual do Jurupará, único remanescente legalmente protegido da região. Registramos 47 espécies de anfíbios anuros, uma espécie de gymnophiona, oito espécies de lagartos, uma espécie de anfisbena, 46 espécies de serpentes e uma espécie de quelônio. Esta lista conta com espécimes capturados pelos métodos de armadilhas de interceptação e queda, procura visual e auditiva, encontros ocasionais, capturas por terceiros e, no caso das serpentes, também por registros em coleção científica. A combinação entre métodos foi eficiente na amostragem da herpetofauna da região, evidenciando a necessidade de amostragem com métodos complementares. Os remanescentes de Tapiraí e Piedade apresentam espécies de anfíbios e répteis típicas de áreas de Mata Atlântica e alta riqueza de espécies, em relação a outros estudos realizados no planalto. A presença de espécies de distribuição restrita, ou presentes em listas de fauna ameaçada, reforçam a necessidade de conservação dos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica na região, que apesar de abrigar grande diversidade está ameaçada pelos efeitos da fragmentação florestal.
Ocurrence of the chestnut long-tongued bat Lionycteris spurrelli Thomas, 1913 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in the Northeastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Lira Thais de Castro , Pontes Antonio Rossano Mendes , Santos Katharine Raquel Pereira dos
Published: July 2009

During an inventory fieldwork carried out at Usina Salgado property in the county of Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil, we captured a Lionycteris spurrelli specimen in a forest fragment known as Mata do Mingú (8° 31' 29" S and 35° 03' 26" W). This marks the first occurrence for the northeast region and therefore, the first record for the state of Pernambuco, widening its distribution area within Atlantic Forest. The extension of the occurrence area points out this record as being the oriental limit for the species.
Perissophlebiodes flinti Savage (Ephemeroptera; Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae): novo registro, distribuição e comentários sobre sua identificação
Authors: Polegatto Cleber Macedo , Froehlich Claudio Gilberto
Published: July 2009

Perissophlebiodes flinti Savage 1982, descrita para o Estado do Rio de Janeiro, e sem registros desde 1977, é agora registrada para o Estado de São Paulo. São feitos comentários sobre a distribuição e sugestões para identificação das ninfas de Leptophlebiidae neotropicais com duas asas.
Food habits of snakes from the RPPN Feliciano Miguel Abdala, an Atlantic Forest fragment of southeastern Brazil
Authors: Palmuti Cesar Felipe de Souza , Cassimiro José , Bertoluci Jaime
Published: July 2009

We present data on the diet of 15 species of snakes belonging to a community from Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala, an Atlantic Forest fragment of Southeastern Brazil, based on their stomach contents. For 12 items we were able to determine the direction of the ingestion. Most snakes ingested the prey head-first. A cluster analysis was conducted with items grouped as chilopods, mollusks, adult anurans, anuran tadpoles, lizards, amphisbaenians, snakes, and rodents. The phylogenetic influence on diet preferences is discussed.
From incineration to advanced fluid-bed gasification of waste
Authors: Yassin L. , Lettieri P. , Simons S. , Castillo-Castillo A. , Leach M. , Ryu C. , Swithenbank J. , Sharifi V. N.
Published: July 2009

Energy recovery from municipal solid waste (MSW) is an important component of an integrated waste management strategy. This paper presents a critical assessment of traditional and more advanced process technologies for the thermal treatment of MSW. The study reports on the technical and economic performance of moving-grate incineration and fluidised-bed gasification processes for a medium-sized plant scale scenario of 100 kt/yr of waste input. Mass and energy balances of the processes are performed for generation of electric power using a steam turbine for the incineration process and a combined cycle gas turbine for the gasification process. The cost effectiveness of the two processes is assessed using a discounted cash flow analysis. The study shows that fluidised-bed gasification has better net electrical generation performance, with overall system efficiencies of 27% compared with 18% for incineration. In terms of economic performance, the gasification process has a lower capital cost (£26 million) and gate fee (£55/t) than incineration (£60 million and £80/t respectively). When the pre-treatment of waste was also taken into account, the fluid-bed gasification process still showed higher technical and economic competitiveness when compared with incineration.
Density, habitat use, and ranging patterns of red howler monkeys in a Colombian Andean forest
Authors: Gómez-Posada Carolina , Martínez Jesús , Giraldo Paula , Kattan Gustavo H.
Published: July 2009

We studied habitat use and ranging patterns of five red howler monkey troops for six months in a lower montane forest in the Colombian Andes. The study area is a mosaic of mature and secondary forest and non-commercial ash, pine and oak plantations that were established as part of a reforestation program. Home ranges (10 ± 3 ha) and daily distances traveled (554 ± 248 m) were similar to those reported for lowland habitats. Home range use differed between groups using mature forest versus secondary forest and plantations, reflecting structural differences between habitat types. We estimated a density of 0.72 individuals and 0.1 groups per hectare. This high density is related to the protected status of the study area and the howler monkeys’ behavioral plasticity, which has allowed them to colonize new environments such as plantations.
An experimental census method and estimates of population density of a black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) highland population in the Sierra Yalijux, Guatemala
Authors: Renner Swen C. , Rieser Regula , Horwich Robert H.
Published: July 2009

Groups of the Guatemalan black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in a fragmented northern Guatemalan cloud forest in the Sierra Yalijux were analyzed for group composition and size using an ornithological census technique. Audio and visual records were combined to estimate each group’s home range size. The 361 observations in 2002 estimated 50 individuals in seven groups. Two home range classes were observed with ≤ 1.87 ha and ≥ 2.87 ha. Compared to other recent studies, the density of A. pigra in the Sierra Yalijux is considerably higher than in other areas (83.3/km2 vs. 15.1/km2 in Quintana Roo and 23.0/km2 in Palenque) but about half the density found in Belize (178/km2). We discuss the relevance of the ornithology assessment method for howler monkeys.
Ultrasonic device for real-time sewage velocity and suspended particles concentration measurements
Authors: Abda F. , Azbaid A. , Ensminger D. , Fischer S. , François P. , Schmitt P. , Pallarès A.
Published: July 2009

In the frame of a technological research and innovation network in water and environment technologies (RITEAU, Réseau de Recherche et d'Innovation Technologique Eau et Environnement), our research group, in collaboration with industrial partners and other research institutions, has been in charge of the development of a suitable flowmeter: an ultrasonic device measuring simultaneously the water flow and the concentration of size classes of suspended particles.

Working on the pulsed ultrasound principle, our multi-frequency device (1 to 14 MHz) allows flow velocity and water height measurement and estimation of suspended solids concentration.

Velocity measurements rely on the coherent Doppler principle. A self developed frequency estimator, so called Spectral Identification method, was used and compared to the classical Pulse-Pair method. Several measurements campaigns on one wastewater collector of the French city of Strasbourg gave very satisfactory results and showed smaller standard deviation values for the Doppler frequency extracted by the Spectral Identification method.

A specific algorithm was also developed for the water height measurements. It relies on the water surface acoustic impedance rupture and its peak localisation and behaviour in the collected backscattering data. This algorithm was positively tested on long time measurements on the same wastewater collector.

A large part of the article is devoted to the measurements of the suspended solids concentrations. Our data analysis consists in the adaptation of the well described acoustic behaviour of sand to the behaviour of wastewater particles. Both acoustic attenuation and acoustic backscattering data over multiple frequencies are analyzed for the extrapolation of size classes and respective concentrations. Under dry weather conditions, the massic backscattering coefficient and the overall size distribution showed similar evolution whatever the measurement site was and were suggesting a global wastewater particles behaviour. By comparison to sampling data, our data analysis lead to the characterization of two particle groups: the ones occurring during rain events and the ones typical of wastewater under dry weather conditions. Even with already encouraging results on the several weeks of data recorded on several wastewater collectors, the validation of our data inversion method is still under progress.
Sorption behavior of a synthetic antioxidant, polycyclic musk, and an organophosphate insecticide in wastewater sludge
Authors: Thomas S. M. , Bodour A. A. , Murray K. E. , Inniss E. C.
Published: July 2009

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are chemicals that are currently unregulated due to limited understanding of health effects and limited data regarding occurrence. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) receive many ECs as components of influent waste and the removal of organic contaminants, such as ECs, occurs primarily by sorption to sludge. Therefore, it is important to develop measures of sorption behavior by ECs to sludge. This study evaluates sorption of three ECs: 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) a synthetic antioxidant, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta(g)-2-benzopyrane (HHCB) a polycyclic musk, and chlorpyrifos a organophosphate insecticide.

Twenty-four hour laboratory-scale sorption experiments were conducted for each compound individually and then in combination, which allowed the quantification of sorption onto wastewater sludge and the affects of multiple compounds. ECs in both the liquid and solid phases were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (GC/FID).

Isotherms of individual sorption behavior followed a linear trend (R2>0.9) for individual ECs, while Kd averaged 2,689 L kg−1, 27,786 L kg−1 and 31,402 L kg−1 for BHA, chlorpyrifos and HHCB, respectively. Sorption behavior for BHA was linear during combined studies with Kd of 1,766 L kg−1 or a decrease of 34%, while HHCB and chlorpyrifos followed non-linear isotherm models. Synergistic effects were observed with spike concentrations ≥25 mg L−1 for HHCB and ≥20 mg L−1 for chlorpyrifos. Kd values ranged from 16,984–6,000,000 L kg−1 for HHCB and 19,536–3,000,000 L kg−1 for chlorpyrifos. These distribution coefficients differed substantially from previously published values, mainly because few studies used sludge as the sorption media. Results suggest that HHCB and chlorpyrifos may be contained in the sludge unlike BHA, which is more available in the aqueous phase. Future investigations should evaluate WWTP processes for degrading ECs to harmless products and releases of ECs from sludge.
Stormwater infiltration trenches: a conceptual modelling approach
Authors: Freni Gabriele , Mannina Giorgio , Viviani Gaspare
Published: July 2009

In recent years, limitations linked to traditional urban drainage schemes have been pointed out and new approaches are developing introducing more natural methods for retaining and/or disposing of stormwater. These mitigation measures are generally called Best Management Practices or Sustainable Urban Drainage System and they include practices such as infiltration and storage tanks in order to reduce the peak flow and retain part of the polluting components. The introduction of such practices in urban drainage systems entails an upgrade of existing modelling frameworks in order to evaluate their efficiency in mitigating the impact of urban drainage systems on receiving water bodies. While storage tank modelling approaches are quite well documented in literature, some gaps are still present about infiltration facilities mainly dependent on the complexity of the involved physical processes. In this study, a simplified conceptual modelling approach for the simulation of the infiltration trenches is presented. The model enables to assess the performance of infiltration trenches. The main goal is to develop a model that can be employed for the assessment of the mitigation efficiency of infiltration trenches in an integrated urban drainage context. Particular care was given to the simulation of infiltration structures considering the performance reduction due to clogging phenomena. The proposed model has been compared with other simplified modelling approaches and with a physically based model adopted as benchmark. The model performed better compared to other approaches considering both unclogged facilities and the effect of clogging. On the basis of a long-term simulation of six years of rain data, the performance and the effectiveness of an infiltration trench measure are assessed. The study confirmed the important role played by the clogging phenomenon on such infiltration structures.
Evidence of traffic-related pollutant control in soil-based Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
Authors: Napier F. , Jefferies C. , Heal K. V. , Fogg P. , Arcy B. J. D. , Clarke R.
Published: July 2009

SUDS are being increasingly employed to control highway runoff and have the potential to protect groundwater and surface water quality by minimising the risks of both point and diffuse sources of pollution. While these systems are effective at retaining polluted solids by filtration and sedimentation processes, less is known of the detail of pollutant behaviour within SUDS structures. This paper reports on investigations carried out as part of a co-ordinated programme of controlled studies and field measurements at soft-engineered SUDS undertaken in the UK, observing the accumulation and behaviour of traffic-related heavy metals, oil and PAHs. The field data presented were collected from two extended detention basins serving the M74 motorway in the south-west of Scotland. Additional data were supplied from an experimental lysimeter soil core leaching study. Results show that basin design influences pollutant accumulation and behaviour in the basins. Management and/or control strategies are discussed for reducing the impact of traffic-related pollutants on the aqueous environment.
Capillary nanofiltration coupled with powdered activated carbon adsorption for high quality water reuse
Authors: Kazner C. , Meier J. , Wintgens T. , Melin T.
Published: July 2009

Direct capillary nanofiltration was tested for reclamation of tertiary effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. This process can be regarded as a promising treatment alternative for high quality water reuse applications when combined with powdered activated carbon for enhanced removal of organic compounds. The nanofiltration was operated at flux levels between 20 and 25 L/(m2 h) at a transmembrane pressure difference of 2–3 bar for approximately 4,000 operating hours. The study was conducted with PAC doses in the range from 0 to 50 mg/L. The plant removal for DOC ranged from 88–98%. The sulfate retention of the membrane filtration process was between 87 and 96%. The process provided a consistently high permeate quality with respect to organic and inorganic key parameters.
What Kind of Citizenship for European Higher Education? Beyond the Competent Active Citizen
Authors: Biesta Gert
Published: July 2009

How might European higher education contribute to the promotion and development of European citizenship? In this article, the author addresses this question through a critical discussion of the notions of ‘active citizenship’ and ‘civic competence’, which play a central role in current policy and research on the role of education in the development of European citizenship. The author argues that there is a tendency within the idea of ‘active citizenship’ to depoliticise the very idea of citizenship because it is based upon a consensus notion of democracy and a functionalist understanding of citizenship and the formation of citizens. The author also argues that the idea of civic competence reduces civic learning and political education to a form of socialisation which undermines rather than supports political agency. For these reasons, the author argues that European higher education should not aim to become a socialising agent for the production of the competent active citizen but should seek to support modes of political action and civic learning that embody a commitment to a more critical and more political form of European citizenship than what is envisaged in the ideas of ‘active citizenship’ and ‘civic competence’.
Effect of the Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1/CC Chemokine Receptor 2 System on Nephrin Expression in Streptozotocin-Treated Mice and Human Cultured Podocytes
Authors: Tarabra Elena , Giunti Sara , Barutta Federica , Salvidio Gennaro , Burt Davina , Deferrari Giacomo , Gambino Roberto , Vergola Daniela , Pinach Silvia , Perin Paolo Cavallo , Camussi Giovanni , Gruden Gabriella
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a chemokine binding to the CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and promoting monocyte infiltration, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. To assess the potential relevance of the MCP-1/CCR2 system in the pathogenesis of diabetic proteinuria, we studied in vitro if MCP-1 binding to the CCR2 receptor modulates nephrin expression in cultured podocytes. Moreover, we investigated in vivo if glomerular CCR2 expression is altered in kidney biopsies from patients with diabetic nephropathy and whether lack of MCP-1 affects proteinuria and expression of nephrin in experimental diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Expression of nephrin was assessed in human podocytes exposed to rh-MCP-1 by immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. Glomerular CCR2 expression was studied in 10 kidney sections from patients with overt nephropathy and eight control subjects by immunohistochemistry. Both wild-type and MCP-1 knockout mice were made diabetic with streptozotocin. Ten weeks after the onset of diabetes, albuminuria and expression of nephrin, synaptopodin, and zonula occludens-1 were examined by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

In human podocytes, MCP-1 binding to the CCR2 receptor induced a significant reduction in nephrin both mRNA and protein expression via a Rho-dependent mechanism. The MCP-1 receptor, CCR2, was overexpressed in the glomerular podocytes of patients with overt nephropathy. In experimental diabetes, MCP-1 was overexpressed within the glomeruli and the absence of MCP-1 reduced both albuminuria and downregulation of nephrin and synaptopodin.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the MCP-1/CCR2 system may be relevant in the pathogenesis of proteinuria in diabetes.
A Systematic Meta-Analysis of Genetic Association Studies for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Abhary Sotoodeh , Hewitt Alex W. , Burdon Kathryn P. , Craig Jamie E.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic retinopathy is a sight-threatening microvascular complication of diabetes with a complex multifactorial pathogenesis. A systematic meta-analysis was undertaken to collectively assess genetic studies and determine which previously investigated polymorphisms are associated with diabetic retinopathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All studies investigating the association of genetic variants with the development of diabetic retinopathy were identified in PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated for single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellite markers previously investigated in at least two published studies.

RESULTS

Twenty genes and 34 variants have previously been studied in multiple cohorts. The aldose reductase (AKR1B1) gene was found to have the largest number of polymorphisms significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy. The z−2 micro satellite was found to confer risk (OR 2.33 [95% CI 1.49–3.64], P = 2 × 10−4) in type 1 and type 2 diabetes and z+2 to confer protection (0.58 [0.36–0.93], P = 0.02) against diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes regardless of ethnicity. The T allele of the AKR1B1 promoter rs759853 variant is also significantly protective against diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes (0.5 [0.35–0.71], P = 1.00 × 10−4), regardless of ethnicity. These associations were also found in the white population alone (P < 0.05). Polymorphisms in NOS3, VEGF, ITGA2, and ICAM1 are also associated with diabetic retinopathy after meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations within the AKR1B1 gene are highly significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy development irrespective of ethnicity. Identification of genetic risk factors in diabetic retinopathy will assist in further understanding of this complex and debilitating diabetes complication.
Selective Inhibition of Protein Kinase C β2 Attenuates Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase–Mediated Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Nagareddy Prabhakara Reddy , Soliman Hesham , Lin Guorong , Rajput Padmesh S. , Kumar Ujendra , McNeill John H. , MacLeod Kathleen M.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Impaired cardiovascular function in diabetes is partially attributed to pathological overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cardiovascular tissues. We examined whether the hyperglycemia-induced increased expression of iNOS is protein kinase C-β2 (PKCβ2) dependent and whether selective inhibition of PKCβ reduces iNOS expression and corrects abnormal hemodynamic function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cardiomyocytes and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from nondiabetic rats were cultured in low (5.5 mmol/l) or high (25 mmol/l) glucose or mannitol (19.5 mmol/l mannitol + 5.5 mmol/l glucose) conditions in the presence of a selective PKCβ inhibitor, LY333531 (20 nmol/l). Further, the in vivo effects of PKCβ inhibition on iNOS-mediated cardiovascular abnormalities were tested in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

RESULTS

Exposure of cardiomyocytes to high glucose activated PKCβ2 and increased iNOS expression that was prevented by LY333531. Similarly, treatment of VSMC with LY333531 prevented high glucose–induced activation of nuclear factor κB, extracellular signal–related kinase, and iNOS overexpression. Suppression of PKCβ2 expression by small interference RNA decreased high-glucose–induced nuclear factor κB and extracellular signal–related kinase activation and iNOS expression in VSMC. Administration of LY333531 (1 mg/kg/day) decreased iNOS expression and formation of peroxynitrite in the heart and superior mesenteric arteries and corrected the cardiovascular abnormalities in STZ-induced diabetic rats, an action that was also observed with a selective iNOS inhibitor, L-NIL.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results suggest that inhibition of PKCβ2 may be a useful approach for correcting abnormal hemodynamics in diabetes by preventing iNOS mediated nitrosative stress.
Preservation of β-Cell Function in Autoantibody-Positive Youth With Diabetes
Authors: Greenbaum Carla J. , Anderson Andrea M. , Dolan Lawrence M. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Dabelea Dana , Imperatore Giuseppina , Marcovina Santica , Pihoker Catherine ,   for the SEARCH Study Group
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent of β-cell function in youth with diabetes and GAD65 and/or IA2 autoantibodies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fasting C-peptide levels from 2,789 GAD65- and/or IA2 autoantibody-positive youth aged 1–23 years from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study were used. Preserved β-cell function was defined on the basis of cut points derived from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) (fasting C-peptide ≥0.23 ng/ml) and from the U.S. adolescent population of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 5th percentile for fasting C-peptide (≥1.0 ng/ml). We compared the clinical characteristics between those with and without preserved β-cell function.

RESULTS

Within the first year of diagnosis, 82.9% of youth had a fasting C-peptide ≥0.23 ng/ml and 31.2% had values ≥1.0 ng/ml. Among those with ≥5 years of diabetes duration, 10.7% had preserved β-cell function based on the DCCT cutoff and 1.0% were above the 5th percentile of the NHANES population.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the 1st year of diagnosis, four of five youth with autoantibody-positive diabetes have clinically significant amounts of residual β-cell function and about one-third have fasting C-peptide levels above the 5th percentile of a healthy adolescent population. Even 5 years after diagnosis, 1 of 10 has fasting C-peptide above a clinically significant threshold. These findings have implications for clinical classification of youth with diabetes as well as clinical trials aimed to preserve β-cell function after diabetes onset.
Abdominal Adiposity Is Associated With Elevated C-Reactive Protein Independent of BMI in Healthy Nonobese People
Authors: Lapice Emanuela , Maione Simona , Patti Lidia , Cipriano Paola , Rivellese Angela A. , Riccardi Gabriele , Vaccaro Olga
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

There is debate over the most appropriate adiposity markers of obesity-associated health risks. We evaluated the relationship between fat distribution and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), independent of total adiposity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 350 people with abdominal adiposity (waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] ≥0.9 in male and ≥0.85 in female subjects) and 199 control subjects (WHR <0.9 in male and <0.85 in female subjects) matched for BMI and age. We measured hs-CRP and major cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Participants with abdominal adiposity had BMI similar to that in control subjects (24.8 ± 2.5 vs. 24.7 ± 2.2 kg/m2, respectively), but significantly higher waist circumference (96.4 ± 6.0 vs. 83.3 ± 6.7 cm; P < 0.01) and WHR (1.07 ± 0.08 vs. 0.85 ± 0.05; P < 0.001). Compared with the control subjects, participants with abdominal adiposity had an adverse cardiovascular risk factor profile, significantly higher hs-CRP (1.96 ± 2.60 vs. 1.53 ± 1.74 mg/dl; P < 0.01), and a twofold prevalence of elevated CRP values (>3 mg/dl).

CONCLUSIONS

In nonobese people, moderate abdominal adiposity is associated with markers of subclinical inflammation independent of BMI.
Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycemia in a Population-Based Sample of Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ly Trang T. , Gallego Patricia H. , Davis Elizabeth A. , Jones Timothy W.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and clinical associations of impaired awareness of hypoglycemia in a population-based sample of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A validated questionnaire was administered to 656 patients with type 1 diabetes over a 6-month period to determine hypoglycemia awareness status. Case ascertainment was 79% of the clinic population. The rate of severe hypoglycemia was determined by data collected prospectively in the preceding year.

RESULTS

Impaired awareness of hypoglycemia was present in 29% of patients. Patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia had an earlier onset of diabetes (P < 0.001), were younger (P < 0.001), and had lower mean levels of A1C since diabetes onset (P = 0.006) and at their last visit (P = 0.001). The overall rate of severe hypoglycemia was 24.5 episodes per 100 patient-years in the preceding year. The severe hypoglycemia rate was higher in those with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (37.1 vs. 19.3 episodes per 100 patient-years, P < 0.001). Among patients aged <6 years (n = 46), 59% of care providers reported impaired awareness of hypoglycemia, and the rate of severe hypoglycemia was significantly higher in those reporting impaired awareness (33.3 vs. 52 episodes per 100 patient-years, P = 0.02). More patients with recurrent hypoglycemia reported impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (47 vs. 28%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes have impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. Screening for impaired awareness is an important component of routine diabetes care and can identify patients at increased risk of a severe hypoglycemic event.
Changes in Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity in Relation to the Glycemic Outcomes in Subjects With Impaired Glucose Tolerance in the Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme-1 (IDPP-1)
Authors: Snehalatha Chamukuttan , Mary Simon , Selvam Sundaram , Sathish Kumar Cholaiyil Kizhakathil , Shetty Samith Babu Ananth , Nanditha Arun , Ramachandran Ambady
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

The Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme-1 (IDPP-1) showed that lifestyle modification (LSM) and metformin were effective for primary prevention of diabetes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Among subjects followed up for 3 years (n = 502), risk reductions versus those for the control group were 28.5, 26.4, and 28.2% in LSM, metformin (MET), and LSM plus MET groups, respectively. In this analysis, the roles of changes in secretion and action of insulin in improving the outcome were studied.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

For this analysis, 437 subjects (93 subjects with normoglycemia [NGT], 150 subjects with IGT, and 194 subjects with diabetes) were included. Measurements of anthropometry, plasma glucose, and plasma insulin at baseline and at follow-up were available for all of them. Indexes of insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) and β-cell function (insulinogenic index [ΔI/G]: 30-min fasting insulin divided by 30-min glucose) were also analyzed in relation to the outcome.

RESULTS

Subjects with IGT showed a deterioration in β-cell function with time. Individuals with higher insulin resistance and/or low β-cell function at baseline had poor outcome on follow-up. In relation to no abnormalities, the highest incidence of diabetes occurred when both abnormalities coexisted (54.9 vs. 33.7%, χ2 = 7.53, P = 0.006). Individuals having abnormal insulin resistance (41.1%) or abnormal ΔI/G (51.2%, χ2 = 4.87, P = 0.027 vs. no abnormalities) had lower incidence. Normal β-cell function with improved insulin sensitivity facilitated reversal to NGT, whereas deterioration in both resulted in diabetes. The beneficial changes were better with intervention than in the control group. Intervention groups had higher rates of NGT and lower rates of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

In the IDPP-1 subjects, beneficial outcomes occurred because of improved insulin action and sensitivity caused by the intervention strategies.
Classification of Echolocation Calls from 14 Species of Bat by Support Vector Machines and Ensembles of Neural Networks
Authors: Redgwell Robert  D. , Szewczak Joseph  M. , Jones Gareth , Parsons Stuart
Published: July 2009

Calls from 14 species of bat were classified to genus and species using discriminant function analysis (DFA), support vector machines (SVM) and ensembles of neural networks (ENN). Both SVMs and ENNs outperformed DFA for every species while ENNs (mean identification rate – 97%) consistently outperformed SVMs (mean identification rate – 87%). Correct classification rates produced by the ENNs varied from 91% to 100%; calls from six species were correctly identified with 100% accuracy. Calls from the five species of Myotis, a genus whose species are considered difficult to distinguish acoustically, had correct identification rates that varied from 91 – 100%. Five parameters were most important for classifying calls correctly while seven others contributed little to classification performance.