bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential protein expression in normal and trisomic cell lines from murine cerebral cortex measured by itraq and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wicki-Stordeur Leigh. E. , Al Faresi Nesreen. Mohammed , Almehdi Ahmed. M. , Smith Derek. S. , Borchers Christoph. H. , Pearson Terry. W. , Haddow Jody. D.
Published: September 2013

Down syndrome (DS), the most common cause of genetic mental dysfunction, is caused by aberrant protein expression due to a trisomy of chromosome 21 (Ts21). A mouse model of Ts21, based on synteny of human chromosome 21 and murine chromosome 16, is used for studying the mechanisms involved in DS. In this study we measured protein expression in immortalized cell lines derived from normal and trisomy 16 (Ts16) fetal mouse cerebral cortex (CNh and CTb respectively). iTRAQ labeling and mass spectrometry were used to examine each cell line for significant up- or down-regulation of proteins. CTb cells showed increased expression of 71 proteins and decreased expression of 56 proteins when compared to the normal CNh control cells. Several of these differentially expressed proteins have previously been reported to show aberrant expression in DS and other neurological disorders such as Alzheimerâ€™s disease, a condition closely associated with Down syndrome. Our results clearly demonstrate the aberrant expression of proteins with various cellular functions within the trisomy model and may lead to a deeper understanding of the proteins and mechanisms involved in the Down syndrome phenotype.
Chemical composition, Antimicrobial and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities of essential oils from the Tunisian Asteriscus maritimus (L.) Less
Authors: Medimagh Sined , Daami-Remadi Mejda , Jabnoun-Khiareddine Hayfa , Ben Jannet Hichem , Hamza Mâ€™hamed Ali
Published: September 2013

The chemical composition, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect and the antimicrobial activity of the Tunisian Asteriscus maritimus (L.) Less essential oils obtained from flowers, leaves and stems were investigated. According to the GC and GC-MS analysis results, 45 (99.32%), 34 (94%) and 29 compounds (94.95%) were identified, respectively. In the essential oils extracted from the flowers and leaves of A. maritimus, oxygenated sesquiterpenes were abundantly found (57.82 and 46.39%, respectively). Hexdecanoic acid was detected in an important amount in leaves and stems (30.35 and 49.18%, respectively), while Î²-eudesmol (24.25%), menthyl acetate (17.03%) and pentadecanal (15.38%) were the most abundant constituents in flowers. To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, all volatiles were tested against some bacterial and fungal agents. It was found that only the volatile oil from flowers exhibited interesting antibacterial and antifungal activities. When screened for their anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, essential oil from flowers exhibited the highest activity (IC50 =95 Î¼g/mL). To our knowledge, this is the first report of acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antimicrobial activity of the Tunisian A. maritimus essential oils.
NDE1 and NDEL1: twin neurodevelopmental proteins with similar ‘nature’ but different ‘nurture’
Authors: Bradshaw Nicholas J. , Hennah William , Soares Dinesh C.
Published: September 2013

Nuclear distribution element 1 (NDE1, also known as NudE) and NDE-like 1 (NDEL1, also known as Nudel) are paralogous proteins essential for mitosis and neurodevelopment that have been implicated in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The two proteins possess high sequence similarity and have been shown to physically interact with one another. Numerous lines of experimental evidence in vivo and in cell culture have demonstrated that these proteins share common functions, although instances of differing functions between the two have recently emerged. We review the key aspects of NDE1 and NDEL1 in terms of recent advances in structure elucidation and cellular function, with an emphasis on their differing mechanisms of post-translational modification. Based on a review of the literature and bioinformatics assessment, we advance the concept that the twin proteins NDE1 and NDEL1, while sharing a similar ‘nature’ in terms of their structure and basic functions, appear to be different in their ‘nurture’, the manner in which they are regulated both in terms of expression and of post-translational modification within the cell. These differences are likely to be of significant importance in understanding the specific roles of NDE1 and NDEL1 in neurodevelopment and disease.
Application of principal component analysis on human development indicators: temporal approach from 1999 to 2010
Authors: Lai Dejian , Sun Wensheng , Pan Wenrong , Linder Stephen H.
Published: September 2013

In this study, we performed a weighted principal component analysis on human development indicators to measure and analyze the progress of well-being throughout the world from 1999 to 2010. The main principal component (MPC) was employed to quantify the temporal changes of the human development of several selected countries by the proposedZ-test. The trends of the human development in some countries with high human development, Sub-Saharan African countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC), the USA, and Qatar were discussed in terms of the impact of public health and economic development. We also studied the association of the MPC obtained from our study and the human development index reported by the United Nations Development Program using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.
Surface modification of nano-alumina and its application in preparing polyacrylate water-based wood coating
Authors: Long Ling , Xu Jianfeng , Wan Xianglong , Qian Lei
Published: September 2013

In order to solve weakness, undesirable abrasion resistance, and hardness of a water-based wood coating film, modified surface nano-alumina was made in the water-based wood coating. The effect of surfactant type and amount on the performance of nano-alumina slurry was investigated. How the performance of the polyacrylate wood coating was affected by the size, amount, and mixing method of nano slurry was studied, as well as the characterization of nano-alumina slurry and modified polyacrylate wood coating. The results showed that, by compounding the non-ionic surfactant polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether (OPEO) and anionic surfactant sodium polyacrylate of surface modification of nano-alumina, the nano-alumina slurry had excellent performance and good stability when the amount of nano-alumina was 0.6 wt% and 3.2 wt%, respectively. When 1.5 wt% of nano slurry was mixed with the water-based polyacrylate emulsion to a hybrid during the pre-emulsification phase, the wood coating film had high performance, and good abrasion resistance and hardness.
Shrinkage and Creep of Steel Fiber Reinforced Normal Strength Concrete
Authors: Saje Drago , Bandelj Branko , Šušteršič Jakob , Lopatič Jože , Saje Franc
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with the results of laboratory research into the time-related development of shrinkage and creep in normal strength concrete that has been steel fiber reinforced with volumetric contents of up to 2.0 % of shorter (l = 16 mm) or longer (l = 30 mm) steel fibers. The experimental research refers to the respective effects of the length and volumetric content of such fibers, as well as to the effect of early water curing conditions on the shrinkage and creep of the composite concerned. The results of the measurement of the autogenous, drying, and total shrinkage and the creep of the tested composites, as well as those corresponding to comparable concrete without fibers, are presented in the paper. The results of the experimental research show that the total shrinkage of such composites is, in general, about 15 % less than that of the comparable plain concrete without fibers. The autogenous shrinkage of the composites was nearly the same, but the drying shrinkage was considerably less than in the case of the comparable plain concrete. However, the creep of these composites differed only minimally from that of the comparable plain concrete.
Nano-Mechanical Characterization of Mastic, Aggregate, and Interfacial Zone in Asphalt Composites
Authors: Khorasani S. , Masad E. , Kassem E. , Abu Al-Rub R. K.
Published: September 2013

This study used a nanoindentation technique to explore the local nanoscale mechanical properties of material phases and interfaces in an asphalt concrete composite. Regions of aggregate and mastic and their interfaces were nanoindented, and the load-displacement curves were analyzed to calculate the elastic modulus and hardness of the three phases. The interface region was found to have hardness and modulus values between those of the aggregate and the mastic. This study contributes significantly to the nanoscale characterization of asphalt concrete composites, as it provides unique measurements of mechanical properties of phases and especially the interface at a very small scale.
In Situ Observation and Model Test on Zonal Disintegration in Deep Tunnels
Authors: Chen Xu-Guang , Zhang Qiang-Yong , Wang Yuan , Li Shu-Cai , Wang Han-Peng
Published: September 2013

The mechanical behavior of deep rock masses differs from that of shallow rock masses. Deep rock masses are classified into alternating fractured and intact zones. This unique geological phenomenon is known as zonal disintegration. It is difficult to explain the formation mechanism of such phenomenon under the framework of traditional rock mechanics. The fractured shape and forming conditions of this occurrence also remain unclear. In our present study, we conducted an exploration in deep tunnels of the Dingji coal mine in China to investigate the forming mechanism of zonal disintegration. This phenomenon was observed using a borescope TV. A geomechanical model test was then constructed based on the results of the exploration. An analogical material referred to as barites–iron–sand cementation analogical and optical scale multi-point displacement meters were developed independently for the model test. The model test was then used to validate zonal disintegration and monitor the formation process. The strain and displacement laws of the surrounding rocks during zonal disintegration were obtained and found to be non-monotonic. The fractured shape of zonal disintegration was determined, and the radii of the fractured zones were found to fulfill the relationship of geometric progression. The experimental results were in accordance with the in situ exploration findings. The mechanism of the zonal disintegration was revealed by theoretical analysis based on fracture mechanics. The fractured zones are reportedly circular and concentric to the cavern. Each fracture zone ruptured at the elastic–plastic boundary of the surrounding rocks and then coalesced into the circular form. The geometric progression ratio was found to be related to the mechanical parameters and the ground stress of the surrounding rocks.
Evaluating Smart Living Technology Strategies Using the Analytic Network Process
Authors: Shieh Lon-Fon , Yeh Ching-Chiang , Lai Ming-Cheng
Published: September 2013

Smart living technology (SLT) is one of the most crucial information and communication technology application concerns for government and businesses. Many governments have initiated projects to promote SLT, but the evaluation models for these technologies are deficient and lack proper evaluation guidelines. This paper proposes an analytic network process for evaluating and selecting SLT strategies. It objectively identifies the related policy criteria and prioritizes the alternatives critical to the success of SLT promotion. To demonstrate the validity of this method, Taiwan’s Intelligent Taiwan program is used as an illustrative case. The methodology and experience presented in this study could serve as a reference for policymakers making SLT-related decisions.
Inhomogeneous Micro-Structure Influence on Macro-Crack of Sandstone
Authors: Tan Yunliang , Yin Yanchun , Huang Dongmei
Published: September 2013

SEM scanning and fractal dimension estimation were adopted to study the inhomogeneous microstructure features and its influences on the failure pattern of sandstone. The results show that different sandstones are of different self-similarities of microstructure. The average homogeneities of lithic arenite, greywacke, and subfeldspathic arenite are 5.61, 3.39, and 4.57 and estimated fractal dimensions of microstructure are 1.94, 1.52, and 1.84, respectively, indicating that the homogeneity of microstructure is well consistent with fractal dimension. The resulted macro-cracks of lithic arenite, greywacke, and subfeldspathic arenite are vertical cleavages, unordered discontinuous macro-cracks, and inclined macro-crack, respectively. The brittleness of lithic arenite, greywacke, and subfeldspathic arenite are 2.46, 3.54, and 2.61, respectively. The sandstone of brittleness tends to be easily ruptured in an abrupt manner, accompanying a sudden release of large elastic energy.
THERAPY OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Perspectives on the management of adrenal insufficiency: clinical insights from across Europe
Authors: Grossman Ashley , Johannsson Gudmundur , Quinkler Marcus , Zelissen Pierre
Published: September 2013

Background

Conventional glucocorticoid (GC) replacement for patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) is inadequate. Patients with AI continue to have increased mortality and morbidity and compromised quality of life despite treatment and monitoring.

Objectives

i) To review current management of AI and the unmet medical need based on literature and treatment experience and ii) to offer practical advice for managing AI in specific clinical situations.

Methods

The review considers the most urgent questions endocrinologists face in managing AI and presents generalised patient cases with suggested strategies for treatment.

Results

Optimisation and individualisation of GC replacement remain a challenge because available therapies do not mimic physiological cortisol patterns. While increased mortality and morbidity appear related to inadequate GC replacement, there are no objective measures to guide dose selection and optimisation. Physicians must rely on experience to recognise the clinical signs, which are not unique to AI, of inadequate treatment. The increased demand for corticosteroids during periods of stress can result in a life-threatening adrenal crisis (AC) in a patient with AI. Education is paramount for patients and their caregivers to anticipate, recognise and provide proper early treatment to prevent or reduce the occurrence of ACs.

Conclusions

This review highlights and offers suggestions to address the challenges endocrinologists encounter in treating patients with AI. New preparations are being developed to better mimic normal physiological cortisol levels with convenient, once-daily dosing which may improve treatment outcomes.
Gerenciamento de dados marinhos no contexto brasileiro
Authors: Conti Luis Américo , Oliveira Mariana Cabral de , Estrada Tiago Egger Moellwald Duque , Marques Antônio Carlos
Published: September 2013

Em um contexto de franco crescimento de demanda e produção de conhecimento técnico e cientifico a respeito de parâmetros bióticos e abióticos de ambientes marinhos e costeiros, a concepção de programas de desenvolvimento de bancos de dados e geo-portais de disseminação de informação torna-se imperativa. Embora apenas esforços pontuais tenham sido propostos nos últimos anos, a criação de bases de dados de acesso mais amplo parece inevitável tendo em vista as peculiaridades práticas de aquisição e processamento de dados marinhos: caros, complexos e dinâmicos. Este trabalho pretende abordar tal questão contextualizando as necessidades e demandas para projetos desta natureza, focando aspectos teóricos e práticos da implementação de modelos de dados marinhos propondo diretrizes para que esforços futuros sejam estabelecidos visando a disseminação da informação marinha e costeira no Brasil.
Influence of camera-trap sampling design on mammal species capture rates and community structures in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Srbek-Araujo Ana Carolina , Chiarello Adriano Garcia
Published: September 2013

The distribution of species and population attributes are critical data for biodiversity conservation. As a tool for obtaining such data, camera traps have become increasingly common throughout the world. However, there are disagreements on how camera-trap records should be used due to imperfect species detectability and limitations regarding the use of capture rates as surrogates for abundance. We evaluated variations in the capture rates and community structures of mammals in camera-trap surveys using four different sampling designs. The camera traps were installed on internal roads (in the first and fourth years of the study), at 100-200 m from roads (internal edges; second year) and at 500 m from the nearest internal road (forest interior; third year). The mammal communities sampled in the internal edges and forest interior were similar to each other but differed significantly from those sampled on the roads. Furthermore, for most species, the number of records and the capture success varied widely among the four sampling designs. A further experiment showed that camera traps placed on the same tree trunk but facing in opposing directions also recorded few species in common. Our results demonstrated that presence or non-detection and capture rates vary among the different sampling designs. These differences resulted mostly from the habitat use and behavioral attributes of species in association with differences in sampling surveys, which resulted in differential detectability. We also recorded variations in the distribution of records per sampling point and at the same spot, evidencing the stochasticity associated with the camera-trap location and orientation. These findings reinforce that for species whose specimens cannot be individually identified, the capture rates should be best used as inputs for presence and detection analyses and for behavior inferences (regarding the preferential use of habitats and activity patterns, for example). Comparisons between capture rates or among relative abundance indices, even for the same species, should be made cautiously.
Flood-mediated use of habitat by large and midsized mammals in the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Lázari Patrick Ricardo De , Santos-Filho Manoel dos , Canale Gustavo Rodrigues , Graipel Maurício Eduardo
Published: September 2013

The Brazilian Pantanal comprises a mosaic of forest and field environments harbouring a rich community of large and midsized mammals that are adapted to the annual hydrological cycle. Here we evaluated richness and composition of large and midsized mammals inhabiting forested and open habitats affected by yearly floods in the Pantanal in Cáceres from October 2009 to September 2010. We compared these communities in marshes, dry forests and riparian forests based on 640 camera-traps.nights, sights, tracks, faecal samples and interviews. We also compared results in a private land (Descalvados Farm) and in a protected area (Taiamã Ecological Station). In total, we sampled 26 large and midsized mammals, including five threatened and two near threatened species. Jaguars, collared peccaries and red-brocket deers were the only mammals recorded at all habitat types, while eleven species were recorded exclusively in one of the habitats. We identified a heterogeneous use of the habitat by the animal community surveyed in all three habitats during the wet and dry season. Furthermore, precipitation and river level affected the use of dry forests and marshes isolated from dry forests. Finally, 62% of large/midsized mammal species present in the surveyed region recorded outside the reserve; therefore, we recommend conservation actions to protect those species and also to preserve unprotected dry forests.
Assemblage of medium and large size mammals in an urban Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment in Cerrado biome
Authors: Bernardo Paulo Vitor dos Santos , Melo Fabiano Rodrigues de
Published: September 2013

Nowadays, the processes of deforestation and loss of habitats represent a major threat to many species of mammals. These processes cause changes in natural landscapes by decreasing area, connectivity, and fragment size, and increasing edge effects and number of fragments. Understanding which and how many species persist in disturbed fragments may indicate the species' minimum requirements and might contribute to their conservation. Here we show how the mammalian fauna of medium and large size (higher than 1 kg) are structured in a semideciduous seasonal forest fragment of 36.5 ha in the urban area of Jataí, Goiás. We performed the sampling with 30 sand track plots (1 x 1 m). We analyzed the relative record frequency and built a collector's curve to demonstrate the sampling effort. With a total effort of 600 track plots × days, we recorded twelve species of mammals with our tracks sampling method, from which only the wild mammals were included in the analyzes (11 species). The estimated species richness reached 13 species (SD (Standard Deviation) = ±1, CI (Confidence Interval) = ±2 (11 – 15 species). The species with the highest relative record frequency was Didelphis albiventris and the species with the lowest was Tamandua tetradactyla. The fragment size must be a limiting factor to the richness and to the occurrence of species, as it may not be sufficient to allow the persistence of a population or an individual. Disturbances that originated from houses, like domestic animals and movement of people, also contributed to the removal and extinction of species. To conserve the species in the fragment, we suggest the prevention of entrance of people and of domestic animals. We also recommend increased connectivity of the fragment with the landscape external to the urban area in order to allow the movement of the currently present species.
New group, new species and new records from Brazil of the atropos, brasilianus and giganteus groups (Blattaria, Blaberidae, Blaberinae)
Authors: Lopes Sonia Maria , Oliveira Edivar Heeren de
Published: September 2013

This paper presents 20 species of the genus Blaberus (Blaberidae) included in the atropos, brasilianus and giganteus groups. A new group is defined, and 12 new species are described. The genitalia of the eight known species are described. The descriptions are based on the morphology of the head, thorax and abdomen, illustrating the structures of the genitalia and variations in the form of the structures, some within the same species. New records for five known species are discussed. All material is deposited in the collection of the Museu Nacional of Rio de Janeiro.
Assembleia de aves na área urbana do município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Sacco Anne Gomes , Bergmann Fabiane Borba , Rui Ana Maria
Published: September 2013

A urbanização altera a composição e diversidade das comunidades bióticas. Os objetivos do trabalho são apresentar a lista de espécies de aves que utilizam a área urbana do município de Pelotas (RS), no extremo sul do Brasil, e descrever a estrutura da assembleia com ênfase na riqueza, composição e abundância relativa de espécies e suas variações sazonais. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre outubro de 2007 e setembro de 2008, em 216 pontos fixos de observação distribuídos em grupos de seis pontos em ruas com todos os graus de urbanização, que foram amostrados uma vez por estação. O observador permaneceu oito minutos em cada um dos pontos, o que resultou no esforço amostral de 28,8 horas em cada estação e 115,2 horas no ano. Foram registrados 9.595 contatos de 84 espécies de aves pertencentes a 34 famílias e 14 ordens. Quanto à abundância relativa, 72 espécies apresentaram menos de 200 contatos; sete apresentaram entre 200 e 1000; e quatro apresentaram mais de 1000 contatos. As espécies com mais de 1000 contatos foram Furnarius rufus, Columba livia, Myiopsitta monachus e Pitangus sulphuratus, totalizando 5136 contatos. Das 84 espécies, 67 estiveram presentes em menos do que 20% dos pontos amostrados; sete foram registradas entre 20 e 40% e entre 40 e 60% dos pontos; e três foram visualizadas entre 80 e 100% dos pontos. As espécies com maior frequência de ocorrência foram P. sulphuratus, Passer domesticus e F. rufus. A riqueza variou de 55 espécies, no outono, até 61, no inverno. Das 84 espécies, 21 estiveram presentes em uma estação, 17 em duas, nove em três e 37 estiveram presentes em todas as estações. A estação em que se obteve maior abundância relativa foi a primavera, com 2936 contatos, e a menor foi o outono, com 2149 contatos. A assembleia de aves apresentou riqueza representativa se comparada com a região, porém, poucas espécies são abundantes e bem distribuídas. Esse padrão pode ser reflexo da baixa qualidade e heterogeneidade da matriz urbana, que possui poucas praças e parques, não possui áreas de reserva de vegetação nativa e lagos e possui baixo grau de arborização.
Fish fauna of Floresta Nacional de Ipanema, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Smith Welber Senteio , Biagioni Renata Cassemiro , Halcsik Letícia
Published: September 2013

The Floresta Nacional de Ipanema is located on the southeast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and belongs to the cities of Araçoiaba da Serra, Iperó and Capela do Alto. It extends over an area of 5,069 ha surrounded by several streams, small lakes, the Ipanema river and the Hedberg dam. The fish species in this area were sampled between 1993 and 2012 in several isolated studies, with the use of gill nets and sieves. Fifty species of fish were registered, 43 native and 7 non-native (Cyprinus carpio, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Brycon cephalus, Triportheus nematurus, Clarias gariepinus, Tilapia rendalli and Poecilia vivipara), distributed in seven Orders, 21 Families and 41 Genera. The present study aimed at cataloguing the fish species in the Ipanema National Forest. Handling and preservation actions will be based on the information obtained.
Assemblage of fish species associated with aquatic macrophytes in Porto Murtinho Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Súarez Yzel Rondon , Ferreira Fabiane Silva , Tondato Karina Keyla
Published: September 2013

The Porto Murtinho Pantanal lies at the limit of the Upper Paraguay River basin, and despite its biogeographical importance, several aspects of the ecology of the fish assemblage are not known. Monthly samples of fish associated with aquatic macrophytes were taken from February 2009 through January 2011. A total of 46,327 individuals were collected, belonging to 144 species. Characiformes and Siluriformes were the predominant orders, and Odontostilbe pequira, O. paraguayensis and Bryconamericus exodon were the most abundant species. Two species, Cynopotamus sp. and Pimelodus mysteriosus, were recorded for the first time in the Pantanal, and a new occurrence record of Cichla piquiti was observed, representing an approximately 400 km range expansion in your distribution area in the Pantanal.
As abelhas do gênero Xylocopa Latreille (Xylocopini, Apidae) do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Marchi Paola , Alves-dos-Santos Isabel
Published: September 2013

Este estudo contribui para o conhecimento da diversidade das abelhas pertencentes ao gênero Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 do Estado de São Paulo através de uma compilação de informações taxonômicas e biológicas. São apresentadas chaves de identificação para os quatro subgêneros (DasyxylocopaHurd & Moure, 1963; NeoxylocopaMichener, 1954; Schonnherria Lepeletier, 1841 e StenoxylocopaHurd & Moure, 1960) e para as 22 espécies registradas para o Estado, além dos dados existentes sobre sua biologia, plantas visitadas e ocorrência geográfica.
New records of the southern naked-tailed armadillo Cabassous unicinctus unicinctus Linnaeus, 1758 (Cingulata: Dasypodidae) in Brazil
Authors: Anacleto Teresa Cristina da Silveira , Godoy Leandro Perez , Tubelis Darius Pukenis
Published: September 2013

The geographic distribution of Cabassous unicinctus is poorly known due to the low number of available records. Two subspecies with distributions limited by the Amazonas River were recognized in 1980. Cabassous u. unicinctus has been found north of this river, while C. u. squamicaudis occurs in areas south of the river. This study aimed to update the distribution records of C. u. unicinctus in Brazil. We compiled records from literature, museum collections and field studies. New records of this subspecies were obtained from the Brazilian states of Acre, Pará, Rondônia and Mato Grosso. These records enlarge a geographic distribution of C. u. unicinctus to Amazonian and Cerrado biomes, regions located south of the Amazon River.
Fabaceae of the Rio São Francisco River sub-basin, Nova Marilândia, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Silva Rosilene Rodrigues , Souza-Lima Eliane Semidei de
Published: September 2013

The watershed of the São Francisco River is a large complex of headwaters of the Paraguay River, the main river of the Pantanal Matogrossense. Considering that Fabaceae are pointed out as the main family in floristic composition of various Brazilian biomes, however in some regions of Brazil is still little known upon the taxa, particularly in the Northern part of the Central-West, this study aimed to present a list of taxa occurring in the sub-basin of the São Francisco River, municipality of Nova Marilândia, State of Mato Grosso. For the taxa we give information on habit, vegetation, data on geographic distribution, potential use, successional strategy and dispersal syndrome, to subsidize habitat restoration projects. We recorded a total of 44 taxa, belonging to 25 genera. Inga stood out as the main genus in number of species. Among the identified taxa we found eight new records for the State of Mato Grosso: Chamaecrista brevicalyx (Benth.) H. S. Irwin & Barneby var. brevicalyx, Inga alba (Sw.) Willd., I. capitata Desv., I. heterophylla Willd., I. marginata Willd., I. nobilis Willd., Mimosa nitens Benth. and Ormosia coarctata Jacks. Vouchers are kept in the Herbarium UFMT.
Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae): a potential host-plant of stink bugs Edessa meditabunda F. (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)
Authors: Krinski Diones
Published: September 2013

Physalis angulata is native to South America. In Brazil is popularly known as camapú, balãozinho, juá-de-capote, bucho-de-rã, camambu, mata-fome, bate-testa and balão-rajado. Even being a species with wide ecological adaptation the studies on pest insects associated with these plants are incipient. Thus, this study reports for the first time the occurrence of stink bugs Edessa meditabunda on plants P. angulata in the Amazon region.
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves, Cathartidae) nesting in a manmade structure
Authors: Petri Laís , Prado Bárbara Heliodora Soares do , Antunes Alexsander Zamorano , Oliveira Benedito Carlos de
Published: September 2013

The King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa (Linnaeus, 1758) is declining globally and it is listed as threatened with extinction in state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Despite a recent increase in observations of this species, nesting records are scarce in the state. We report a nesting attempt on an observation tower at Estação Ecológica de Angatuba, southwestern state of São Paulo.
Hardness enhancement of PEO-treated Mg alloy for biodegradable implants
Authors: White Leon , Neralla Sudheer , Kotoka Ruben , Jang Yongseok , Sankar Jagannathan , Yarmolenko Sergey , Yun Yeoheung
Published: September 2013

In recent times, magnesium alloys have emerged as a possible biodegradable implant material. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been used in the past as a useful surface treatment technique to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys by forming protective coatings. This study focuses on the effect of electrolyte solution on the microstructural and nanomechanical behavior of PEO coatings for possible use in biodegradable implants. Microstructural characterization of the coating was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy followed by image analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, nanoindentation was used to evaluate nanohardness of the PEO coatings. The results show beneficial effects of the PEO coating to improve the hardness of the uncoated AZ31 magnesium alloy. The XRD pattern shows that the crystal structures of the film vary based on electrolyte solution and the effect that has on nanomechanical behavior. In conclusion, this article shows the possible benefit of PEO coating for biodegradable implant use.
Flexural behaviour of concrete beams with large-diameter steel bars
Authors: Huang Chung-Ho , Kan Yu-Cheng , Chen Li-Huai , Pei Kuang-Chih
Published: September 2013

Bending tests were performed on beam specimens reinforced with large-diameter steel bars of no. 14 (43 mm diameter) and no. 18 (57·3 mm diameter) to investigate the flexural behaviour, failure mode and bond performance at various loading stages. Attention was paid to studying the bond behaviour of the larger bar on the load resistance and failure mode of a beam made at full scale. Test results showed that the reinforced concrete beams with large-sized reinforcements of no. 14 and no. 18 steel bars exhibited a similar flexure response to the beam with steel bars of under no. 10 (32·3 mm diameter), but the samples differed from each other in the deflection behaviour at the period between yielding and ultimate stage. The ductility of the former was found to be greatly reduced. Bond strength can be increased with reinforcement with large-diameter bars until the bars yield; they are therefore adequate to predict the yielding strength using the conventional code method, but their ultimate strength will be overestimated.
Multiplicative Models for Specific Combining Ability in Half‐diallels with Parents
Authors: Piepho Hans‐Peter
Published: September 2013

This paper considers multiplicative models for the analysis of half‐diallels with parents (self‐crosses) and graphical displays based on such models, including biplots. It is shown that models respecting the symmetry of the diallel two‐way classification are inherently restrictive because multiplicative terms for specific combining ability (SCA) effects are forced to have the same sign for all self‐crosses. The models are illustrated using an example from wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Limitations of other multiplicative models for diallel analysis such as the AMMI and GGE models are also discussed. It is concluded that multiplicative models are useful for the analysis of diallels when the pattern of SCA effects can be well represented by just one or two multiplicative terms. When SCA effects have a more complex structure, however, it may be preferable to resort to classical diallel analysis.
Weather Determined Relative Sensitivity of Plants to Salinity: Quantification and Simulation
Authors: Groenveld Thomas , Ben-Gal Alon , Yermiyahu Uri , Lazarovitch Naftali
Published: September 2013

The amelioration of plant salinity tolerance due to reduction in potential evapotranspiration is a long recognized phenomenon. In spite of this, salinity tolerance of plants is generally calculated from full season, time‐ and space‐averaged response data. We hypothesized that the HYDRUS‐1D model could be used to predict dynamic changes in plant salinity tolerance for a greenhouse vegetable crop over a full season and to determine best management practices regarding blending of saline with desalinated water for optimization of yields and water use efficiency (WUE). The specific objectives of the study were to determine dynamic vapor pressure deficit (VDP)–salinity response relationships of bell pepper plants grown in lysimeters and to apply them for hypothetical management scenarios when irrigating with blended desalinated and brackish water under commercial conditions. The transpiration response of bell pepper plants to salinity in the controlled lysimeter experiment was strongly influenced by variations in potential transpiration throughout the season. The plants were relatively tolerant during periods of low VPD and relatively sensitive during periods of high transpiration demand. Data were used to develop salinity response equations as a function of VPD. In a case study for Israel's Arava Valley, transpiration and water productivity of bell peppers could be increased 5% by blending saline and desalinated water such that less saline water was applied during periods of relatively high sensitivity (high VPD) and more during periods of relative tolerance as compared to application of the same total of both sources of water blended at a constant ratio throughout the season. Sensitivity analysis of the dynamic crop response model revealed that such increases in water productivity would be even greater for more salt sensitive crops.
Shrub Hydropedology: Preferential Water Availability to Deep Soil Layer
Authors: Li Xiao-Yan , Hu Xia , Zhang Zhi-Hua , Peng Hai-Ying , Zhang Si-Yi , Li Guang-Yong , Li Liu , Ma Yu-Jun
Published: September 2013

The complex interactions between shrub traits, soil structure, and soil water dynamics are not well understood yet. This study investigated rainfall partition byC. microphyllaL., spatial soil water pattern, soil hydraulic conductivity, and soil macropores to ascertain preferential water flow to deep soil layer by shrub. Results indicated that high variability in throughfall existed within individual shrub stand: average coefficient of variation was 0.36 ± 0.13 for shrub and 0.15 ± 0.13 for interspace grass. Throughfall was less at the center of the shrub patch (30–60% of rainfall) than the outward positions at the edges of the canopy (70–90% of rainfall). Soil water responded differently to rainfall, soil depth, and vegetation type and showed high variability within shrub patches and on the slope. Greater and deeper infiltration was observed beneathC. microphyllaL. canopy than interspaces grass after rainfall with large amount and high intensity, suggesting that macropore flow dominated in shrub patches. X‐ray CT showed that macroporosity was over six times greater in soil underC. microphyllaL. than interspace grass. Soil hydraulic conductivity for shrub at saturation and the pressure heads of −30, −60, and −150 mm were 3, 2, 2.5, and 2 times than those of grass, respectively. Shrub patches had a significant lower bulk density and higher porosity than grass patches at the top 0‐ to 30‐cm depth. Soil hydraulic conductivity was significantly correlated to organic matter content, total N, bulk density, and porosity. This study suggests that rainfall partition by shrub's canopy and subsurface soil macropores induced by root architecture results in preferential water flow into deep soil layer, which might favor competitive advantages for water by shrubs under arid conditions.
Are children meeting any of the suggested daily step recommendations?
Authors: Brusseau Timothy A. , Tudor-Locke Catrine , Kulinna Pamela H.
Published: September 2013

Study aim: Over the past decade there have been numerous efforts to identify how many steps/day children should accumulate. Recommendations range from 10,000 to 16,500 steps/day. The purpose of this article was to examine the percentage of elementary school aged children meeting nine different sets of steps/day recommendations.

Material and methods: 786 Southwestern US children (410 girls, BMI 19.3±4.2) wore the Yamax Digiwalker SW-200 pedometer and recorded their steps/day for 7 consecutive days. Mean steps/day was calculated and the percent-age of students meeting each of the various steps/day recommendations was determined.

Results: Children averaged 11,113±3,666 steps/day. Sixty-one percent of all children met a minimum of 10,000 steps/day. Thirty-six percent met the most widely used recommendation of 11,000 and 13,000 steps/day for boys and girls, respectively. Using BMI referenced recommendations, between 10-52% of children met various guidelines.

Conclusions: Southwestern US children in the current sample are not getting enough daily activity to meet the ma-jority of step recommendations. Findings suggest that less than 33% of children are active for 60 minutes of physical activity (inferred from one of the guidelines) a day and only 36% would qualify for the Presidential Active Life-styles Award. Additional school and home-based physical activity programming is clearly needed.
Proteolytic activation of Chlamydia trachomatis HTRA is mediated by PDZ1 domain interactions with protease domain loops L3 and LC and beta strand β5
Authors: Marsh James , Lott William , Tyndall Joel , Huston Wilhelmina
Published: September 2013

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial pathogen responsible for one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Its unique development cycle has limited our understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms. However, CtHtrA has recently been identified as a potential C. trachomatis virulence factor. CtHtrA is a tightly regulated quality control protein with a monomeric structural unit comprised of a chymotrypsin-like protease domain and two PDZ domains. Activation of proteolytic activity relies on the C-terminus of the substrate allosterically binding to the PDZ1 domain, which triggers subsequent conformational change and oligomerization of the protein into 24-mers enabling proteolysis. This activation is mediated by a cascade of precise structural arrangements, but the specific CtHtrA residues and structural elements required to facilitate activation are unknown. Using in vitro analysis guided by homology modeling, we show that the mutation of residues Arg362 and Arg224, predicted to disrupt the interaction between the CtHtrA PDZ1 domain and loop L3, and between loop L3 and loop LD, respectively, are critical for the activation of proteolytic activity. We also demonstrate that mutation to residues Arg299 and Lys160, predicted to disrupt PDZ1 domain interactions with protease loop LC and strand β5, are also able to influence proteolysis, implying their involvement in the CtHtrA mechanism of activation. This is the first investigation of protease loop LC and strand β5 with respect to their potential interactions with the PDZ1 domain. Given their high level of conservation in bacterial HtrA, these structural elements may be equally significant in the activation mechanism of DegP and other HtrA family members.
Clay and charcoal composites: characterisation and application of factorial design analysis for dye adsorption
Authors: Chagas Neucineia , Quinaia Sueli , Anaissi Fauze , Santos Jeferson , Felsner Maria , Justi Karin
Published: September 2013

The characterisation of smectite clay, charcoal and prepared clay-charcoal composites was carried out through the X-ray diffractometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), simultaneous thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis revealed the composites to have different characteristics from the precursor clay and charcoal, and a peak displacement (d 001) was observed through the X-ray diffraction; this suggests the incorporation of charcoal into the clay lamellas and the formation of a new phase. Tests of adsorption with methylene blue dye were also carried out to evaluate the percentage of dye removal by the adsorbent, in which the composites presented better results than charcoal, indicating great potential for industrial use. A 23 factorial design was employed to evaluate the influence of temperature, ionic strength and pH on the adsorption of methylene blue using the AV50 composite that presented the best adsorption efficiency.
Mineral constituents of edible parasol mushroom Macrolepiota procera (Scop. ex Fr.) Sing and soils beneath its fruiting bodies collected from a rural forest area
Authors: Kułdo Edyta , Jarzyńska Grażyna , Gucia Magdalena , Falandysz Jerzy
Published: September 2013

Concentrations and interrelationships of twenty elements were studied in parasol mushroom and in the top layer of soil (0–10 cm) from the area of Kiwity (Poland). K, P, Mg, Ca, and Zn were found to be the most abundant elements in the mushroom. Higher concentrations of Fe, Mn, Na, Ni occurred in stipes then in caps, while Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Rb dominated in caps. Ag, Al, and Ba concentrations in caps and stipes were similar. Parasol mushroom is efficient in up-take and separation of Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, K (in caps, the bioconcentration factor is BCF ≥ 100), Na, P, Rb (50 < BCF < 100), and Mg, Zn (BCF > 10) in its fruiting bodies, while Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Sr, and Pb are eliminated (BCF < 1). Parasol mushroom from rural forest area in the north-eastern region of Poland is of hygienic concern for human health because of toxic mercury and cadmium content in the edible caps, which are also rich in essential Cu, Fe, and their K, Mn, and Zn content is also high.
I2-mediated α-selective Ferrier glycosylation approach to synthesis of O-glycosyl amino acids
Authors: Ren Li , Liu Yang , Yu Gui-Hua , Hao Jing-Zheng , Cheng Mao-Sheng
Published: September 2013

I2 is an effective promoter for the synthesis of 2,3-unsaturated glycosides via Ferrier glycosylation. This reaction was used in the present work for the synthesis of O-glycosylated Fmoc amino acid building blocks. This metal-free reaction afforded the desired products with good to excellent yields with good α-selectivity.
Spiral resonator manufactured on AlN ceramics to filter the coupled wave between patch antennas
Authors: Koziol P. , Gorski P. , Antonczak A. , Kabacik P. , Abramski K.
Published: September 2013

The objective of this paper was to present an alternative technique of manufacturing the unit cells of spiral-shaped resonators (SR) on the aluminium nitride (AlN) ceramics. In this technique the AlN plane surface is irradiated by the Yb:glass medium-power laser (1.06 µm). As a result of the irradiation by a focused laser beam (a laser beam power up to 20 W), the rupture of the aluminium and nitrogen physical bonds occurs. Under such circumstances the conductive aluminium “paths” are formed on the originally insulating ceramic surface. Upon obtaining low ohmic conductive paths, this method makes for the feasible manufacturing of metamaterial structures. In carried out studies, the usage of such structures to suppress the coupling between pairs of patch antennas has been examined. The improvement of the mutual coupling at the level of 10 dB has been obtained. One of the advantages of the demonstrated method is a possibility to perform the selective and direct metallization of the AlN ceramics surface without using any mask as opposed to photolithography. It greatly reduces the implementation time of the projected metamaterial structures.