bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Materiais cerâmicos de inserção aplicados a baterias de íons lítio
Authors: Pesquero N. C. , Bueno P. R. , Varela J. A. , Longo E.
Published: August 2008

Esta revisão visa ser uma introdução à aplicação de materiais cerâmicos em dispositivos de armazenamento de energia, em especial baterias secundárias de íons lítio, dispositivos nos quais os materiais cerâmicos, especialmente óxidos, são muito importantes em todas as partes do dispositivo. A revisão está focada nos materiais cerâmicos para catodos e anodos, partes chaves destes dispositivos. Ela tem por principal finalidade ser uma fonte de informação para aqueles que desejem trabalhar com o desenvolvimento de materiais cerâmicos para tais tipos de dispositivos. Aspectos relacionados à nanotecnologia e materiais óxidos nanoestruturados para esta área são discutidos ao final do artigo.
Synthesis of stabilized zirconia without dopants
Authors: Pessoa R. C. , Cerqueira M. , Nasar R. S. , Yoshida I. V. P.
Published: August 2008

ZrO2-SiO2 powders were synthesized through Pechini's method starting with D4Vi, PMS and zirconium citrate. The complex polymer was decomposed to form different phases at high temperatures. During the resin decomposition, the phase transformation from monoclinic to tetragonal zirconia was detected by thermal analysis. The crystallization and the diffusion process of Si and Zr were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, XRD, scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis by EDS. Tetragonal zirconia at 1000 ºC, monoclinic zirconia at 1200 ºC and monoclinic zirconia with cristobalite silica from 1300 º to 1400 ºC were formed. From 1000 ºC to 1300 ºC a diffuse amorphous band was related to the silica phase. The mapping of Kα line of Zr and Si showed low diffusion of Si into the ZrO2 structure. The kinetics of crystallization formed macroparticles of silica and small particles of zirconia. A diffusion interface between SiO2 and ZrO2 to form ZrSiO4 phase was not observed, confirmed by XRD.
Aditivos de secagem para concretos refratários: pó de alumínio e fibras poliméricas
Authors: Salomão R. , Bittencourt L. R. M. , Pandolfelli V. C.
Published: August 2008

Concretos refratários são usualmente materiais de baixas porosidade e permeabilidade. Devido a isso, a retirada da água adicionada às formulações durante a mistura deve ser feita de modo cuidadoso para minimizar os riscos de explosão e danos mecânicos envolvidos. Por outro lado, a crescente utilização de concretos refratários em revestimentos de calcinadores para a indústria de alumínio e o período de lucro cessante durante essa etapa do processamento desses materiais indica que programas de aquecimento otimizados possam se tornar um importante diferencial competitivo para as empresas. Na tentativa de conciliar esses aspectos, aditivos para facilitar o processo de secagem e torná-lo mais seguro foram desenvolvidos. Entre os principais, destacam-se o pó de alumínio, as fibras poliméricas convencionais e as de alto desempenho. Neste trabalho, são apresentados seus mecanismos de atuação e comparações em relação às condições que otimizam seu desempenho.
Processos de significação na relação professor-alunos: uma perspectiva sociocultural construtivista
Authors: Tacca Maria Carmen Villela Rosa , Branco Angela Uchoa
Published: August 2008

Neste artigo consideramos que o fracasso escolar é um fenômeno persistente que exige análises empíricas e teóricas acerca dos processos de significação envolvidos na dinâmica das interações professor-aluno relacionados com as relações ensino-aprendizagem. Com base na abordagem sociocultural construtivista, o estudo analisa a interação de fatores socioculturais com a participação ativa do indivíduo, destacando a unidade cognição-afeto. Os processos interativos atuam como mobilizadores da construção do conhecimento ao longo de convergências e divergências nas interações, especialmente nas negociações quanto aos objetivos e desenvolvimento de atividades pedagógicas. Duas turmas de segunda série do ensino fundamental foram investigadas, sendo destacados os resultados de análises microgenéticas das interações, que apontaram para crenças e estratégias comunicativas e metacomunicativas que podem favorecer ou dificultar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. A conclusão aponta para o fato dos processos de significação estarem apoiados na metacomunicação e na unidade cognição-afeto, que direcionam as possibilidades de aprendizagem.
O processo de significação no tempo narrativo: uma proposta metodológica
Authors: Ribeiro Anália Keila , Lyra Maria C. D. P.
Published: August 2008

Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia de análise considerando o tempo como conceito central na construção de significados em narrativas (Ricoeur, 1994). As bases teórico-metodológicas dão suporte à proposição de três dimensões de análise, chamadas mimesis I, II e III. Mimesis I é descrita e exemplificada. Esta primeira mimesis se refere ao necessário acordo prévio entre autor e audiência acerca do mundo da ação narrada. A análise de uma narrativa escrita por uma estudante do ensino médio acerca de sua experiência escolar provê uma ilustração de como o tempo se torna espacializado como cronotopos, constituindo o cenário para a construção de significados (Bakhtin, 1986, 2000). Tais cenários oferecem o locus no qual as possibilidades e dificuldades envolvidas na transformação e no desenvolvimento do autor criam os significados de sua experiência. Eles também fornecem elementos para a identificação de interfaces entre o desenvolvimento individual e o ambiente social e cultural no qual este desenvolvimento ocorre.
Instrumentos de inteligência e interesses em orientação profissional
Authors: Godoy Silvia , Noronha Ana Paula Porto , Ambiel Rodolfo Augusto Matteo , Nunes Maiana Farias Oliveira
Published: August 2008

O uso de instrumentos psicometricamente ajustados ao contexto em que serão utilizados é fundamental para a confiabilidade de processos de avaliação psicológica. Em situações de orientação profissional, tal preceito tem igual importância, uma vez que a análise de diferentes construtos deve levar o sujeito a melhor se conhecer, proporcionando uma escolha adequada da profissão. O objetivo desse estudo foi correlacionar diferentes instrumentos de avaliação de interesses profissionais e inteligência, aplicados a 312 participantes de um programa de orientação profissional, com média de idade de 16,13 anos (DP = 2,07). Os resultados mostraram algumas correlações significativas entre BPR-5 e LIP, por um lado, e entre o INV e Angelini de outro. Novos estudos com amostras maiores e mais heterogêneas geograficamente são sugeridos, a fim de se obter mais evidências de validade, principalmente para os instrumentos ainda não aprovados pelo Conselho Federal de Psicologia.
População fúngica em solo cultivado com amendoim influenciada pela calagem, pelo genótipo e época de amostragem
Authors: Pereira Eusinia Louzada , Rossetto Claudia Antonia Vieira
Published: August 2008

Os fungos do grupo Aspergillus flavus podem ser encontrados tanto no solo e no ar, como em frutos de amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.). Objetivou-se, no trabalho avaliar o efeito da calagem, do cultivar e da época de amostragem na população de fungos no solo cultivado com amendoim, na época das águas, no município de Seropédica. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcela subsubdividida, com oito repetições de campo, sendo cada uma delas representada por três repetições de laboratório. As parcelas constaram de presença e ausência de calcário, as subparcelas de seis cultivares (Tatu ST, Botutatu, IAC 5, IAC 22, BR 1 e Caiapó) e as subsubparcelas por três épocas de amostragem (semeadura, 96 e 120 dias após a semeadura - DAS). Pelos resultados, pode-se concluir que houve menor população do grupo A. flavus e de Fusarium sp. e maior de Rhizopus sp. nas amostras de solo com menores valores de pH e saturação por bases (V%), quando realizadas aos 120 DAS, período com maior teor de água no solo, independente do cultivar de amendoim e da calagem.
Rendimento de maxixe em função de doses P2O5 em solo arenoso
Authors: Oliveira Ademar Pereira de , Oliveira Arnaldo Nonato Pereira de , Alves Edna Ursulino , Alves Anarlete Ursulino , Leonardo Francisco de Assis Pereira , Santos Rodolfo Ravaneda
Published: August 2008

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a produção de maxixe em função de doses de P2O5, em Neossolo Regolítico Psamítico Típico. A pesquisa foi conduzida na área experimental da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, em Areia, entre maio e setembro/2006. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos (0, 60, 120, 180, 240 e 300 kg ha-1 de P2O5), e quatro repetições. Foram utilizadas parcelas com 32 plantas, espaçadas de 2,00 x 1,00 m. O número máximo de frutos por planta (27) foi obtido na dose máxima de 300 kg ha-1 de P2O5. A produção máxima estimada de frutos (14,5 t ha-1) ocorreu com 192 kg ha-1 de P2O5. A dose de P2O5 que proporcionou maior retorno econômico foi 185 kg ha-1, com produção de 14490 kg ha-1 de frutos, o que representa um incremento de 11575 kg ha-1 de frutos. A dose mais econômica representou 96% daquela responsável pela máxima produção. O teor de P Mehlich no solo que se correlacionou com a máxima produção foi 145 mg dm-3 e com a máxima econômica foi 142 mg dm-3 de P.
Tangerineiras como porta-enxertos para laranjeira 'Pêra'
Authors: Pompeu Junior Jorgino , Blumer Silvia , Pompeu Georgia Bertoni
Published: August 2008

Laranjeiras 'Pêra' enxertadas em 11 cultivares ou híbridos de tangerineiras foram plantadas em 1988 em Itirapina (SP), num Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo textura arenosa, no espaçamento 4,25m x 7,5m e conduzidas sem irrigação sob clima Cwa. Tristeza e declínio são endêmicos na região. As tangerineiras 'África do Sul', 'Xienkhouanga', 'Empress', 'Cleópatra', 'Wildt', 117.477 e 'Sul da África', sem diferirem entre si, induziram, em ordem decrescente, as maiores produções de frutos às laranjeiras 'Pêra', no total das quatro primeiras colheitas do experimento. Num total de nove colheitas, as cultivares Xienkhouanga, África do Sul, 117.477, Cleópatra, Empress, Wildt e Szinkon x Tizon, sem diferirem entre si, proporcionaram, em ordem decrescente, as maiores produções de frutos às laranjeiras 'Pêra'. Os porta-enxertos não determinaram diferenças significativas nas características comerciais dos frutos, porém a 'Cleópatra' induziu maturação mais precoce que os demais porta-enxertos. Apenas a 'Szwinkon' x 'Szinkon-tizon' proporcionou a formação de plantas nanicas, com altura inferior a 2,5m. Os dados médios de produção de frutos e de sólidos solúveis, concernentes a três anos consecutivos de colheita, revelaram que as laranjeiras 'Pêra' enxertadas nas tangerineiras 'Xienkhouanga' e 117.477, sem diferir das plantas enxertadas nas cultivares África do Sul, Cleópatra, Empress, Wildt e Szinkon x Tizon, foram significativamente mais produtivas em frutos e em sólidos solúveis que as enxertadas em 'Sul da África', 'Vermelha', 'Muscia' e 'Szwinkon' x 'Szinkon-tizon'. Nenhuma das plantas apresentou sintomas de intolerância à tristeza, ao declínio dos citros ou anel de goma na região de enxertia, considerado sintoma de incompatibilidade entre a copa e o porta-enxerto.
Efeito de Bixa orellana na alteração de características de ovos de galinhas
Authors: Harder Marcia Nalesso Costa , Brazaca Solange Guidolin Canniatti , Savino Vicente José Maria , Coelho Antonio Augusto Domingos
Published: August 2008

Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, avaliar os efeitos da adição de urucum (Bixa orellana L.) na ração de galinhas poedeiras, quanto à possível interferência na qualidade dos ovos. Para obtenção das amostras foram utilizados 125 animais, divididos em cinco tratamentos: Controle (0% - T1) e quatro tratamentos com adição de urucum na ração (0,5% - T2; 1,0% - T3; 1,5% - T4 e 2,0% - T5). Os animais foram separados aleatoriamente em cinco blocos de cinco animais, totalizando 25 animais por parcela. Os ovos, após coletados, foram classificados usando ovoscópio, pesados, realizada análise de gravidade específica, unidade Haugh, altura de albúmen e gema, espessura da casca, diâmetro e índice de gema. As diferentes dietas não afetaram: peso; gravidade específica; altura do albumén; espessura da casca; altura de gema; diâmetro de gema. Pôde ser observado que a adição de urucum, na ração de poedeiras, não alterou a maior parte dos parâmetros de qualidade física do ovo, somente a unidade Haugh e o índice de gema apresentaram diferença (p<0,05).
Ocorrência de aflatoxinas em arroz consumido por militares do Exército Brasileiro por cromatografia em camada delgada e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência
Authors: Silva Jader Oliveira da , Cândido Lys Mary Bileski , Novello Daiana
Published: August 2008

Fungos do gênero Aspergillus como A. flavus e A. parasiticus são capazes de produzir metabólitos secundários tóxicos denominados aflatoxinas. Estas espécies podem se desenvolver rapidamente em cereais sob condições favoráveis. A partir do conhecimento dos riscos à saúde decorrentes da presença de aflatoxinas em alimentos, foi realizado um levantamento para avaliar a presença de aflatoxinas em arroz beneficiado polido tipo I, destinado ao consumo dos militares do Exército Brasileiro. As amostras foram coletadas no armazém do 5º Batalhão de Suprimento do Exército Brasileiro, Curitiba-PR no período de novembro de 2003 a fevereiro de 2004 e avaliada a ocorrência de aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2, utilizando-se as técnicas de Cromatografia em Camada Delgada (CCD) e Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, contribuir com o controle de qualidade dos alimentos consumidos pelos militares da 5º Região Militar do Exército Brasileiro, no que se refere ao controle dos níveis de aflatoxinas e comparar as técnicas de CCD e CLAE. Do total de 30 amostras analisadas por cromatografia em camada delgada, não foi verificada em nenhuma a presença de aflatoxinas. De 26 amostras analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, seis (23,07%) apresentaram positividade para aflatoxina B1 (AFB1), com níveis entre 0,54 e 2,04µg/kg e uma (3,84%) apresentou presença de aflatoxina B2 (AFB2) com 1,84µg/kg.
Desempenho e características do sêmen de galos leves submetidos a diferentes fotoperíodos
Authors: Maciel Mônica Patrícia , Cotta Judas Tadeu de Barros , Murgas Luis David Solis , Freitas Rilke Tadeu Fonseca de
Published: August 2008

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de diferentes fotoperíodos sobre o desempenho e características do sêmen de galos de linhagem leve, foi conduzido um experimento no Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Lavras. Foram utilizados 24 galos da linhagem Lohman LSL com idade inicial de 19 semanas, sendo os mesmos submetidos a 3 tratamentos: 1) fotoperíodo contínuo; 2) fotoperíodo intermitente e 3) fotoperíodo natural crescente. As aves foram alojadas em galpão dividido em 3 ambientes, de forma que a iluminação de um, não interferisse na do outro. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com 8 repetições, sendo a unidade experimental constituída de 1 galo. O período experimental teve duração de 20 semanas e as variáveis avaliadas foram: consumo de ração (g/ave/dia); peso corporal (g); produção de sêmen (ml), motilidade (%) e vigor espermáticos (0 a 5), concentração espermática (número de células x 10(9)), número de células de sêmen totais (NCT- volume x concentração) e morfologia espermática (alterações de cabeça, cauda e alterações totais). Os galos submetidos ao fotoperíodo contínuo apresentaram maior consumo de ração (P<0,05), não havendo influência significativa (P>0,05) dos fotoperíodos sobre as demais variáveis. Concluiu-se que os fotoperíodos contínuo, intermitente ou natural crescente podem ser utilizados em galpões abertos para galos leves durante o período reprodutivo, sem prejuízo às características do sêmen.
Archisepsis scabra (Loew 1861) (Diptera: Sepsidae), new host for the parasitoid Triplasta coxalis (Ashmead, 1865) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Eucoilinae) in Brazil
Authors: Marchiori Carlos Henrique , Ferreira Marcos Evangelista , Barbaresco Luiz Fernando
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study is to report the first occurrence of the parasitoid Triplasta coxalis (Ashmead, 1865) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Eucoilinae) in pupae of Archisepsis scabra (Loew, 1861) (Diptera: Sepsidae) in cattle dung in Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Monte Alegre, MG. One obtained the pupae through the flotation method. They were individually placed in gelatin capsules until the emergence of the adult dipterous or their parasitoids. Fourty seven pupae of A. scabra were obtained, two of which yielded the parasitoid T. coxalis. The percentage of parasitism was 4.3%.
Análise ambiental do uso de fontes de nutrientes associadas a sistemas de manejo do solo
Authors: Pandolfo Carla M. , Ceretta Carlos A. , Massignam Angelo M. , Veiga Milton da , Moreira Isabel C. L.
Published: August 2008

Os modelos matemáticos de análises são ferramentas integradoras que podem contribuir para uma avaliação mais eficaz do potencial poluente de dejetos quando dispostos no ambiente. Utilizou-se, para avaliar os impactos do uso de fontes de nutrientes, um experimento conduzido durante nove anos, em um Nitossolo Vermelho Distrófico, com uma combinação de aplicação de cinco fontes de nutrientes (três fontes orgânicas, uma mineral e uma testemunha) associadas a cinco sistemas de manejo do solo, com delineamento em blocos subdivididos e três repetições. Os atributos utilizados foram os teores no solo de Zn e Cu disponíveis, formas lábeis de P, índice de diversidade da mesofauna edáfica, teores de carbono e nitrogênio no solo, além de dois questionários de opinião sobre o impacto ambiental do uso dos dejetos e dos sistemas de manejo do solo. Na avaliação se usou um modelo cujas saídas, para cada fonte de nutriente dentro de cada sistema de manejo do solo, foram figuras triangulares e a área das mesmas, com intervalo de confiança a nível de 90%. As fontes orgânicas exerceram efeitos diferenciados quanto ao aspecto ambiental, em que o dejeto líquido de suínos apresentou o pior desempenho. O índice de risco, dentre os três índices que compõem o aspecto ambiental, demonstrou ser o mais crítico ao ambiente, considerando-se os parâmetros e pesos utilizados.
Análise de seis sistemas de recolhimento do palhiço na colheita mecânica da cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Michelazzo Marcio B. , Braunbeck Oscar A.
Published: August 2008

A biomassa da cana-de-açúcar é uma das fontes de energia renovável mais disponível no Brasil, em virtude dos seus resíduos de colheita, como palhiço (pontas e folhas); todavia, o aproveitamento do palhiço em larga escala é dificultado pelo alto custo de sua recuperação, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao recolhimento, adensamento e transporte. Com o presente trabalho, apresenta-se uma análise dos processos envolvidos na recuperação do palhiço, como densidade final do palhiço e princípios operacionais das máquinas envolvidas, juntamente com uma análise econômica, através de um modelo de cálculo de custo, por meio de simulação de rendimentos e capacidades operacionais que compõem cada sistema de recuperação do palhiço. Seis sistemas foram avaliados, técnica e economicamente. De acordo com os resultados, o sistema de colheita integral apresentou o menor custo de recuperação do palhiço para qualquer distância, seguido dos sistemas picado a granel, fardo cilíndrico, fardo algodoeiro, peletização e briquetagem.
Leptin-regulated gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells: mechanistic insights into leptin-regulated mammary tumor growth and progression
Authors: Perera Candida N , Chin Hwei G , Duru Nadire , Camarillo Ignacio G
Published: August 2008

Obesity is a recently established risk factor for breast cancer incidence and mortality. A characteristic of obesity is elevated circulating levels of adipocyte-derived hormone leptin. Evidence indicates that leptin plays an important role in mammary tumor formation; however, the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Toward better defining the role of leptin in breast cancer, we describe the identification of leptin-regulated genes in hormone-responsive Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) human breast cancer cells using a microarray system. More than 64 leptin-regulated genes were identified including those for growth factors, cell cycle regulators, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and genes associated with metastasis. Cell cycle genes up-regulated by leptin include cyclins D and G, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, p21, p27, and p16. Leptin suppressed the expression of transforming growth factor-β , a cell cycle suppressor. Determining the significance of this effect, treatment of MCF-7 cells with TGFB1 abrogated leptin-stimulated proliferation. Leptin up-regulated the expression of connective tissue growth factor, villin 2, and basigin, factors that are associated with ECM and are known to impact tumor growth. Finally, leptin induced the expression of anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and survivin, and reduced the expression of apoptotic genes. The effect of leptin on MCF-7 survival was evaluated via TUNEL assay and demonstrated a sixfold reduction in apoptosis in leptin-treated cells, compared with controls. These data suggest leptin promotes mammary tumor growth through multiple mechanisms, including regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and by modulating the extracellular environment. The identification of leptin-regulated genes begins to provide mechanistic links into the relationship between obesity and breast cancer incidence and morbidity.
The state of in vitro science for use in bioaccumulation assessments for fish
Authors: Weisbrod Anne V. , Sahi Jasminder , Segner Helmut , James Margaret O. , Nichols John , Schultz Irvin , Erhardt Susan , Cowan-Ellsberry Christina , Bonnell Mark , Hoeger Birgit
Published: August 2008

Through the concerted evaluations of thousands of commercial substances for the qualities of persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity as a result of the United Nations Environment Program's Stockholm Convention, it has become apparent that fewer empirical data are available on bioaccumulation than other endpoints and that bioaccumulation models were not designed to accommodate all chemical classes. Due to the number of chemicals that may require further assessment, in vivo testing is cost prohibitive and discouraged due to the large number of animals needed. Although in vitro systems are less developed and characterized for fish, multiple high-throughput in vitro assays have been used to explore the dietary uptake and elimination of pharmaceuticals and other xenobiotics by mammals. While similar processes determine bioaccumulation in mammalian species, a review of methods to measure chemical bioavailability in fish screening systems, such as chemical biotransformation or metabolism in tissue slices, perfused tissues, fish embryos, primary and immortalized cell lines, and subcellular fractions, suggest quantitative and qualitative differences between fish and mammals exist. Using in vitro data in assessments for whole organisms or populations requires certain considerations and assumptions to scale data from a test tube to a fish, and across fish species. Also, different models may incorporate the predominant site of metabolism, such as the liver, and significant presystemic metabolism by the gill or gastrointestinal system to help accurately convert in vitro data into representative whole-animal metabolism and subsequent bioaccumulation potential. The development of animal alternative tests for fish bioaccumulation assessment is framed in the context of in vitro data requirements for regulatory assessments in Europe and Canada.
Antibiotics as a chemical stressor affecting an aquatic decomposer–detritivore system
Authors: Bundschuh Mirco , Hahn Torsten , Gessner Mark O. , Schulz Ralf
Published: August 2008

Recent evidence indicates that a variety of antibiotic residues may affect the integrity of streams located downstream from wastewater treatment plants. Aquatic communities comprising bacterial and fungal decomposers and invertebrate detritivores (shredders) play an important role in the decomposition of allochthonous leaf litter, which acts as a primary energy source for small running waters. The aim of the present study was to assess whether an antibiotic mixture consisting of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, erythromycin-H2O, roxithromycin, and clarithromycin has an effect on such a decomposer–detritivore system. Leaf discs were exposed to these antibiotics (total concentration of 2 or 200 μg/L) for approximately 20 d before offering these discs and corresponding control discs to an amphipod shredder, Gammarus fossarum, in a food choice experiment. Gammarus preferred the leaf discs conditioned in the presence of the antibiotic mixture at 200 μg/L over the control discs (pair-wise t test; p = 0.006). A similar tendency, while not significant, was observed for leaves conditioned with antibiotics at a concentration of 2 μg/L. The number of bacteria associated with leaves did not differ between treatments at either antibiotic concentration (t test; p = 0.57). In contrast, fungal biomass (measured as ergosterol) was significantly higher in the 200 μg/L treatment (t test; p = 0.038), suggesting that the preference of Gammarus may be related to a shift in fungal communities. Overall these results indicate that mixtures of antibiotics may disrupt important ecosystem processes such as organic matter flow in stream ecosystems, although effects are likely to be weak at antibiotic concentrations typical of streams receiving wastewater treatment plant effluents.
Pulp and paper mill effluent treatments have differential endocrine-disrupting effects on rainbow trout
Authors: Orrego Rodrigo , Guchardi John , Hernandez Victor , Krause Rachelle , Roti Lucia , Armour Jeffrey , Ganeshakumar Mathumai , Holdway Douglas
Published: August 2008

Endocrine disruption (ED) effects due to pulp and paper mill effluents extracts involving different industrial procedures and effluent treatments (nontreated, primary, and secondary treated) were evaluated using immature triploid rainbow trout in a pulse-exposure toxicity experiment. The protocol involved the use of intraperitoneal injection of mill extracts (solid-phase extraction [SPE]) corrected for individual fish weight and included several laboratory standards (steroidal hormones and phytosterols). Biological endpoints at two different levels of biological organization were analyzed (molecular and individual organism). Results indicated that nonsignificant changes were observed in the individual physiological indices represented by condition factor, liver somatic index, and gonad somatic index during the experiment. Significant induction of liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity was observed between different effluent treatments and experimental controls. Significant endocrine-disrupting effects at the reproductive level were observed in all effluent treatments involving significant increments in plasma vitellogenin (VTG) levels. Fish exposed to untreated effluent extracts had significantly higher VTG levels compared to fish exposed to primary and secondary treatment effluent extracts, indicating a decrease of the estrogenic effect due to the effluent treatment. The present study has shown that for the Chilean pulp and paper mill SPE extracts evaluated, an endocrine disruption effect was induced in immature triploid rainbow, reaffirming the significant estrogenic effects demonstrated previously in laboratory and field experiments.
Biotransformation of acridine byMycobacterium vanbaalenii
Authors: Sutherland John B. , Heinze Thomas M. , Pearce Mason G. , Deck Joanna , Williams Anna J. , Freeman James P.
Published: August 2008

Cultures of Mycobacterium vanbaalenii strain PYR-1 in a liquid medium were exposed to the toxic environmental contaminant acridine (260 μM). After incubation for 7 d, the cultures were extracted with ethyl acetate. Metabolites were purified using high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by mass spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Four metabolites, 9,10-dihydroacridine, 4-hydroxyacridine, acridine cis-1,2-dihydrodiol, and acridin-9(10H)-one, were identified.
Is dietary mercury of neurotoxicological concern to wild polar bears (Ursus maritimus)?
Authors: Basu Niladri , Scheuhammer Anton M. , Sonne Christian , Letcher Robert J. , Born Erik W. , Dietz Rune
Published: August 2008

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are exposed to high concentrations of mercury because they are apex predators in the Arctic ecosystem. Although mercury is a potent neurotoxic heavy metal, it is not known whether current exposures are of neurotoxicological concern to polar bears. We tested the hypotheses that polar bears accumulate levels of mercury in their brains that exceed the estimated lowest observable adverse effect level (20 μg/g dry wt) for mammalian wildlife and that such exposures are associated with subtle neurological damage, as determined by measuring neurochemical biomarkers previously shown to be disrupted by mercury in other high-trophic wildlife. Brain stem (medulla oblongata) tissues from 82 polar bears subsistence hunted in East Greenland were studied. Despite surprisingly low levels of mercury in the brain stem region (total mercury = 0.36 ±0.12 μg/g dry wt), a significant negative correlation was measured between N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor levels and both total mercury (r = —0.34, p < 0.01) and methylmercury (r = —0.89, p < 0.05). No relationships were observed among mercury, selenium, and several other neurochemical biomarkers (dopamine-2, gamma-aminobutyric acid type A, muscarinic cholinergic, and nicotinic cholinergic receptors; cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase enzymes). These data show that East Greenland polar bears do not accumulate high levels of mercury in their brain stems. However, decreased levels of NMDA receptors could be one of the most sensitive indicators of mercury's subclinical and early effects.
Peripheral, but Not Central, CB1 Antagonism Provides Food Intake–Independent Metabolic Benefits in Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Nogueiras Ruben , Veyrat-Durebex Christelle , Suchanek Paula M. , Klein Marcella , Tschöp Johannes , Caldwell Charles , Woods Stephen C. , Wittmann Gabor , Watanabe Masahiko , Liposits Zsolt , Fekete Csaba , Reizes Ofer , Rohner-Jeanrenaud Francoise , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—Blockade of the CB1 receptor is one of the promising strategies for the treatment of obesity. Although antagonists suppress food intake and reduce body weight, the role of central versus peripheral CB1 activation on weight loss and related metabolic parameters remains to be elucidated. We therefore specifically assessed and compared the respective potential relevance of central nervous system (CNS) versus peripheral CB1 receptors in the regulation of energy homeostasis and lipid and glucose metabolism in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Both lean and DIO rats were used for our experiments. The expression of key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism was measured by real-time PCR, and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps were used for insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism studies.

RESULTS—Specific CNS-CB1 blockade decreased body weight and food intake but, independent of those effects, had no beneficial influence on peripheral lipid and glucose metabolism. Peripheral treatment with CB1 antagonist (Rimonabant) also reduced food intake and body weight but, in addition, independently triggered lipid mobilization pathways in white adipose tissue and cellular glucose uptake. Insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose uptake were enhanced, while hepatic glucose production was decreased during peripheral infusion of the CB1 antagonist. However, these effects depended on the antagonist-elicited reduction of food intake.

CONCLUSIONS—Several relevant metabolic processes appear to independently benefit from peripheral blockade of CB1, while CNS-CB1 blockade alone predominantly affects food intake and body weight.
Assessing Barriers to Improving Rail Interoperability in European Countries
Authors: Walker Warren E. , Baarse Gerrit , van Velzen Andre , Järvi Tuuli
Published: August 2008

Work conducted within REORIENT, a Sixth Framework project for the European Commission (EC), is described. One objective of REORIENT was to explain the status of transformation of the European railway sector into a functionally integrated, interoperable system. The status of interoperability within and between 11 countries in a corridor stretching from Greece to the Nordic countries was assessed, and conditions in the countries that appear to be barriers to achieving interoperability were identified. Barriers were defined as shortcomings in conditions that would facilitate the implementation of requirements presumed by the EC to lead to seamless international freight transport (implementation conditions). The primary data source for the analysis was a set of interviews with the major actors and stakeholders associated with each country's rail freight system. The qualitative information from the interviews was translated into numeric scores, which were subjected to statistical analysis. The objective of the statistical analysis was to provide an assessment of the relationships between the requirements and the implementation conditions. The statistical analysis involved both the identification of relevant relationships and an assessment of the strength of these relationships. A Barrier Significance Score (BSS) was computed for each country and for each implementation condition. These scores were used to assess the relative importance of barriers across the studied countries and to identify the most critical barriers to be removed in order to improve interoperability. Very large differences in BSSs were found between countries. In general, there are fewer barriers in Nordic countries and more barriers in the south.
Relationship between Train Length and Accident Causes and Rates
Authors: Schafer Darwin H. , Barkan Christopher P. L.
Published: August 2008

Train accident rates are a critical metric of railroad transportation safety and risk performance. Understanding factors affecting accident rates is also important for evaluating the effectiveness of various accident prevention measures. Accident rates have been the subject of a number of analyses, but these analyses have generally not considered the effect of train length on accident rate. Accident causes can be classified into two groups: those dependent on train length and correlated with the number of cars in the train, and those independent of train length, corresponding to the number of train miles operated. These classifications have implications for the quantitative effect of various changes in railroad operating practices on railroad safety performance. Whether an accident cause is a function of car miles or train miles affects how safety measures that might reduce the likelihood of that cause will affect overall train accident rate. Accident causes have been classified as car mile or train mile related based on expert opinion, but these classifications have not been quantitatively tested. FRA accident data were used to develop a metric to classify objectively accident causes, and 11 causes were reclas-sified from the previous classification. Based on the results of the study, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate how changes in train length affect individual trains’ accident likelihood and systemwide accident rate. The concept of causes of car mile versus train mile accidents leads to the premise that, although longer trains are expected to experience more accidents than shorter trains, operation of longer trains results in a lower system-level accident rate.
Sharpless Asymmetric Dihydroxylation of Olefins in WaterSurfactant Media with Recycling of the Catalytic System by Membrane Nanofiltration
Authors: Branco Luis C. , Ferreira Frederico Castelo , Santos José L. , Crespo João G. , Afonso Carlos A. M.
Published: August 2008

This paper presents a new and more sustainable alternative approach for the Sharpless catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of olefins using a water/surfactant system as reaction media. The AD reaction was performed using several cationic and anionic surfactants allowing yields and enantiomeric excesses higher or comparable with the conventional systems (using organic mixtures). The use of this water/surfactant medium offers the additional advantage of performing the reactions without the need of a slow addition of olefins. Asymmetric dihydroxylation of 1‐hexene in a 1.5 mM sodium cholate aqueous solution, using N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide (NMO) as co‐oxidant was selected as model system to evaluate the feasibility of recycling the Sharpless catalytic system by nanofiltration. The reaction media was processed by nanofiltration, the product was isolated in the permeate, whereas the catalytic system and surfactant were retained by the membrane and recycled through six successive reactions, improving the catalyst turn‐over number. The experimental results were compared with the ones calculated on the basis of mass balances, membrane rejections to product and reaction yields.
Multicenter prospective trial evaluating the tolerability of imatinib for Japanese patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in the chronic phase: Does body weight matter?
Authors: Kanda Yoshinobu , Okamoto Shinichiro , Tauchi Tetsuzo , Kizaki Masahiro , Inokuchi Koiti , Yabe Mariko , Yokoyama Kenji , Ito Yoshikazu , Kimura Yukihiko , Higashihara Masaaki , Bessho Masami , Ando Kiyoshi , Chiba Shigeru , Kurokawa Mineo , Oshimi Kazuo , Dan Kazuo , Ohyashiki Kazuma , Ikeda Yasuo
Published: August 2008

Imatinib at a daily dose of 400 mg is the standard treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia in the chronic phase. However, the feasibility of this dose for small Japanese adults has not been clarified. We prospectively investigated the toxicity and efficacy of this dose in adult Japanese patients. Among the 89 evaluable patients with a median body weight of 62.8 kg, imatinib therapy was held in 40 subjects (45%), due to Grade 3–4 toxicities in 30 patients (75%) and Grade 2 toxicities at the discretion of the attending physician in 10 patients (25%). However, treatment was resumed and the dose was gradually increased until 62 of the 89 patients tolerated a maintenance dose of 400 mg. Older age and lower body weight were significant independent risk factors for discontinuation of imatinib. After a median follow‐up period of 31 months, 84 patients were alive without progression. The complete cytogenetic response rate was 60 and 90% at 6 months and 1 year after starting imatinib, respectively. Older patients and those with a lower body weight were less likely to achieve a complete cytogenetic response. These findings suggest that the body weight has a significant influence on the toxicity and efficacy of imatinib in patients with a small body size, although dose reduction in proportion to weight may result in an inadequate response to imatinib. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro sodium nitroprusside‐mediated toxicity towards Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and axenic amastigotes
Authors: Genestra Marcelo , Soares‐Bezerra Rômulo José , Gomes‐Silva Liliane , Fabrino Daniela Leite , Bellato‐Santos Thiago , Castro‐Pinto Denise Barçante , Canto‐Cavalheiro Marilene Marcuzzo , Leon Leonor L.
Published: August 2008

Leishmania parasites survive despite exposure to the toxic nitrosative oxidants during phagocytosis by the host cell. In this work, the authors investigated comparatively the resistance of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and axenic amastigotes to a relatively strong nitrosating agent that acts as a nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Results demonstrate that SNP is able to decrease, in vitro, the number of L. amazonensis promastigotes and axenic amastigotes in a dose‐dependent maner. Promastigotes, cultured in the presence of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mmol L−1 SNP for 24 h showed about 75% growth inhibition, and 97–100% when the cultures were treated with >2 mmol L−1 SNP. In contrast, when axenic amastigotes were growing in the presence of 0.25–8 mM SNP added to the culture medium, 50% was the maximum of growth inhibition observed. Treated promastigotes presented reduced motility and became round in shape further confirming the leishmanicidal activity of SNP. On the other hand, axenic amastigotes, besides being much more resistant to SNP‐mediated cytotoxicity, did not show marked morphological alteration when incubated for 24 h, until 8 mM concentrations of this nitrosating agent were used. The cytotoxicity toward L. amazonensis was attenuated by reduced glutathione (GSH), supporting the view that SNP‐mediated toxicity triggered multiple oxidative mechanisms, including oxidation of thiols groups and metal‐independent oxidation of biomolecules to free radical intermediates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ChemInform Abstract: Rare Earth Metal‐Rich Indides Ln14Rh3‐xIn3 (Ln: Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu).
Authors: Zaremba Roman , Poettgen Rainer
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Chemistry and Thermodynamic Properties of Anisotropic Ce2Ni7H4.7 Hydride.
Authors: Denys R. V. , Yartys V. A. , Sato Masashi , Riabov A. B. , Delaplane R. G.
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Growth and Optical Spectroscopic Characterization of the Ytterbium‐Doped Laser Molybdate Yb—Li3Gd3Ba2 (MoO4)8.
Authors: Garcia‐Cortes Alberto , Cascales Concepcion
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Structural and Physical Properties of Mg3‐xZnxSb2 (x = 0—1.34).
Authors: Ahmadpour Faraz , Kolodiazhnyi Taras , Mozharivskyj Yurij
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and CO2 Capture Evaluation of Li2‐xKxZrO3 Solid Solutions and Crystal Structure of a New Lithium—Potassium Zirconate Phase.
Authors: Veliz‐Enriquez Mayra Y. , Gonzalez Gonzalo , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reaction Dynamics of the Decaniobate Ion [HxNb10O28](6‐x)‐ in Water.
Authors: Villa Eric M. , Ohlin C. Andre , Balogh Edina , Anderson Travis M. , Nyman May D. , Casey William H.
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The First Silicon‐Based Cationic Clathrate III with High Thermal Stability: Si172‐xPxTey (x = 2y, y < 20).
Authors: Zaikina Julia V. , Kovnir Kirill A. , Haarmann Frank , Schnelle Walter , Burkhardt Ulrich , Borrmann Horst , Schwarz Ulrich , Grin Yuri , Shevelkov Andrei V.
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Characterization of Layered γ‐Titanium Phosphate (C2H5NH3) [Ti(H1.5PO4)(PO4)] 2×H2O Intercalate: A Combined NMR, Synchrotron XRD, and DFT Calculations Study.
Authors: Mafra Luis , Rocha Joao , Fernandez Christian , Castro German R. , Garcia‐Granda Santiago , Espina Aranzazu , Khainakov Sergei A. , Garcia Jose R.
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Characterization of Bi5Nb3O15 by Refinement of Neutron Diffraction Pattern, Acid Treatment and Reaction of the Acid‐Treated Product with n‐Alkylamines.
Authors: Tahara Seiichi , Shimada Akira , Kumada Nobuhiro , Sugahara Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Modular Construction of Oxide Structures—Compositional Control of Transition Metal Coordination Environments.
Authors: Tenailleau Christophe , Allix Mathieu , Claridge John B. , Hervieu Maryvonne , Thomas Michael F. , Hirst James P. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Pentafluorophenyl Group as a Module for the Direct Modification of Chiral Diamines for Asymmetric Catalysis.
Authors: Korenaga Toshinobu , Nomura Kenji , Minami Shinichi , Sasaki Hitomi , Sakai Takahashi
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of New Pyrrolo[3,4‐c]isoxazole, Pyrrolo[2,3‐d][1,2,3]triazole, Triazolo[4,5‐c]pyridazine, and Dipyrrolo[3,2‐b:3′,4′‐d]pyran Derivatives.
Authors: Amer F. A. , Hammouda M. , El‐Ahl A.‐A. S. , Abdel‐Wahab B. F.
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Wet Carbon‐Based Solid Acid/Potassium Bromate as an Efficient Heterogeneous Reagent for Oxidation of Alcohols under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Zali Abbas , Shokrolahi Arash
Published: August 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.