bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Melamine by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Using Silver Nanorod Array Substrates
Authors: Du Xiaobing , Chu Hsiaoyun , Huang Yaowen , Zhao Yiping
Published: October 2010

Silver nanorod (AgNR) array substrates are investigated to detect pure melamine dissolved in 50% methanol using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We find that sample preparation conditions have a great influence on melamine detection. When the samples are prepared under a nitrogen glove box, the SERS characteristic peak intensities of melamine at Δν = 497 cm−1, 704 cm−1, and 983 cm−1 are studied as functions of melamine concentration and/or the mass of melamine. The peak intensities increase almost linearly when the melamine concentration increases from 0.1 mg/L to 10 mg/L and saturate when melamine concentration is greater than 50 mg/L. The bulk melamine limit of detection (LOD) is 0.1 mg/L, which is one order of magnitude less than the current standard. This study shows that AgNR based SERS detection can be used as a fast, highly sensitive, and quantitative detection method for melamine.
Characterization of Molecular Forms of N-Terminal B-Type Natriuretic Peptide In Vitro
Authors: Ala-Kopsala Minna , Moilanen Anne-Mari , Rysä Jaana , Ruskoaho Heikki , Vuolteenaho Olli
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND

The heterogeneity of circulating peptides may influence the interpretation of results from N-terminal profragment of BNP (NT-proBNP) assays. Our objective was to characterize the heterogeneity for better usability of the assays.

METHODS

Endogenous proBNP was purified from patient samples and treated with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (chemical deglycosylation). The human proBNP gene was introduced into rat hearts by adenoviral transfer. Cell lysates and plasma samples containing proBNP-derived peptides were analyzed by chromatography. The fate of exogenous recombinant NT-proBNP added to fresh whole blood samples was followed by immunoassays and chromatography. The main NT-proBNP components were isolated and identified by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Immunoreactive NT-proBNP in human plasma comprised several molecular forms, as did circulating immunoreactive human NT-proBNP after adenoviral transfer of human proBNP cDNA into rat ventricular myocardium. Incubation of recombinant NT-proBNP1–76 in human plasma or serum resulted in multiple components with the 2 major components identified as NT-proBNP1–36 and NT-proBNP1–62/64. Profiling by different antisera and chromatography indicated masking of the non–mid-region epitopes likely due to formation of oligomers. More than 75% of the original immunoreactivity in the mid-region epitope was retained after 3-week storage of plasma samples at room temperature.

CONCLUSIONS

There is marked heterogeneity in immunoreactive NT-proBNP in plasma not related to glycosylation. The mid-region epitope of NT-proBNP is stable even in harsh storage conditions. Careful choice of antibody epitopes can yield extraordinarily robust assays.
Evaluation of Warm Mix Asphalt Mixtures Containing RAP Using Accelerated Loading Tests
Authors: Nazzal Munir D. , Sargand Shad , Al-Rawashdeh Abdalla
Published: October 2010

This paper presents the results of a study that was conducted to evaluate the performance and constructability of warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Four sections were constructed at the indoor Accelerated Pavement Loading Facility at Ohio University. Aspha-min, Sasobit, and Evotherm WMA mixtures were used in the wearing course layer of the first three sections. In addition, the fourth section had a conventional hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture, which was used as a control. Temperature was monitored during the production, placement, and compaction of WMA and HMA mixtures. Furthermore, emission tests were conducted at the asphalt plants during the production of each of the evaluated mixtures. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) and rolling wheel tests were conducted at different temperatures on all evaluated sections. The results of this study showed that emissions were reduced during the production of the Aspha-min and Sasobit WMA mixtures by at least 50 % for volatile organic compounds, 60 % for carbon monoxide, 20 % for nitrogen oxides, and 83 % for sulfur dioxide, when compared to the control HMA mixture. In addition, although WMA mixtures were produced and compacted at much lower temperatures, they achieved better field densities than the control HMA mixture. The FWD test results showed that at 40°F (4°C) test temperature, the control HMA mixture had significantly lower stiffness than that of the WMA mixtures. However, the FWD stiffness measurement of the HMA and the WMA mixtures were statistically indistinguishable at the intermediate and high test temperatures of 70°F (21.1°C) and 104°F (40°C), respectively. Finally, the rolling wheel test results indicated that the three WMA sections, especially the Evotherm section, exhibited more rutting than the control HMA section during the post primary compaction stage. However, the rutting rate of the HMA section was higher than those of the WMA sections in the secondary stage, which suggests that the rutting difference may slowly be mitigated.
Mapping of Cortical Activity in the First Two Decades of Life: A High-Density Sleep Electroencephalogram Study
Authors: Kurth Salomé , Ringli Maya , Geiger Anja , LeBourgeois Monique , Jenni Oskar G. , Huber Reto
Published: October 2010

Evidence that electroencephalography (EEG) slow-wave activity (SWA) (EEG spectral power in the 1–4.5 Hz band) during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) reflects plastic changes is increasing (Tononi and Cirelli, 2006). Regional assessment of gray matter development from neuroimaging studies reveals a posteroanterior trajectory of cortical maturation in the first three decades of life (Shaw et al., 2008). Our aim was to test whether this regional cortical maturation is reflected in regional changes of sleep SWA. We evaluated all-night high-density EEG (128 channels) in 55 healthy human subjects (2.4–19.4 years) and assessed age-related changes in NREM sleep topography. As in adults, we observed frequency-specific topographical distributions of sleep EEG power in all subjects. However, from early childhood to late adolescence, the location on the scalp showing maximal SWA underwent a shift from posterior to anterior regions. This shift along the posteroanterior axis was only present in the SWA frequency range and remained stable across the night. Changes in the topography of SWA during sleep parallel neuroimaging study findings indicating cortical maturation starts early in posterior areas and spreads rostrally over the frontal cortex. Thus, SWA might reflect the underlying processes of cortical maturation. In the future, sleep SWA assessments may be used as a clinical tool to detect aberrations in cortical maturation.
Attention Protects the Fidelity of Visual Memory: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence
Authors: Huang Jie , Sekuler Robert
Published: October 2010

Recall from visual memory is vulnerable to the influence of task-irrelevant information, including the remembered, prototypical value of stimuli seen previously. Wilken and Ma (2004) proposed that this distortion of recall was actually adaptive, with the task-irrelevant information compensating for imperfections of memory. We tested their proposal by using trial-by-trial oscillations in the electroencephalogram's alpha band (8–14 Hz) collected from human subjects as a marker for the strength of visual attention. Subjects' recall of stimulus spatial frequency showed a systematic error, namely a shift toward the prototypical value of previously seen stimuli. The magnitude of this prototype effect was strongly related to the amplitude of alpha band oscillations recorded at posterior sensor locations during the first 100 ms after stimulus onset. Our results support the hypothesis that the prototype effect is compensatory for imprecision in memory. Moreover, the attentional modulation of alpha activity during the encoding of the target stimulus is consistent with the view that attention sharpens the neural responses that are elicited by the task-relevant stimulus.
NMDA-Mediated Regulation ofDSCAMDendritic Local Translation Is Lost in a Mouse Model of Down's Syndrome
Authors: Alves-Sampaio Alexandra , Troca-Marín José Antonio , Montesinos María Luz
Published: October 2010

Down's syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) belongs to the Down's syndrome critical region of human chromosome 21, and it encodes a cell adhesion molecule involved in dendrite morphology and neuronal wiring. Although the function ofDSCAMin the adult brain is unknown, its expression pattern suggests a role in synaptic plasticity. Local mRNA translation is a key process in axonal growth, dendritogenesis, and synaptogenesis during development, and in synaptic plasticity in adulthood. Here, we report the dendritic localization ofDSCAMmRNA in the adult mouse hippocampus, where it associates with CPEB1 [cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE) binding protein 1], an important regulator of mRNA transport and local translation. We identified fiveDSCAMisoforms produced by alternative polyadenylation bearing different combinations of regulatory CPE motifs. Overexpression of DSCAM in hippocampal neurons inhibited dendritic branching. Interestingly, dendritic levels ofDSCAMmRNA and protein were increased in hippocampal neurons from Ts1Cje mice, a model of Down's syndrome. Most importantly,DSCAMdendritic translation was rapidly induced by NMDA in wild-type, but not in Ts1Cje neurons. We propose that impairment of the NMDA-mediated regulation ofDSCAMtranslation may contribute to the alterations in dendritic morphology and/or synaptic plasticity in Down's syndrome.
Wnt receptors, bone mass, and fractures: gene-wide association analysis of LRP5 and LRP6 polymorphisms with replication
Authors: Riancho José A , Olmos José M , Pineda Begoña , García-Ibarbia Carmen , Pérez-Núñez María I , Nan Daniel N , Velasco Javier , Cano Antonio , García-Pérez Miguel A , Zarrabeitia María T , González-Macías Jesús
Published: October 2010

Objective

Genes explaining the susceptibility to osteoporosis have not been fully elucidated. Our objective was to explore the association of polymorphisms capturing common variations of the lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)5and6genes, encoding two Wnt receptors, with femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic fractures of the spine and the hip.

Design

Cross-sectional, case–control, and replication genetic association study.

Methods

Thirty-nine tagging and functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in a group of 1043 postmenopausal women and 394 women with hip fractures. The results were replicated in a different group of 342 women.

Results

Three SNPs of theLRP6gene were associated with BMD (nominal uncorrectedPvalues <0.05) in the discovery cohort. One showed a significant association after multiple test correction; two of them were also associated in the replication cohort, with a combined standardized mean difference of 0.51 (P=0.009) and 0.47 (P<0.003) across rs11054704 and rs2302685 genotypes. In the discovery cohort, severalLRP5SNPs were associated with vertebral fractures (odds ratio (OR) 0.67;P=0.01), with hip fractures (unadjusted ORs between 0.59 and 1.21;P=0.005–0.033, but not significant after multiple test adjustment or age adjustment), and with height and the projected femoral neck area, but not with BMD. Transcripts ofLRP5andLRP6were similarly abundant in bone samples.

Conclusions

In this study, we found common polymorphisms ofLRP5associated with osteoporotic fractures, and polymorphisms of theLRP6gene associated with BMD, thus suggesting them as likely candidates to contribute to the explaination of the hereditary influence on osteoporosis.
Pregnancy and interferon τ regulate DDX58 and PLSCR1 in the ovine uterus during the peri-implantation period
Authors: Song Gwonhwa , Fleming Jo-Ann G W , Kim Jinyoung , Spencer Thomas E , Bazer Fuller W
Published: October 2010

Interferon τ (IFNT), the pregnancy recognition signal in ruminants, abrogates the luteolytic mechanism for maintenance of the corpus luteum for production of progesterone (P4). This study examined the expression of DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 58 (DDX58) and phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) mRNAs in the ovine uterus as these genes were increased most in 2fTGH (STAT1 positive) cells by IFNT. The results of this study indicated that IFNT regulates expression ofDDX58andPLSCR1mRNAs in the ovine uterus, which confirmed the results of thein vitrotranscriptional profiling experiment with the 2fTGH (parental STAT1 positive) and U3A (STAT1 null) cell lines. Steady-state levels ofDDX58andPLSCR1mRNAs increased in cells of the ovine uterus between days 12 and 20 of pregnancy, but not between days 10 and 16 of the estrous cycle. The expression ofDDX58andPLSCR1mRNAs was greatest in endometrial stromal cells, but there was transient expression in uterine luminal and superficial glandular epithelial cells. P4alone did not induce expression ofDDX58andPLSCR1mRNAs; however, intrauterine injections of IFNT did induce expression ofDDX58andPLSCR1mRNAs in the endometria of nonpregnant ewes independent of effects of P4. These results indicate that IFNT induces expression ofDDX58andPLSCR1in ovine endometrial cells via the classical STAT1-mediated cell signaling pathway. Based on their known biological effects,DDX58andPLSCR1are IFN-stimulated genes, which may increase the antiviral status of cells of the pregnant uterus to protect against viral infection and/or enhance secretion of type I IFNs that inhibit viral replication.
Inference of Homologous Recombination in Bacteria Using Whole-Genome Sequences
Authors: Didelot Xavier , Lawson Daniel , Darling Aaron , Falush Daniel
Published: October 2010

Bacteria and archaea reproduce clonally, but sporadically import DNA into their chromosomes from other organisms. In many of these events, the imported DNA replaces an homologous segment in the recipient genome. Here we present a new method to reconstruct the history of recombination events that affected a given sample of bacterial genomes. We introduce a mathematical model that represents both the donor and the recipient of each DNA import as an ancestor of the genomes in the sample. The model represents a simplification of the previously described coalescent with gene conversion. We implement a Monte Carlo Markov chain algorithm to perform inference under this model from sequence data alignments and show that inference is feasible for whole-genome alignments through parallelization. Using simulated data, we demonstrate accurate and reliable identification of individual recombination events and global recombination rate parameters. We applied our approach to an alignment of 13 whole genomes from the Bacillus cereus group. We find, as expected from laboratory experiments, that the recombination rate is higher between closely related organisms and also that the genome contains several broad regions of elevated levels of recombination. Application of the method to the genomic data sets that are becoming available should reveal the evolutionary history and private lives of populations of bacteria and archaea. The methods described in this article have been implemented in a computer software package, ClonalOrigin, which is freely available from http://code.google.com/p/clonalorigin/.
Slk19p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Regulates Anaphase Spindle Dynamics Through Two Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Havens Kyle A , Gardner Melissa K , Kamieniecki Rebecca J , Dresser Michael E , Dawson Dean S
Published: October 2010

Slk19p is a member of the Cdc-14 early anaphase release (FEAR) pathway, a signaling network that is responsible for activation of the cell-cycle regulator Cdc14p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Disruption of the FEAR pathway results in defects in anaphase, including alterations in the assembly and behavior of the anaphase spindle. Many phenotypes of slk19Δ mutants are consistent with a loss of FEAR signaling, but other phenotypes suggest that Slk19p may have FEAR-independent roles in modulating the behavior of microtubules in anaphase. Here, a series of SLK19 in-frame deletion mutations were used to test whether Slk19p has distinct roles in anaphase that can be ascribed to specific regions of the protein. Separation-of-function alleles were identified that are defective for either FEAR signaling or aspects of anaphase spindle function. The data suggest that in early anaphase one region of Slk19p is essential for FEAR signaling, while later in anaphase another region is critical for maintaining the coordination between spindle elongation and the growth of interpolar microtubules.
Paraoxonase 1 Correlates with Butyrylcholinesterase and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase in Workers Chronically Exposed to Pesticides
Authors: Araoud Manel , Neffeti Fadoua , Douki Wahiba , Najjar Mohamed Fadhel , Kenani Abderraouf
Published: October 2010

Paraoxonase 1 Correlates with Butyrylcholinesterase and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase in Workers Chronically Exposed to Pesticides: Manel Araoud, et al. Laboratory of Biochemistry 05/UR/09‐09, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, Tunisia

Objectives

Agricultural workers chronically exposed to complex mixtures of pesticides are at increased risk of acute and chronic toxicity of these compounds. Enzyme activities are among the biomarkers that may be used to detect the effects of pesticides before adverse clinical health effects occur. The aims of this study were to ascertain the relationships between paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and other serum enzymes and to investigate whether long‐term exposure to pesticides affects these relationships in Tunisian agricultural workers.

Methods

The activities of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), aminotransferases, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured in plasma from workers chronically exposed to pesticides using an Integra 400 plus™ system. PON1 activity was measured using konelab 30™ system.

Results

Significant increases in aminotransferases, CK, LDH and ALP activities were found in workers exposed to pesticides. However, BChE and PON1 activities were decreased significantly in these subjects. In addition, PON1 activity was positively correlated with both BChE and GGT activities in these workers.

Conclusion

This study suggests that pesticides lead to alteration of serum enzymes and that chronic exposure to pesticides might contribute to explain the positive correlation between PON1 and GGT, perhaps in order to protect BChE and simultaneously induce detoxification of pesticides.
Estimating Sampling Effort Required for Characterizing Species Richness and Site‐to‐Site Similarity in Fish Assemblage Surveys of Wadeable Illinois Streams
Authors: Holtrop Ann M. , Cao Yong , Dolan Chad R.
Published: October 2010

For fish assemblage surveys, estimates of sampling effort required for capturing all or most species at a site often vary greatly among sites, reflecting substantial among‐site differences in mean species detectability (MSD). Different sampling methods used in individual studies may also contribute to the variation in estimates of required sampling effort among regions. This high variability presents a great challenge to standardize sampling effort across sites or to generalize the estimates from particular studies. It is also unclear whether the sampling effort required for capturing species is sufficient for accurately estimating site‐to‐site similarity in species composition, which is critical for evaluating β‐diversity and obtaining stable resolutions from multivariate analysis. We used a recently proposed hierarchical model to estimate the total species richness (TSRest) at each of 11 wadeable stream sites sampled with an electric seine in Illinois. Accordingly, a sampling effort of 59–144 channel widths (CWs) is required for capturing all species and an effort of 40–72 CWs is required for capturing 90% of TSRest. We then modeled the MSD–environment relationship with random forests regression; the model accounted for 52.2% of the variance in MSD estimated at one subreach but less of the variance in MSD at higher levels of sampling effort. The MSD mainly decreased with increasing watershed size and percentage of clay‐dominant substrates and increased with percentage of rock‐dominant substrates and percentage of riffle habitats. We also estimated the true values of the Jaccard coefficient (JC) and Sørensen coefficient (SC) for all pairs of sites with the hierarchical model. The same accuracy required less sampling effort to estimate JC and SC than to estimate TSRest (e.g., only 7–60 CWs were required for 90% accuracy of JC and SC). Our findings provide the possibility of setting site‐specific sampling effort based on predicted MSD and can be used as a guide for electric seine surveys of stream fish in Illinois and potentially other midwestern U.S. states.
Survival Rates and Movement of Hatchery‐Reared Razorback Suckers in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Utah and Colorado
Authors: Zelasko Koreen A. , Bestgen Kevin R. , White Gary C.
Published: October 2010

We used tag–recapture data to estimate apparent survival and capture probability for 119,129 hatchery‐reared, federally endangered razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus stocked into upper Colorado River basin streams during 1995–2005. Effects investigated included reach, year, and season of stocking; fish total length (TL) at time of stocking; survival in the first year after stocking versus in subsequent years; and sampling effort. Recapture data were also used to describe poststocking movement. First‐year survival rate for stocked razorback suckers of average TL (252.5 mm) was low: 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.042–0.071). Total length at stocking and first‐year survival were positively correlated; survival approached zero for fish smaller than 200 mm TL but increased to 0.75 or higher for the few fish larger than 500 mm. Season of stocking had a large effect on razorback sucker first‐year survival; the predicted rate for average‐length fish stocked in summer was less than 0.02 (CI, 0.012–0.022), but it was 0.07 (0.044–0.094), 0.08 (0.057–0.100), and 0.08 (0.057–0.118) for fish stocked in spring, autumn, and winter, respectively. The overall subsequent‐year survival rate for razorback suckers was estimated to be 0.75 (CI, 0.688–0.801). Capture probabilities were relatively low, ranging from 0.002 to 0.128 for fish of average TL. The mean minimum distance traveled, elapsed time, and rate of travel by razorback suckers between recaptures were 54.7 km (range, 0–514.9 km), 254 d (0–3,164 d), and 0.87 km/d (0–55.37 km/d), respectively. Movement was more frequent out of Colorado and Gunnison River stocking reaches (36.9%; range, 30.1–100%) than Green River stocking reaches (7.7%; range, 2.9–10.3%). Our recommendations include ceasing summer stocking, performing cost ‐benefit analyses of increasing TL at stocking, employing a standardized stocking protocol, and developing a comprehensive razorback sucker monitoring program, implementation of which should enhance recovery prospects for razorback suckers in the upper Colorado River basin.
Striped Bass Habitat Selection Rules in Reservoirs without Suitable Summer Habitat Offer Insight into Consequences for Growth
Authors: Thompson Jessica S. , Rice James A. , Waters D. Scott
Published: October 2010

The traditional view of habitat requirements for inland striped bass Morone saxatilis suggests that these fish need dissolved oxygen (DO) levels above 2–3 mg/L and temperatures below 25°C to thrive. However, striped bass are found in reservoirs where hypolimnetic hypoxia forces them into warm temperatures (27–30°C) for much of the summer, and contrary to expectations, these populations do not consistently experience poor growth or mortality. We used telemetry of adult striped bass in Badin Lake, North Carolina, to characterize habitat selection by striped bass in systems with unsuitable summer habitat. As summer stratification developed, striped bass selected preferred temperatures of 20–23°C as long as the DO was at least 2 mg/L. Once hypoxia forced striped bass into warmer water, the fish concentrated at the top of the oxycline (defined as the depth just above the largest decline in DO occurring over a 1‐m change in depth), which was 1–2°C warmer but had greater DO levels (4–8 mg/L) than the coolest water, with DO of 2 mg/L. Striped bass remained at the top of the oxycline into the fall, even after deeper water with preferred temperatures and a DO level of 2 mg/L became available. We suggest that these patterns, supported by observations in the literature, represent summer habitat selection rules for striped bass in reservoirs where all oxygenated habitat exceeds temperatures traditionally considered suitable for striped bass. We also show that the depth distribution of Badin Lake striped bass in response to physical habitat constraints causes them to overlap spatially with warmwater prey inhabiting shallow, warmwater depths both in the summer and early fall. Badin Lake striped bass continue to feed and grow over the summer, providing evidence that the availability of adequate prey resources can offset the costs of poor summer habitat. Warm, productive reservoirs without permanent thermal refuges may therefore provide better habitat for maintaining quality growth and condition than those systems where occupation of cooler temperatures segregates striped bass from their prey.
Summer Stream Water Temperature Models for Great Lakes Streams: New York
Authors: McKenna James E. , Butryn Ryan S. , McDonald Richard P.
Published: October 2010

Temperature is one of the most important environmental influences on aquatic organisms. It is a primary driver of physiological rates and many abiotic processes. However, despite extensive research and measurements, synoptic estimates of water temperature are not available for most regions, limiting our ability to make systemwide and large‐scale assessments of aquatic resources or estimates of aquatic species abundance and biodiversity. We used subwatershed averaging of point temperature measurements and associated multiscale landscape habitat conditions from over 3,300 lotic sites throughout New York State to develop and train artificial neural network models. Separate models predicting water temperature (in cold, cool, and warm temperature classes) within small catchment–stream order groups were developed for four modeling units, which together encompassed the entire state. Water temperature predictions were then made for each stream segment in the state. All models explained more than 90% of data variation. Elevation, riparian forest cover, landscape slope, and growing degree‐days were among the most important model predictors of water temperature classes. Geological influences varied among regions. Predicted temperature distributions within stream networks displayed patterns of generally increasing temperature downstream but were patchy due to the averaging of water temperatures within stream size‐classes of small drainages. Models predicted coldwater streams to be most numerous and warmwater streams to be generally associated with the largest rivers and relatively flat agricultural areas and urban areas. Model predictions provide a complete, georeferenced map of summer daytime mean stream temperature potential throughout New York State that can be used for planning and assessment at spatial scales from the stream segment class to the entire state.
Accuracy and Precision of Salmon Length Estimates Taken from DIDSON Sonar Images
Authors: Burwen Debby L. , Fleischman Steven J. , Miller James D.
Published: October 2010

Experiments were conducted with a multibeam dual‐frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) to evaluate the accuracy and precision of estimating lengths from images of tethered fish insonified at side aspect in an Alaskan river. Live tethered Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and sockeye salmon O. nerka were suspended in front of a long‐range DIDSON (1.2 MHz, 48 beams) equipped with an ultra‐high‐resolution lens. Lengths measured manually from DIDSON images were highly correlated with the actual lengths (R2 = 0.90, RMSE = 5.76 cm). No range dependency in the accuracy of the range estimates was documented. We conclude that relatively accurate and precise estimates of fish length are now possible with certain DIDSON system configurations at up to 21 m.
Outbreeding Depression after Two Generations of Hybridizing Southeast Alaska Coho Salmon Populations?
Authors: Dann Tyler H. , Smoker William W. , Hard Jeffrey J. , Gharrett Anthony J.
Published: October 2010

No fitness loss was detected in second‐generation hybrids, relative to parental controls, between three pairs of coho salmonOncorhynchus kisutchpopulations from Southeast Alaska, in which groups were cultured in a common freshwater environment, released to sea together, and recovered together as adults. Divergence among the populations as measured by neutral molecular markers was significant. Marine survival did not differ among parental groups, F1groups, F2groups, and hybrid groups, between parental and hybrid groups, and between parental and F2groups. Marine survival of F1hybrids in the first generation of the experiment exceeded that of parental controls but did not differ among parental or F1groups, although the power of the latter tests was low. Tests for the loss of fitness in hybrids relative to parental controls based on fluctuating asymmetry (FA) yielded only one significant result among six tests, and in many instances hybrids exhibited less FA than parental controls. Body length differed among years, populations, sexes, and cross types (parental, F1hybrids, and F2hybrids); the differences among cross types were consistent with among‐population differences. In contrast, bilateral meristic counts exhibited little variability (coefficients of variation = 0.02–0.09). Meristic differences among years probably reflect the effects of the different environments experienced by the fish. The small variability in bilateral meristic characters suggests strong genetic canalization for these traits. Although no losses in fitness (as measured by marine survival and FA) were observed, the power of each of our tests was low and the among‐population differences were unique to this experiment.
Unintended Effects of Electrofishing on Nongame Fishes
Authors: Miranda L. E. , Kidwell R. H.
Published: October 2010

Most studies of injury associated with electrofishing have focused on game fishes, but few have given attention to cohabiting small nongame species. Under controlled laboratory conditions, we subjected small nongame cyprinids, ictalurids, and percids to a wide range of voltages and waveforms to examine potential harmful effects. Fish were treated with power levels distributed uniformly between the thresholds required to immobilize game fish and also were subjected multiple times to those thresholds to simulate the range of conditions that might exist in a heterogeneous electrical field formed during electrofishing in field situations. Across waveforms and species, the incidence of hemorrhages averaged 2% (range = 0–20%), the incidence of spinal injuries averaged 6% (range = 0–30%), and mortality averaged 16% (range = 0–90%). Continuous DC was generally less harmful than pulsed‐DC waveforms; hemorrhages and spinal injuries tended to increase with high pulse frequencies, and mortalities tended to increase with low pulse frequencies. Ambiguities in the results were apparent, suggesting that some species may experience extensive harm, whereas others may not. Given the potential to harm numerically small populations and populations of imperiled species, we suggest (1) expanded efforts to overcome the power limitations that prevent effective use of continuous‐DC electrofishing in many field situations and (2) pilot studies at geographic locations where numerically small populations of nongame species may be a concern.
Capacidade combinatória de híbridos de tomateiro de crescimento determinado, resistentes a Begomovirus e Tospovirus
Authors: Pádua Tullio Raphael Pereira de , Gomes Luiz Antonio Augusto , Maluf Wilson Roberto , Carvalho Filho José Luiz Sandes de , Gonçalves Neto Álvaro Carlos , Andrade Marcela Carvalho
Published: October 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade combinatória de linhagens de tomateiro com hábito de crescimento determinado, com resistência múltipla a espécies dos gêneros Begomovirus e Tospovirus, e identificar combinações híbridas superiores. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, com 14 híbridos obtidos do cruzamento de sete linhagens femininas (grupo I) com duas linhagens masculinas (grupo II), em um dialelo parcial. As seguintes características agronômicas foram avaliadas: produção total, produção precoce, massa média de frutos, formato, firmeza inicial e firmeza na meia-vida. As linhagens genitoras TOM-680 e TOM-682, do grupo I, se destacaram por exibir as maiores estimativas de capacidade geral de combinação (CGC) quanto às características produção total, produção precoce e massa média de frutos, enquanto a linhagem TOM-585 se destacou quanto aos maiores valores de produção total e massa média de frutos. No grupo II, a linhagem TOM-698 apresentou estimativas superiores de CGC para as características de produção total, produção precoce, massa média dos frutos e firmeza inicial dos frutos. O híbrido TOM-682xTOM-698 apresenta as maiores estimativas de capacidade geral e específica de combinação para produção total, produção precoce e meia-vida da firmeza, e é o genótipo mais promissor entre os materiais testados.
Crescimento, acúmulo e distribuição de matéria seca em cultivares de batata na safra de inverno
Authors: Fernandes Adalton Mazetti , Soratto Rogério Peres , Silva Beatrice Luciana , Souza-Schlick Genivaldo David de
Published: October 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento, o acúmulo e a distribuição de matéria seca (MS) nas cultivares de batata (Solanum tuberosum) Ágata, Asterix, Atlantic, Markies e Mondial, durante a safra de inverno. O experimento foi conduzido de junho a outubro de 2008, no munícipio de Itaí, SP. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas pelas cultivares, e as subparcelas por épocas de coletas de plantas para avaliação: no plantio e a cada sete dias após a emergência. Todas as cultivares têm crescimento lento até o início da fase de enchimento de tubérculos. Porém, as cultivares Asterix, Atlantic e Markies são mais precoces do que a Mondial no estabelecimento de taxas máximas de acúmulo de matéria seca. As cultivares Asterix e Mondial apresentam maior número de folhas por planta, produtividade de tubérculos, taxa de acúmulo e produção de MS, mas a cultivar Mondial é menos eficiente na alocação de MS nos tubérculos que as demais cultivares. As cultivares com maior taxa máxima de acúmulo produzem maior quantidade de MS, mesmo apresentando menor período de duração da taxa máxima de acúmulo.
Repetibilidade de peso de fruto e de duração do ciclo em ameixeira e pessegueiro
Authors: Danner Moeses Andrigo , Raseira Maria do Carmo Bassols , Sasso Simone Aparecida Zolet , Citadin Idemir , Scariot Silvia
Published: October 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o peso de fruto e a duração do ciclo entre cultivares de ameixeira e pessegueiro, estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade e de determinação e o número de medições, para uma predição segura dessas características, e comparar diferentes métodos de estimação da repetibilidade. Os caracteres foram avaliados em 5 safras, em 9 cultivares de ameixeira (Prunus salicina) e 33 cultivares de pessegueiro (Prunus persica), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O coeficiente de repetibilidade foi estimado pelos métodos de análise de variância, componentes principais e análise estrutural. Foi observado o maior peso de fruto nas cultivares de ameixeira Harry Pickstone e Pluma 7 e na cultivar de pessegueiro Santa Áurea. A menor duração do ciclo ocorreu nas cultivares de ameixeira América, Irati e Methley e na cultivar de pessegueiro Granada. Os coeficientes de repetibilidade e de determinação foram altos para ambos os caracteres em ameixeira e pessegueiro. Não houve diferenças no coeficiente de repetibilidade entre os métodos utilizados. São necessárias de uma a três medições de peso de fruto, e de uma a duas medições da duração do ciclo, para obtenção dos valores genotípicos reais das cultivares de ameixeira e pessegueiro, respectivamente, com coeficiente de determinação de 90%.
Umidade e congelamento de grãos de amaranto e sua capacidade de expansão térmica
Authors: Bianchini Maria das Graças de Assis , Beléia Adelaide Del Pino
Published: October 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do teor de umidade, da temperatura de armazenamento e do momento da hidratação de grãos de amaranto (Amaranthus cruentus L. ) sobre sua capacidade de expansão térmica, bem como comparar as composições químicas de grãos crus e pipocados. Os atributos diâmetro médio ponderado, volume de expansão, densidade, rendimento, quantidade descartada e tempo de residência de grãos da variedade BRS Alegria foram avaliados de acordo com três teores de umidade (9,5, 11,5 e 13,5%), duas formas de armazenamento, temperatura ambiente de ±28ºC e congelado a -18ºC, e dois momentos de hidratação, antes e após congelamento. Utilizou-se chapa metálica aquecida a 215ºC para pipocar os grãos. Grãos congelados com umidade de 13,5% tiveram maior diâmetro médio ponderado e volume de expansão, e menor densidade e tempo de residência. A umidade de 13,5% proporcionou os maiores rendimentos e expansão dos grãos. O armazenamento a -18ºC produziu pipocas maiores e mais leves do que em condições ambientais. As pipocas apresentaram redução nos teores de proteínas e fibras insolúveis e aumento nos de lipídeos e fibras solúveis, em relação ao grão cru. O congelamento dos grãos a -18ºC e sua hidratação a 13,5% de umidade favorecem o pipocamento de grãos de amaranto, com produção de pipocas de melhor qualidade.
Insulin-like growth factor and growth hormone receptor in postpartum lactating beef cows
Authors: Schneider Augusto , Pfeifer Luiz Francisco Machado , Hax Lucas Teixeira , Paludo Giane Regina , Pino Francisco Augusto Burkert Del , Dionello Nelson José Laurino , Corrêa Marcio Nunes
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate the plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and the mRNA hepatic expression of IGF-I and of the growth hormone receptors GHR and GHR 1A, in postpartum beef cows. Four Angus and four crossbred (Angus x Nelore) postpartum suckled beef cows were used. Liver and blood samples were collected every 10 days, from calving to 40 days postpartum, for gene expression and for β-hydroxybutyrate and IGF-I assays, respectively. Samples for progesterone assay were collected every other day, from day 10 to 40 postpartum. Three cows ovulated before 40 days postpartum. IGF-I concentration was higher in Angus x Nelore than in Angus cows. There was no difference in the expression of GHR, GHR 1A and IGF-I according to breed or ovulatory status. IGF-I concentrations were higher in crossbred cows, but have not changed according to postpartum ovulatory status. Moreover, changes in postpartum IGF-I concentrations are not associated with changes in liver GHR, GHR 1A and IGF-I mRNA expression in either breed.
Tamanho de grão comercial em cultivares de feijoeiro
Authors: Carbonell Sérgio Augusto Morais , Chiorato Alisson Fernando , Gonçalves João Guilherme Ribeiro , Perina Eliana Francischinelli , Carvalho Cássia Regina Limonta
Published: October 2010

Os objetivos do trabalho foram avaliar e indicar parâmetros de seleção para classificação de grãos de feijão que atendam as exigências do mercado consumidor. Foram instalados experimentos contendo 19 genótipos de feijoeiro em nove ambientes, no Estado de São Paulo. A produção de grãos foi estratificada em peneiras de classificação 10 (10/64" pol.) a 15 (15/64" pol.) e avaliada a produção relativa de grãos em peneiras 13 e 14, rendimento de peneira, massa de 1.000 grãos, tamanho de grãos e para os índices J=perfil e H=forma do grão. A produção relativa de grãos, rendimento de peneira, forma e perfil foram as características que apresentaram diferenças estatísticas significativas, indicando presença de variabilidade genética. Por meio da comparação dos resultados com testemunhas de feijoeiro já recomendadas para o setor produtivo, conclui-se que uma cultivar de feijoeiro deve apresentar alta massa de 1.000 grãos (251 a 300g), produção relativa de grãos em peneiras 13 e 14 com valores acima de sete, rendimento de peneira acima de 70,0% e também sementes elípticas e perfil semiachatado.
Instâncias de participação na gestão do sistema municipal de ensino: possibilidades e perplexidades no processo de democratização
Authors: Andrade Edson Francisco
Published: October 2010

O artigo analisa a questão da construção da cultura democrática no âmbito do sistema de ensino do Recife a partir da inter-relação entre as instâncias de participação envolvidas com a gestão educacional. O estudo contempla, especialmente, o papel dos Conselhos de Educação, assim como as atribuições da Conferência Municipal de Educação (Comude) no processo de proposição de políticas educacionais para os diferentes grupos sociais da sociedade recifense. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas semiestruturadas e da administração de questionários em 4 escolas municipais do Recife, além da realização de entrevistas com pessoal estrategicamente posicionado na Secretaria Municipal de Educação, no Conselho Municipal de Educação e membros dos Conselhos Escolares.
Influence of climatic factors on the medical attentions of dermatologic diseases in a hospital of Lima, Peru
Authors: Gutierrez Ericson L. , Galarza Carlos , Ramos Willy , Mendoza Maybbe , Smith María E. , Ortega-Loayza Alex G.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND: Significant associations have been described between climatic factors and human health, which can occur in dermatologic diseases too. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of the climatic factors on the medical attentions of dermatologic diseases in a general hospital in Lima (Peru). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study which was carried out in a national hospital between January 2004 and December 2007. The diagnoses were classified according to the ICD-10 system. The climate information was provided by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration from USA(NOAA). RESULTS: 3 294 patients were included in the study, the average age was 35.4 ± 20.7 years old, and 53.2% were females. The "El Niño" phenomenon was associated with an increase in the prevalence of actinic keratosis (p=0.002), viral warts (p=0.001) and rosacea (p=0.014). The "La Niña" phenomenon was associated with a reduction in viral warts (p=0.026). Spring was associated with an increase of dermatitis (p=0.003), and summer was associated with an increase of benign neoplasms (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The climatic variations influenced the occurrence of certain dermatologic diseases. The present study may represent an orientation guide to specialists and general practitioners identifying the most common dermatologic diagnoses and thus enabling better preparation to treat these cases in determined seasons of the year.
Role of Cr2O3 on the mullittization of di-phasic Al2O3-SiO2 gel
Authors: Roy Jagannath , Bandyopadhyay Narayan , Das Santanu , Maitra Saikat
Published: October 2010

Diphasic Al2O3-SiO2 gel was synthesized by sol-gel route from inorganic salts following aqueous phase colloidal interaction and the effect of Cr2O3 additive on the formation of mullite ceramics from this diphasic gel was investigated. The gel powder was thoroughly characterized by chemical analysis, measurement of surface area, bulk density and FTIR spectroscopy. The calcined gel was compacted with Cr2O3 additives in three different proportions (ca. 1, 2 and 3 wt%) and heat treated at different elevated temperatures (ca, 1400, 1500 and 1600 ºC). The analyses of microstructure and phase composition of the sintered masses were carried out by scanning electron microscopy and XRD technique. The morphology of the mullite crystals changed significantly in the presence of the additives. It has been observed that more than 7% more mullite has been formed with the addition of maximum 3% additive only. Using the additive, the maximum reduction in apparent porosity was about 30% and maximum improvement in density in the sintered compacts was about 14%. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of the sintered compacts also improved by 16% and 6% respectively in the presence of the Cr2O3 additive under the experimental condition.
Crescimento e nutrição mineral de mudas de umbuzeiro (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) submetidas a níveis de salinidade em solução nutritiva
Authors: Neves Orlando Sílvio Caires , Carvalho Janice Guedes de , Rodrigues Carlos Ribeiro
Published: October 2010

Para avaliar o crescimento e a nutrição mineral de mudas de umbuzeiro em solução nutritiva com diferentes níveis de NaCl, conduziu-se este experimento em casa-de-vegetação do Departamento de Ciência do Solo da Universidade Federal de Lavras. Adotou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e seis doses de NaCl (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100 mmol L-1). As mudas foram adaptadas na solução de Hoagland a 25%, 33% e 50% da sua força iônica, permanecendo durante 15 dias em cada concentração. Após esse período, conduziram-se as plantas por 60 dias em solução com 100% da força iônica e os tratamentos com NaCl. A troca das soluções foi feita quinzenalmente. O NaCl na solução nutritiva afetou negativamente o crescimento das mudas de umbuzeiro. O umbuzeiro foi classificado como moderadamente tolerante à salinidade quando cultivado em até 31 mmol L-1 de NaCl na solução nutritiva, sendo a compartimentalização nas raízes o possível mecanismo de tolerância à salinidade. A ordem de acumulação dos macronutrientes foi: N > K > Ca > P > S > Mg e N > Ca > K > P > S > Mg, na ausência e com 100 mmol L-1, respectivamente, e a dos micronutrientes, exceto o Cl, foi: Fe > B > Mn > Zn > Cu, independente da concentração de NaCl no meio.
Efeitos do atraso na colheita e do período de armazenamento sobre o rendimento de grãos inteiros de arroz de terras altas
Authors: Ribeiro Gilson José Teixeira , Soares Antônio Alves , Reis Moisés de Souza , Cornélio Vanda Maria de Oliveira
Published: October 2010

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do atraso da colheita sobre o rendimento de grãos inteiros no beneficiamento de 12 cultivares e linhagens de arroz, bem como diferentes períodos de armazenamento sobre a recuperação da porcentagem de grãos inteiros. Para tanto, procedeu-se à avaliação da umidade dos grãos e ao rendimento de grãos inteiros de amostras de arroz colhidas aos 0, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a maturação. Foram armazenadas também amostras de grãos para determinação do rendimento de grãos inteiros aos 30, 60, 90, 120 e 150 dias após a colheita de cada cultivar e linhagem. Os maiores rendimentos de grãos inteiros são obtidos quando a colheita é realizada com umidade em torno de 20%; a cultivares Caiapó e a linhagem CNAs 8983 toleram atraso na colheita sem maiores prejuízos ao rendimento de grãos inteiros. O armazenamento dos grãos por mais de 90 dias mantém ou favorece o rendimento de grãos inteiros no beneficiamento.