bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of cellulase and hemicellulase activities of brackish water clam Corbicula japonica with those of other marine Veneroida bivalves
Authors: Sakamoto Kentaro , Toyohara Haruhiko
Published: August 2009

Corbicula japonica is a typical brackish water bivalve species belonging to the order Veneroida, and it is the most important inland fishery resource in Japan. Corbicula japonica has been suggested to assimilate organic matter from terrestrial plants, unlike Ruditapes philippinarum and Mactra veneriformis, which selectively assimilate organic matter of marine origin. This led us to hypothesize that C. japonica, despite being a suspension feeder, could assimilate cellulosic materials derived from terrestrial plants. In the present study, we measured cellulase and hemicellulase activities in the crystalline styles of C. japonica and other commercially important Veneroida bivalve species in Japan: Ruditapes philippinarum, Meretrix lamarckii and Meretrix lusoria. Corbicula japonica demonstrated notably higher cellulase, xylanase and β-mannanase activities than the other marine bivalves, suggesting that this species possesses a far greater biochemical capacity to break down the structural polysaccharides of plant cell walls than the other species. In contrast, the β-1,3-glucanase and pectinase activities of C. japonica were similar to or even lower than those of the others. This is possibly due to the presence of these polysaccharides in the cell walls of diatoms, a principal food of most marine bivalves. Although direct evidence is lacking, the high cellulase, xylanase and β-mannanase activities of C. japonica may result from adaptation to an upstream estuarine environment where phytoplankton and diatoms are scarce, but plant-derived substances are abundant.
Cold acclimation in Peromyscus: individual variation and sex effects in maximum and daily metabolism, organ mass and body composition
Authors: Rezende Enrico L. , Hammond Kimberly A. , Chappell Mark A.
Published: August 2009

We studied metabolic and organ mass responses to thermal acclimation (7 weeks at 5°C or 23°C) in deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus. Cold acclimation resulted in significantly higher maximal oxygen consumption in thermogenesis (V̇O2max)and daily mean oxygen consumption(V̇O2mean), an increase in the mass of most visceral organs, a lower absolute body fat and a marginally significant increase in hematocrit. The mass of digestive organs and body fat content differed significantly between sexes. Acclimation effects on fat content were more pronounced in females. Variation in heart and lung mass was positively correlated with V̇O2max and V̇O2mean, while body fat content was negatively correlated with both traits. Nonetheless, a large fraction of the metabolic difference between cold- and warm-acclimated groups remained unexplained. Associations between traits at lower levels of biological organization measured here and whole-organism energetics remained consistent across acclimation temperatures, except for the correlation between kidney mass and V̇O2mean,which was positive and significant in cold acclimation and negligible following warm acclimation. We conclude that: (1)V̇O2max and V̇O2mean share a common physiological basis that remains overall the same across acclimation regimes;(2) changes in these traits are associated primarily with changes in heart mass; and (3) male and female deer mice respond differently to thermal acclimation, possibly due to differences in reproductive allocation.
Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry as a Valuable Tool in the Characterization of Novel Primaquine Peptidomimetic Derivatives
Authors: Vale Nuno , Matos Joana , Moreira Rui , Gomes Paula
Published: August 2009

Novel primaquine-derived antimalarials have been extensively characterized by electrospray ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Experiments by in-source collision-induced dissociation (CID) in the nozzle–skimmer region (NSR) or by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) are shown to be most valuable tools for the physico–chemical characterization of these 8-aminoquinolinic drugs that also bear the biologically relevant imidazolidin-4-one scaffold. It was possible to find parallelism between compound stability in the NSR and its reactivity towards hydrolysis at physiological pH and T. Moreover, MS/MS fragmentation patterns were characteristic for each family, providing a means for structural distinction of isomers and allowing interesting correlations to be found between the relative abundance of particular fragments and relevant structure–activity determinants, such as the Charton steric parameter, ν. In conclusion, this work provides a solid ground for establishing ESI-MS as a key tool for the physico–chemical characterization of biopharmaceuticals bearing the 8-aminoquinoline and/or the imidazolidin-4-one moieties.
Characterization of Recombinant Protein Mutants by Top-down Sequencing Using Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Putchen Deepalakshmi Dakshinamoorthy
Published: August 2009

Top-down sequencing using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry is used as a direct way of locating the mutated sites of recombinant proteins and post-translational modification in a protein. Several mutants of barstar, expressed in E. coli, were confirmed by analyzing the fragmentation pattern of mutants. A contaminant protein, that appeared while purifying mutants of barstar, was identified as an acyl carrier protein from E. coli with a post-translational modification on serine residue, indicating that the protein was biologically active. A mutant of ribosomal protein S6 has been characterized with neutral loss of ammonia at the N-terminal region of the protein. The power of the top-down approach in characterizing the mutants of recombinant proteins has been demonstrated.
Negative Ion Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Computational Studies on Substituted 7-Hydroxycoumarins
Authors: Timonen Juri , Aulaskari Paula , Hirva Pipsa , Vainiotalo Pirjo
Published: August 2009

Twenty-two substituted 7-hydroxycoumarins were studied by negative ion electrospray ionization collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrometry. Fragmentation pathways were also investigated by computation method using the B3LYP density functional theory. In general, the most important fragmentations of the 7-hydroxycoumarin [M – H]− ions were the elimination of CO2 and CO which agreed with the calculated energies of the proposed fragmentation reactions. In most cases, methyl group elimination was also favorable. Methyl group elimination occurred in three different ways, the most interesting being hydrogen rearrangement from a neighboring alkyl group to a ring carbon, which led to a benzyl radical formation. In some cases, CH2CO elimination was observed as well. Isomeric compounds gave rise to different CID spectra.
Gas Chromatography Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometric Analysis of O-Alkyl Methylphosphinates for Verification of Chemical Weapons Convention
Authors: Pardasani Deepak , Kanaujia Pankaj K. , Tak Vijay , Garg Prabhat , Mazumder Avik , Dubey Devendra K.
Published: August 2009

We describe the gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis of O-alkyl methylphosphinates (AMPs), which are included in Schedule 2B4 chemicals in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). GC/MS analysis of a variety of AMPs and their deuterated analogs revealed that their fragmentations were determined by α-cleavages, McLafferty +1 and hydrogen rearrangement. Based on the obtained electron ionization mass spectra of AMPs, the fragmentation routes were rationalized, which were substantiated by the GC/MS analysis of deuterated analogs.
Selectivity of Co and Ni by K-depleted micas
Authors: Cho Yunchul , Komarneni Sridhar , Choi Sang-il
Published: August 2009

Contamination of the environment with heavy metals, including cationic radionuclides, is a serious problem which has yet to be fully overcome. A class of potentially effective cation exchangers for sequestering heavy metals which has received little attention is K-depleted mica. The purpose of this study was to investigate the heavy-metal cation exchange properties of K-depleted phlogopite and biotite, which were prepared from a natural phlogopite and biotite, respectively, using sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that interlayer K+ ions were completely replaced with exchangeable Na+ ions, resulting in the expansion of the d001 spacing of both K-depleted phlogopite and K-depleted biotite. In order to investigate the cation exchange selectivity of K-depleted phlogopite and biotite for Co2+ and Ni2+, cation exchange isotherms and Kielland plots were constructed. The isotherms and Kielland plots indicated that both K-depleted phlogopite and biotite are highly selective for Co2+ as well as Ni2+. The XRD patterns after both 2Na+ → Co2+ and Ni2+ exchange reactions suggest that double sheets of interlayer water are present in the interlayer. These K-depleted micas are potential cation exchange materials for removal of some heavy metals such as Ni and radioactive species such as 60Co from solution.
Simple synthesis and characterization of nanoporous materials from talc
Authors: Du Chunfang , Yang Huaming
Published: August 2009

Synthetic siliceous mesoporous materials are of great value in many different applications, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and medical fields, but historically the resource materials used in their synthesis have been expensive. Recent efforts have focused on indirect synthesis methods which utilize less expensive silicate minerals as a resource material. The purpose of the present study was to investigate talc, a natural silicate mineral, as one such resource. It was used as raw material to prepare two advanced materials: porous silica (PS) and ordered mesoporous silica (MCM-41). The PS, with a specific surface area of 260 m2/g and bimodal pore-size distribution of 1.2 nm and 3.7 nm, was prepared by grinding and subsequent acid leaching. The MCM-41, with a large surface area of 974 m2/g and a narrow pore-size distribution of 2.8 nm, was obtained using a surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), by hydrothermal treatment using the as-prepared PS as a source of Si. The two resultant materials were characterized by small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), solid-state magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. Based on these measurements, possible processes of transformation of PS from talc, upon acid treatment, and the formation of MCM-41 were investigated systemically. Acid leaching induced the transformation of a rigid layered structure to a nearly amorphous one, with micropores formed by a residual layered structure and mesopores formed from a condensed framework. The MCM-41 was a mixture of silanol groups (Si(SiO)3(OH)) and a condensed Q4 framework structure (Si(SiO)4), with a small amount of remaining Q3 layered structure (Si(SiO)3OMg). The increased Q4/Q3 value confirmed greater polymerization of MCM-41 than of PS. At the low CTAB concentration used (2 wt.%), the highly charged silicate species controlled the surfactant geometry. Charge-density matching, together with the degree of polymerization of the silicates, determined the resultant mesophase.
The occurrence and origin of the söğüt kaolinite deposits in the Paleozoic Saricakaya granite-granodiorite complexes and overlying Neogene sediments (Bilecik, northwestern Turkey)
Authors: Kadir Selahattin , Kart Firdevs
Published: August 2009

The Söğüt kaolinite deposits at Çaltı, İnhisar, and Küre, Turkey, are an important source of raw materials for the ceramics industry of that country, but no detailed mineralogical or geochemical characterizations of these economically important materials have been carried out to date. The purpose of this study was to fill this gap by performing mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic characterizations of these kaolinite deposits which occur within Paleozoic granite-granodiorite complexes that are crosscut by aplite and pegmatite dikes, and overlain by Neogene sedimentary units. These units are dominated by quartz veins and networks of subvertical fractures and weak zones that were invaded by hydrothermal fluids, resulting in their kaolinization and silicification. Altered units and related host rocks were examined using polarized-light microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and chemical and isotopic methods. Feldspar crystals are either sericitized or kaolinized, and mica exhibits partial chloritization; Fe-Ti-Mn oxides occur within fractures. Kaolinite crystals occur in authigenic vermiform or plate-like stacked forms, having contacts with resorbed feldspar crystals which locally exhibit thick, platy, and subparallel orientations relative to microfractures, the pathways for hydrothermal-fluid injection. Altered feldspar relicts are associated mainly with kaolinite, smectite, quartz crystals, and illite/mica. Increase in (Al+Fe)/Si in the kaolinized units (relative to host-rock granite and granodiorite complexes and silicification), depletion of Ba+Rb, and a negative Eu anomaly reveal that the alteration of feldspar by hydrothermal fluid, the character of which was determined from O- and H-isotopic values, resulted in the precipitation of kaolinite. Thus, the Söğüt kaolinite deposit possibly formed by hydrothermal alteration and a feldspar dissolution-precipitation mechanism in both the granite-granodiorites complexes and related overlying sedimentary units under acidic environmental conditions, which developed via depletion of the soluble elements Na and Ca.
Application of chemical geothermometry to low-temperature trioctahedral chlorites
Authors: Inoue Atsuyuki , Meunier Alain , Patrier-Mas Patricia , Rigault Cecile , Beaufort Daniel , Vieillard Philippe
Published: August 2009

Low-temperature chlorites formed in diagenetic to low-grade metamorphic environments generally have greater Si contents and larger numbers of octahedral vacancies, and smaller Fe+Mg contents than higher-grade metamorphic chlorites. The compositional variations are characterized approximately by four end-member components: Al-free trioctahedral chlorite, chamosite, corundophilite, and sudoite. The solid solution is considered to be a random mix of cations and vacancies in the octahedral sites. Using the compositions of chlorites from Niger, Rouez, and Saint Martin diagenetic-hydrothermal series, a new, more convenient geothermometer, applicable to low-T chlorites is proposed and comparison made with geothermometers proposed previously. The chlorites studied contain appreciable amounts of Fe(III) (>14% of the total Fe), determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The calculations under which all Fe was regarded as ferrous gave considerable overestimates for the formation temperature, irrespective of the geothermometer used. This problem was reduced by taking into account the presence of Fe(III) in the octahedral sites. The geothermometer from this study gave more reasonable estimates than the geothermometers proposed by Walshe (1986) and Vidal et al. (2001), particularly in the case of the Niger chlorites which crystallized in the lowest-temperature conditions. The ordered-site substitution model of solid solution developed by Vidal et al. (2001) predicted satisfactorily the formation temperature of the Rouez chlorites and of some of the Saint Martin chlorites, suggesting that the chlorite compositions are controlled by the

exchange at low-T conditions while they are controlled by Tschermak exchange at higher temperatures. The decreasing number of vacancies with temperature are poorer in Fe-rich than in Fe-poor chlorites. Furthermore, the ordered-site occupation of cations and vacancies in trioctahedral chlorite occurs concomitantly with the compositional changes ruled by increasing temperature conditions.
The new cinema of Turkey
Authors: Arslan Sava
Published: August 2009

Cinema and other cultural forms reflect political tensions and conflicts, which provide the backdrop for Turkey's accession to the European Union (EU). This article examines contemporary cinematic reflections upon a distant past characterized by religious imperialism, a recent past
characterized by secular nationalism, and the conflict between the past and present socio-cultural and political transformations. To do so, It will first outline the transition from popular Turkish cinema to the new cinema of Turkey. Focusing on three recent films, it will, on the one hand,
trace the resurgence of nationalism and, on the other hand, the impact of globalization and post-nationalism. Finally, it will critically examine the concept of Turkish cinema and propose an alternative framework which reflects the multitude of voices and viewpoints in the contemporary cinema
of Turkey.
Saying Something New: Practice Theory and Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors: Reddy William M.
Published: August 2009

We need experimental research in cognitive neuroscience to reconsider interpretive methods. Foucault and his followers objected to empirical research on humans. The present critique of Foucault's Saussure-based conception of language derives from language conceptions supported by the latest experimental explorations of speech and visual recognition by neuroscientists. This critique is compatible with the concept of the “loosely structured actor” of practice theory as developed by Bourdieu, Giddens, Ortner, Sewell, and others. Besides being loosely structured, actors are also sites of emotional responses, as suggested by recent research in affective neuroscience. Interpretive methods that look beyond language to a larger array of phenomena once thought to be elements of “experience,” find substantial support in recent neuroscience research.
going-to-V and gonna-V in child language: A quantitative approach to constructional development
Authors: Schmidtke-Bode Karsten
Published: August 2009

This paper provides a corpus-linguistic, usage-based approach to the acquisition of
Entertaining anti-racism. Multicultural television drama, identification and perceptions of ethnic threat
Authors: Müller Floris
Published: August 2009

Television content that contains non-stereotypical representations of ethnic minorities and models positive intercultural interactions may potentially aid in reducing the prejudices of its viewers (Brown Graves, Journal of Social Issues 55: 707–727, 1999, Persson, Early Childhood Research Quarterly 18: 530–546, 1999, Shochat, Conflict Resolution Quarterly 21: 2003). However, the exact effect has yet to be demonstrated. Furthermore, the cognitive mechanisms behind such an effect remain unclear. This article tests hypotheses derived from social identity theory and social learning theory that attribute this effect to the identification patterns with ingroup and outgroup characters in television drama. In an experiment (N = 152), participants either watched episodes of a multicultural drama or a regular soap series. Results showed that viewers of multicultural drama had lower perceptions of ethnic threat. Moreover, this effect was mediated by identification with characters, namely, increased identification with outgroup and lowered identification with ingroup characters resulting in lower ethnic threat. The results suggest that short term viewing effects are best explained with social identity theory. The implications for long term effects and the possible role of social learning are analyzed in the discussion.
Do children's cognitive advertising defenses reduce their desire for advertised products?
Authors: Rozendaal Esther , Buijzen Moniek , Valkenburg Patti
Published: August 2009

In both the academic and societal debates, it is widely assumed that cognitive advertising defenses can reduce children's susceptibility to advertising effects. Empirical evidence supporting this crucial assumption is however missing. It is precisely this gap that the present study aims to fill In a survey of 296 children (aged 8–12 years), we investigate whether children's cognitive defenses (i. e., advertising recognition and understanding of its selling and persuasive intent) reduce the relationship between the amount of television advertising they are exposed to and their desire for advertised product categories. Interaction analysis in regression shows that of all the cognitive defense variables, only understanding advertising's persuasive intent was effective in reducing the impact of advertising exposure on children's advertised product desire. However, this only applies to the older children in the sample (ages 10–12). For the younger children, understanding the persuasive intent even increased the impact of advertising.
Early enteral feeding in conservatively managed stage II necrotizing enterocolitis is associated with a reduced risk of catheter-related sepsis
Authors: Brotschi Barbara , Baenziger Oskar , Frey Bernhard , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Ersch Jörg
Published: August 2009

Aims: To compare the effect of fasting period duration on complication rates in neonates managed conservatively for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) Bell stage II.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter study to analyze retrospectively multiple data collected by standardized questionnaire on all admissions for NEC between January 2000 and December 2006. NEC was staged using modified Bell criteria. We divided the conservatively managed neonates with NEC Bell stage II into two groups (those fasted for <5 days and those fasted for >5 days) and compared the complication rates.

Results: Of the 47 conservatively managed neonates Bell stage II, 30 (64%) fasted for <5 days (range 1–4 days) and 17 (36%) for >5 days (range 6–16 days). There were no significant differences for any of the patient characteristics analyzed. One (3%) and four (24%) neonates, respectively, developed post-NEC bowel stricture. One (3%) and two neonates (12%) suffered NEC relapse. None and five (29%) neonates developed catheter-related sepsis.

Conclusion: Shorter fasting after NEC appears to lower morbidity after the acute phase of the disease. In particular, shorter-fasted neonates have significantly less catheter-related sepsis. We found no benefit in longer fasting.
The Effect of Type of Task, Degree of Integration, and Modality on the Performance of Concurrent Tasks
Authors: Thome Richard J.
Published: August 2009

Sixteen subjects performed a continuous, visual-manual, tracking task while simultaneously performing a visual-manual or auditory speech discrete task. The discrete tasks were either integrated with or not integrated with the continuous task and involved either verbal or spatial central processing. Tracking accuracy, discrete task response latency, and discrete task accuracy were measured. The major findings were that when a discrete task involving verbal central processing was performed concurrently with a visual-manual tracking task, better performance was obtained on both the discrete task and the tracking task when the discrete task was performed with auditory input and speech response, rather than with visual input and manual response. However when the discrete task involved spatial processing codes, use of the auditory-speech modalities resulted in no advantage on the discrete task and the advantage on the tracking task was diminished. It was also found that tracking performance was better when the tracking and discrete tasks were integrated. This was true of discrete task performance only with spatial codes and the auditory-speech modalities. Findings suggest that discrete task accuracy, rather than tracking accuracy, may be the area in which the effects of mental workload are of greatest practical significance.
The Development of the Boeing Human Model
Authors: Underwood R. C. , Hilby D. L. , Holzhauser T. B. , Tedlund B. E.
Published: August 2009

This paper summarizes the methodology and lessons learned in the development of the Boeing Human Model. In our efforts to implement human modeling with Computer Aided Design at Boeing Commercial Airplane Group (BCAG) several externally-developed programs were reviewed. Each system had unique strengths, but none satisfied our requirements for broad utilization. A human modeling program was developed internally which complied with a set of application-oriented development guidelines. Compliance with these guidelines during development led to a high level of utilization by engineering users. The cost of broadly implementing the model, however, was increased development time. Additional functions, such as strength modeling and animation, are required by our users. To accelerate the development of additional functions we may obtain support from other software development sources. Full understanding of our development guidelines will help ensure that additional functions can be fully integrated into our routine engineering operations.
Task-Analytic Evaluations of Space Station Freedom Workstations
Authors: Diaz Manuel F. , Jensen Dean G.
Published: August 2009

Space Station Freedom will be a permanently manned multipurpose facility in low Earth orbit by the late 1990's. Integral to Space Station Freedom will be Data Management System workstations. These workstations will provide the human-machine interface for controlling such systems as Guidance, Navigation and Control, Propulsion, and Environmental Control and Life Support. In addition, they will be used by crewmembers in the space station's pressurized shirt-sleeve environment to control remote manipulator systems and free-flyer devices. This paper presents an overview of proposed workstations and current task-analytic evaluations being used to assess their adequacy in supporting Space Station Freedom operations. Particular emphasis is placed on the results and conclusions of the analysis.
Reclined Seating in Advanced Crewstations: Human Performance Considerations
Authors: Deaton John E. , Hitchcock Edward
Published: August 2009

The present study investigated operator performance based on sensory and cognitive task performance measures obtained during high G in both an upright seat (27 degrees of reclination) and a reclined seat (67 degrees of reclination). Subjects were required to perform both a perceptual/motor and a classification task under varying levels of G. Results indicated that there were little differences in reaction times or accuracy between seat configurations for single task cognitive performance. There were significant differences in reaction times for seat types for dual task cognitive performance. In general, tracking performance on the upright seat was better than the reclined seat during G, while the reclined seat seemed to show substantial performance recovery post-G. The possibility that tracking results favoring the upright seat may not be a function of true perceptual/motor advantages, but rather engineering design problems inherent in the reclined seat were discussed.
Future Availability of Aircraft Maintenance Personnel
Authors: Shepherd William T. , Parker James F.
Published: August 2009

The number of people available in this decade and in future years who will be potentially available to perform aircraft maintenance is diminishing. Demographic forecasts show that the rate of growth of the U.S. labor force is slowing and, in fact, will be negative in the 16 — 34 age group. The current U.S. workforce is aging. The effect of this will be felt in this decade when nearly 60% of the existing commercial aviation maintenance workforce becomes eligible for retirement. Work pressures accruing from aging fleet maintenance needs and from the simultaneous introduction of new technology aircraft, with sophisticated new systems, may hasten the departure of the workforce involved in aircraft maintenance, either through retirement or resignation of personnel to pursue other more desirable career options. At the same time, these problems may make the career less desirable to potential entry - level personnel who will be attracted by competing high technology industries with white - collar environments, day shift work and possibly better pay. Currently it is estimated that about 40% of Airframe and Powerplant mechanic school graduates enter other career fields than commercial aircraft maintenance. This trend may well accelerate in the future as industry increasingly recognizes the skills available in the A & P mechanic workforce. Demographic projections suggest there may be a shortfall of 60,000 — 70,000 and possibly more personnel in the next decade available to work in the aircraft maintenance industry. This paper explores various demographic and industry operational forecasts and discusses their impact on aircraft maintenance and inspection.
Colour Head-Up Displays: Help or Hindrance?
Authors: Dudfield Helen J.
Published: August 2009

The development of colour Head-Up Display (HUD) technology has encouraged enquiry into the benefit of colour coding conventional HUD formats. Colour could be used to warn crew of danger, highlight changes in onboard systems or assist in target acquisition and combat. Specifically for this experiment colour encoded the accuracy of a subject's performance, redundant colour codes indicated the success with which a subject was maintaining a requested flight profile. Contemporary research has often found a subjective preference for colour coded displays, but little evidence of an objective advantage. The results of this experiment followed such a trend. Colour coding failed to provide any advantage in performance terms, yet it significantly reduced subjective workload, as measured by the NASA TLX (p<0.05). The initial indications are that colour coding was not optimised in this task and other techniques, e.g. recovery from unusual attitudes, and applications, e.g. target information, might be more appropriate.
A NMR Relaxation Study for the Interactions of some 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Ionic Liquids with Acetone
Authors: Zhai Cuiping , Wang Jianji , Zhao Yang , Tang Junming
Published: August 2009

13C spin-lattice relaxation times of room temperature ionic liquids [C4mim][PF6], [C6mim][PF6], [C8mim][PF6],[C6mim][BF4] and [C6mim]Br in acetone-d6 have been determined at various acetone-d6 mole fractions. It was shown that the spin-lattice relaxation time increased with increasing acetone-d6 mole fractions, and was influenced not only by the type of the anions but also by the length of alkyl chain on the imidazolium cations. The results suggested that interactions between the cation and the anion of ionic liquids were weakened and the ionic motion of ionic liquids was enhanced with the addition of acetone-d6.
Experimental and DFT Study on the Complexation of Zn2+with Valinomycin
Authors: Dybal J. , Makrlík E. , Vanura P.
Published: August 2009

From extraction experiments andγ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Zn2+(aq) +1 ·Sr2+(nb) ⇌1 ·Zn2+(nb) + Sr2+(aq) taking place in the two–phase water–nitrobenzene system (1= valinomycin; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was evaluated as logKex(Zn2+,1 ·Sr2+) = −0.2±0.1. Further, the stability constant of the valinomycin–zinc complex (abbrev.1 ·Zn2+) in nitrobenzene saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25oC: logβnb(1 ·Zn2+) = 6.1±0.1. By using quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of the1 ·Zn2+complex species was predicted. In this complex, the Zn2+cation sits in the center of the coordination cavity formed by six ester carbonyls, which are oriented almost exactly in the “radial directions”. Finally, the calculated binding energy of the resulting complex1 ·Zn2+is −359.5 kcal/mol confirming relatively high stability of the considered cationic complex species.
Development of a Work Improvement Checklist for Occupational Mental Health Focused on Requests from Workers
Authors: Tahara Hiroyuki , Yamada Tatsuji , Nagafuchi Keiko , Shirakawa Chie , Suzuki Kiyomi , Mafune Kosuke , Kubota Shinya , Hiro Hisanori , Mishima Norio , Nagata Shoji
Published: August 2009

Development of a Work Improvement Checklist for Occupational Mental Health Focused on Requests from Workers: Hiroyuki Tahara, et al. Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

Objectives

To develop tools offering definite orientation for managers and employees to support their work improvement through occupational mental health. This research was a part of the Mental Health Improvement & Reinforcement Study (MIR study), conducted from October 2004 to March 2006.

Methods

We developed a trial version named the Kaizen Check List (KCL) by referring to problem solving methods for quality management. Then we improved it for a formal version named MIR Research of Recognition (MIRROR). A feedback form named MIR Action Guidance (MIRAGe) was also developed. We analyzed data from 1,953 respondents at five manufacturing enterprises in Japan using MIRROR and the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) to determine whether or not the workers requesting work improvement had more stress than other workers.

Results

The KCL had 47 items, which indicated desirable working conditions for mental health at work, and four answer categories. MIRROR has 45 selected items and improved answer categories. MIRAGe displays the results of MIRROR and step‐by‐step guidance for work improvement. Respondents with request had significantly higher scores in stressor and lower scores in buffer factors compared with respondents without request in many items of MIRROR.

Conclusions

A combinational use of MIRROR and stress scales is useful for finding worksites with high risk factors for mental health and for directing focus on work improvement at these worksites according to workers' requests.
Pre-travel health advice for human immunodeficiency virus-infected travelers, from Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Igreja Ricardo Pereira
Published: August 2009

Counseling for human immunodeficiency virus infected travelers is becoming increasingly specialized. Previous studies have reported the experience of HIV-infected travelers from temperate-climate countries but little is known about HIV-infected travelers from tropical countries. A retrospective study was conducted on HIV-infected travelers presenting at a travel health clinic in Rio de Janeiro. Eleven journeys by ten people were recorded. Brazil (Amazon region and Northeast) was the destination for six journeys. Other destinations were Peru, Angola, Europe and Asia. Nine attendees were undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Few HIV-infected people from Rio de Janeiro consulted a travel medicine specialist before traveling. Since they travel to destinations in Brazil and abroad where there are endemic diseases not encountered in Rio de Janeiro, careful pre-travel planning needs to be undertaken. Strategies for increasing the frequency of pre-travel consultations need to be developed, such as closer collaboration between HIV clinics and travel health clinics.
Identificação laboratorial de micobactérias em amostras respiratórias de pacientes HIV-positivos com suspeita de tuberculose
Authors: Zamarioli Liliana Aparecida , Coelho Andréa Gobetti Vieira , Pereira Clemira Martins , Ferrazoli Lucilaine , Bammann Ricardo Helbert
Published: August 2009

Foram analisados retrospectivamente os registros (2000 a 2004) do Laboratório de Microbiologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz de Santos, SP referentes a pacientes infectados pelo virus da imunodeficiência humana com suspeita de tuberculose pulmonar. Foram encaminhadas 1.321 amostras com finalidade de diagnóstico, correspondendo a 880 casos suspeitos de tuberculose em 693 pacientes. Cento e trinta e quatro baciloscopias foram positivas e em 188 culturas houve crescimento de micobactérias, correspondendo a 161 casos confirmados. Houve identificação de Mycobacterium tuberculosis em 126 (78,3%) e micobactérias não tuberculosas em 39 (24,2%). Em quatro casos, houve concomitância de Mycobacterium tuberculosis e micobactérias não tuberculosas (porém em amostras distintas). O perfil de sensibilidade às drogas antituberculose revelou 18 (14,3%) casos de resistência a pelo menos um medicamento. Estes resultados reforçam a necessidade de submeter à rotina laboratorial completa - baciloscopia, cultura com identificação e testes de sensibilidade às drogas - as amostras respiratórias de pacientes soropositivos para o vírus da imunodeficiência humana com suspeita de tuberculose para direcionamento terapêutico adequado.
Identificação de espécies de Leishmania isoladas de casos humanos em Mato Grosso do Sul por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase
Authors: Lima Junior Manoel Sebastião da Costa , Andreotti Renato , Dorval Maria Elizabeth Moraes Cavalheiros , Oshiro Elisa Teruya , Oliveira Alessandra Gutierrez de , Matos Maria de Fatima Cepa
Published: August 2009

As leishmanioses são zoonoses endêmicas em Mato Grosso do Sul e têm por agentes etiológicos nessa região Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis e Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Como método para identificação de espécies de Leishmania, a reação em cadeia da polimerase é uma ferramenta com elevada especificidade e sensibilidade. Analisaram-se 39 isolados de Leishmania criopreservados, obtidos por meio de aspirado medular e/ou biópsia de lesão, conforme a suspeita clínica. Os isolados foram submetidos à extração de DNA e à reação em cadeia da polimerase com os iniciadores: RV1/RV2 para Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, a1/a2 para a identificação de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis e b1/b2 para Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi foi a única espécie identificada em 37 casos de leishmaniose visceral. Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis foi identificada em dois isolados de pacientes com diagnóstico de leishmaniose tegumentar. Os resultados obtidos confirmam a possibilidade do uso dos três pares de iniciadores como uma ferramenta na caracterização de isolados de Leishmania.
Controle da malária no Estado do Maranhão
Authors: Silva Antonio Rafael da , Fernandes José Maurício Carneiro , Rodrigues Thiago Alves , Santos Henrique Jorge dos , Cavalheiro Nelson Nazareno Miranda , Guimarães Milton Cavalcante , Gonçalves Eloísa da Graça do Rosário
Published: August 2009

Este estudo objetiva mostrar os resultados do controle da malária no Estado do Maranhão, com base nos Planos Estaduais de Controle e na série histórica dos registros de malária, no período de 1999 a 2007. A evolução da malária foi analisada comparando-se a incidência parasitária anual (total de casos notificados por 1.000 habitantes) por Região Geográfica, por Unidades Regionais de Saúde e pelos 46 municípios incluídos nos Planos. A análise dos resultados permitiu concluir pela eficácia dos Planos, pois a incidência anual apresentou redução de 10,1 casos para 1,1 casos por 1000 habitantes, uma regressão de 89,1%, a maior entre todos os estados amazônicos.
Repetibilidade da produção de cachos de híbridos interespecíficos entre o caiaué e o dendezeiro
Authors: Chia Gilson Sánchez , Lopes Ricardo , Cunha Raimundo Nonato Vieira da , Rocha Raimundo Nonato Carvalho da , Lopes Maria Teresa Gomes
Published: August 2009

A hibridação interespecífica entre o caiaué (Elaeis oleífera (Kunth) Cortés) e o dendezeiro (E. guineensis Jacq.) tem sido explorada com o objetivo de desenvolver cultivares tão produtivas quanto as de dendezeiro, aliada à resistência a pragas e doenças, principalmente o amarelecimento fatal, elevada taxa de ácidos graxos insaturados e redução de porte características do caiaué. Por ser uma cultura perene com longo ciclo de produção, além dos altos custos para manutenção e avaliação dos experimentos de melhoramento genético, é necessário definir o período mínimo de avaliação para que a seleção dos híbridos seja realizada com eficiência e mínimo dispêndio de tempo e recursos. Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade dos caracteres número de cachos, peso total de cachos e peso médio de cachos de híbridos interespecíficos e definir o número de anos consecutivos de avaliação necessário para seleção eficiente dos melhores cruzamentos e indivíduos. Os coeficientes de repetibilidade foram estimados pelos métodos da análise de variância, componentes principais com base na matriz de covariância (CPCV) e de correlações, e análise estrutural com base na matriz de correlações. O método dos CPCV demonstrou ser o mais adequado para o estudo da repetibilidade da produção de cachos, indicando quatro anos consecutivos de avaliação para selecionar progênies, representadas por dez plantas, com coeficientes de determinação (R²) superiores a 85%, e que para seleção individual de plantas são necessários pelo menos seis anos consecutivos de avaliação para atingir R² superior a 80%.
Estudo anatômico do xilema secundário da raiz e do caule de Maytenus guyanensis Klotzsch ex Reissek (Celastraceae)
Authors: Prata Ressiliane Ribeiro , Mendonça Maria Silvia de
Published: August 2009

Maytenus guyanensis é uma planta medicinal, conhecida popularmente por chichuá, possuindo ação analgésica, antiinflamatória, afrodisíaca e antireumática. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar as características estruturais, da raiz e caule desta espécie como contribuição aos trabalhos anatômicos já realizados para o gênero. O material botânico foi coletado na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, Manaus/AM onde foram selecionados três indivíduos e de cada um deles retirados fragmentos de 1cm³ do caule e raiz. Amostras foram seccionadas em micrótomo de deslize e coradas com safranina e azul de astra. A análise estrutural revelou-se de acordo com o registrado pela literatura para o gênero. O xilema secundário da raiz e do caule apresentam parênquima axial apotraqueal, raios multisseriados, heterogêneos, vasos solitários, de distribuição difusa, uniforme, seção circular, com parede delgada, pontoações intervasculares alternas e areoladas.
Comparação de métodos e processos de amostragem para estimar a área basal para grupos de espécies em uma floresta ecotonal da região norte matogrossense
Authors: Ubialli Jaime Antonio , Figueiredo Filho Afonso , Machado Sebastião do Amaral , Arce Julio Eduardo
Published: August 2009

O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de comparar a acuracidade e a precisão das estimativas de área basal obtidas de processos, intensidades e métodos amostrais com valores obtidos pelo censo, numa floresta ecotonal de 120 hectares na região norte matogrossense, para oito grupos de espécies e para espécies individuais para árvores com DAP ≥ 30 centímetros. Aplicaram-se os processos: aleatório e o sistemático, com uma intensidade amostral de 5 e 10% para 22 tamanhos e formas de parcelas variando de 400 m² a 10000 m². A área basal média por hectare foi de 11,08 m². As parcelas de 2500 m² (125 m x 20 m) apresentaram erros reais e de amostragem sempre inferiores a 10% na estimativa de área basal para os grupos de todas as espécies e para as 15 de maiores valores de importância (VI). Para os demais grupos os erros aumentam na medida em que decresce a quantidade de árvores por hectare. Para as espécies, individualmente, os erros variaram de 28,7% (Vochysia sp.) a 250,59 (Hymenaeae courbaril), respectivamente, para a mais e a menos freqüente, mostrando inviabilidade na aplicação de processos estimativos tradicionalmente empregados nos inventários florestais, notadamente para estimar parâmetros específicos de espécies raras (baixa freqüência por hectare).
Estimativa do Índice de Área Foliar (IAF) e Biomassa em pastagem no estado de Rondônia, Brasil
Authors: Zanchi Fabrício Berton , Waterloo Maarten J. , Aguiar Leonardo J. G. , von Randow Celso , Kruijt Bart , Cardoso Fernando Luiz , Manzi Antônio O.
Published: August 2009

Medidas mensais da altura da pastagem, biomassa total, variações de biomassa viva e morta, a área específica foliar (SLA) e o Índice de Área de Folha (IAF) de fevereiro de 1999 a janeiro de 2005 na Fazenda Nossa Senhora (FNS) e em Rolim de Moura (RDM) entre Fevereiro a Março de 1999, Rondônia, Brasil. A pastagem predominante é Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich) R. D. Webster (99% na FNS e 76% em RDM), com pequenas manchas de Urochloa humidicula (Rendle). A altura média anual da grama foi de ~0,16 m. Com o pastejo, o mínimo mensal foi de 0,09 m (estação seca) e máximo de 0,3 m sem pastejo (estação úmida). O IAF, biomassa total, material morto, vivo e SLA tiveram valores médios de 2,5 m² m-2 , 2202 kg ha-1, 2916 kg ha-1 e 19 m² kg-1 respectivamente. A média mensal da biomassa foi 4224 kg ha-1 em 2002 e 6667 kg ha-1 em 2003. Grande variação sazonal do material vivo e morto, sendo mais alto o vivo durante a estação úmida (3229 contra 2529 kg ha-1), sendo o morto maior durante a seca (2542 contra 1894 kg ha-1). O nível de água no solo variou de -3,1 a -6,5 m durante as estações. Em médias anuais os IAF foram de 1,4 em 2000 a 2,8 em 2003 e o SLA entre 16,3 m² kg-1 em 1999 e 20,4 m² kg-1 em 2001. As observações do Albedo variaram de 0,18 para 0,16 em relação aos altos valores de IAF.
Aproveitamento do Óleo das Amêndoas de Tucumã do Amazonas na Produção de Biodiesel
Authors: Barbosa Banny Silva , Koolen Hector Henrique Ferreira , Barreto Andreza Cruz , Silva João Domingos da , Figliuolo Roberto , Nunomura Sergio Massayoshi
Published: August 2009

A falta de disponibilidade de energia elétrica é um dos principais motivos pelo baixo Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano das comunidades isoladas localizadas na Amazônia. O biodiesel produzido a partir de óleos vegetais extraídos de espécies oleaginosas nativas de forma sustentada é uma das melhores alternativas energéticas para a região. O tucumã do amazonas, Astrocaryum aculeatum, é uma espécie de palmeira que produz um fruto muito apreciado na região, a partir do qual se obtém uma amêndoa com alto teor de óleo. Nesse estudo, foi avaliada a produção de biodiesel etílico, a partir de diferentes lotes de óleos de tucumã do amazonas, com índices de acidez baixos e elevados, pela transesterificação por catálise básica e ácida homogêneas, respectivamente. Na catálise ácida, foram testados HCl e H2SO4 como catalisadores nas concentrações de 0,0625 a 1,000 M, empregando etanol hidratado na proporção molar de 1:6 e a reação conduzida a 90 ºC por 24 h. Na catálise básica, foram testados NaOH e KOH, nas proporções de 0,5 a 2,0 %, empregando etanol anidro na proporção molar de 1:12 e a reação conduzida a 80 ºC por 2 h. O biodiesel obtido em cada experimento foi analisado por métodos físicos (massa específica) e cromatográficos (CLAE em fase reversa). Análises cromatográficas indicaram que as melhores conversões foram alcançadas por amostras de biodiesel com massas específicas inferiores a 0,87 g.cm-1. As amostras de biodiesel obtidas com melhor qualidade foram obtidas utilizando-se os catalisadores ácidos a 1,0 M com rendimentos superiores a 90%. No caso da catálise básica, obteve-se biodiesel de boa qualidade empregando-se o catalisador NaOH a 2,0%, porém com rendimento inferior a 60 %. Contudo, em ambos os casos, foi possível identificar um excelente potencial de produção de biocombustível, a partir do óleo das amêndoas de tucumã.