bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation in the Chemical Components ofEucalyptus globulusWood
Authors: Stackpole Desmond J , Vaillancourt René E , Alves Ana , Rodrigues José , Potts Brad M
Published: December 2011

Despite the ecological and economic importance of lignin and other wood chemical components, there are few studies of the natural genetic variation that exists within plant species and its adaptive significance. We used models developed from near infra-red spectroscopy to study natural genetic variation in lignin content and monomer composition (syringyl-to-guaiacyl ratio [S/G]) as well as cellulose and extractives content, using a 16-year-old field trial of an Australian tree species, Eucalyptus globulus. We sampled 2163 progenies of 467 native trees from throughout the native geographic range of the species. The narrow-sense heritability of wood chemical traits (0.25–0.44) was higher than that of growth (0.15), but less than wood density (0.51). All wood chemical traits exhibited significant broad-scale genetic differentiation (QST = 0.34–0.43) across the species range. This differentiation exceeded that detected with putatively neutral microsatellite markers (FST = 0.09), arguing that diversifying selection has shaped population differentiation in wood chemistry. There were significant genetic correlations among these wood chemical traits at the population and additive genetic levels. However, population differentiation in the S/G ratio of lignin in particular was positively correlated with latitude (R2 = 76%), which may be driven by either adaptation to climate or associated biotic factors.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Nascent Transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McKinlay Anastasia , Araya Carlos L , Fields Stanley
Published: December 2011

The assessment of transcriptional regulation requires a genome-wide survey of active RNA polymerases. Thus, we combined the nuclear run-on assay, which labels and captures nascent transcripts, with high-throughput DNA sequencing to examine transcriptional activity in exponentially growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sequence read data from these nuclear run-on libraries revealed that transcriptional regulation in yeast occurs not only at the level of RNA polymerase recruitment to promoters but also at postrecruitment steps. Nascent synthesis signals are strongly enriched at TSS throughout the yeast genome, particularly at histone loci. Nascent transcripts reveal antisense transcription for more than 300 genes, with the read data providing support for the activity of distinct promoters driving transcription in opposite directions rather than bidirectional transcription from single promoters. By monitoring total RNA in parallel, we found that transcriptional activity accounts for 80% of the variance in transcript abundance. We computed RNA stabilities from nascent and steady-state transcripts for each gene and found that the most stable and unstable transcripts encode proteins whose functional roles are consistent with these stabilities. We also surveyed transcriptional activity after heat shock and found that most, but not all, heat shock-inducible genes increase their abundance by increasing their RNA synthesis. In summary, this study provides a genome-wide view of RNA polymerase activity in yeast, identifies regulatory steps in the synthesis of transcripts, and analyzes transcript stabilities.
Amino Acid Substitutions in the Caenorhabditis elegans RNA Polymerase II Large Subunit AMA-1/RPB-1 that Result in α-Amanitin Resistance and/or Reduced Function
Authors: Bowman Elizabeth Anne , Riddle Donald L , Kelly William
Published: December 2011

Mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans RNA polymerase II AMA-1/RPB-1 subunit that cause α-amanitin resistance and/or developmental defects were isolated previously. We identified 12 of these mutations and mapped them onto the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RPB1 structure to provide insight into AMA-1 regions that are essential for development in a multicellular organism.
Genetic Background and Allorecognition Phenotype in Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus
Authors: Powell Anahid E , Moreno Maria , Gloria-Soria Andrea , Lakkis Fadi G , Dellaporta Stephen L , Buss Leo W
Published: December 2011

The Hydractinia allorecognition complex (ARC) was initially identified as a single chromosomal interval using inbred and congenic lines. The production of defined lines necessarily homogenizes genetic background and thus may be expected to obscure the effects of unlinked allorecognition loci should they exist. Here, we report the results of crosses in which inbred lines were out-crossed to wild-type animals in an attempt to identify dominant, codominant, or incompletely dominant modifiers of allorecognition. A claim for the existence of modifiers unlinked to ARC was rejected for three different genetic backgrounds. Estimates of the genetic map distance of ARC in two wild-type haplotypes differed markedly from one another and from that measured in congenic lines. These results suggest that additional allodeterminants exist in the Hydractinia ARC.
Modulation of the Activity of a Polycomb-Group Response Element in Drosophila by a Mutation in the Transcriptional Activator Woc
Authors: Noyes Amanda , Stefaniuk Catherine , Cheng Yuzhong , Kennison James A , Kassis Judith A
Published: December 2011

Polycomb group response elements (PRE) are cis-regulatory elements that bind Polycomb group proteins. We are studying a 181-bp PRE from the Drosophilaengrailed gene. This PRE causes pairing-sensitive silencing of mini-white in transgenes. Here we show that the 181-bp PRE also represses mini-white expression in flies with only one copy of the transgene. To isolate mutations that alter the activity of the 181-bp PRE, we screened for dominant suppressors of PRE-mediated mini-white repression. Dominant suppressors of mini-white repression were rare; we recovered only nine mutations out of 68,274 progeny screened. Two of the nine mutations isolated are due to the same single amino acid change in the transcriptional activator Woc (without children). Reversion experiments show that these are dominant gain-of-function mutations in woc. We suggest that Woc can interfere with the activity of the PRE. Our data have implications for how Polycomb group proteins act to either partially repress or completely silence their target genes.
A Genetic Screen for Dominant Enhancers of the Cell-Cycle Regulator α-Endosulfine Identifies Matrimony as a Strong Functional Interactor in Drosophila
Authors: Von Stetina Jessica R , LaFever Kimberly S , Rubin Mayer , Drummond-Barbosa Daniela
Published: December 2011

The coordination of cell-cycle events with developmental processes is essential for the reproductive success of organisms. In Drosophila melanogaster, meiosis is tightly coupled to oocyte development, and early embryos undergo specialized S-M mitoses that are supported by maternal products. We previously showed that the small phosphoprotein α-endosulfine (Endos) is required for normal oocyte meiotic maturation and early embryonic mitoses in Drosophila. In this study, we performed a genetic screen for dominant enhancers of endos00003 and identified several genomic regions that, when deleted, lead to impaired fertility of endos00003/+ heterozygous females. We uncovered matrimony (mtrm), which encodes a Polo kinase inhibitor, as a strong dominant enhancer of endos. mtrm126 +/+ endos00003 females are sterile because of defects in early embryonic mitoses, and this phenotype is reverted by removal of one copy of polo. These results provide compelling genetic evidence that excessive Polo activity underlies the strong functional interaction between endos00003 and mtrm126. Moreover, we show that endos is required for the increased expression of Mtrm in mature oocytes, which is presumably loaded into early embryos. These data are consistent with the model that maternal endos antagonizes Polo function in the early embryo to ensure normal mitoses through its effects on Mtrm expression during late oogenesis. Finally, we also identified genomic deletions that lead to loss of viability of endos00003/+ heterozygotes, consistent with recently published studies showing that endos is required zygotically to regulate the cell cycle during development.
Effect of Ion Irradiation on Dislocation Processes in Stainless Steel
Authors: Kacher Josh , Liu Grace S. , Martin May , Robertson I.M.
Published: December 2011

The effects of ion irradiation damage on dislocation generation and propagation in austenitic stainless steels were studied by means of in situ transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. Tensile samples were irradiated in situ to a dose on the order of 1017 ions/m2 with 1MeV Kr+ and strained at 300 K as well as 673 K. Dislocation motion through the irradiation-obstacle field was jerky and discontinuous, dislocation pile-ups formed in grain interiors and at boundaries, long straight dislocations were generated decorating the channel-matrix walls, and dislocation cross-slip within the channel created debris along the channel leading to channel widening. Electron tomography was applied for the first time to reveal new detail about the dislocation reactions in the channel wall.
A necessidade de reinventar as empresas
Authors: Gonçalves José Ernesto Lima
Published: December 2011

Para algumas empresas a adaptação aos novos tempos é inevitável, uma questão de vida e morte. Para outras, a adaptação é uma recomendação, uma medida preliminar de segurança. As empresas contemporâneas estão precisando mudar em função de pressões externas e internas inéditas tanto na variedade como na intensiÂdade e alguns eventos estão sinalizando a chegada da nova empresa. Elas carregam dentro de si as sementes da sua própria destruição. Seus empregados hoje são mais educados e reivindicadores do que nunca, muitas deciÂsões estão dispersas no meio de um corpo enorme e diversificado de especialistas e gerentes, as forças políticas internas estão mais intensas e competem com a própria empresa pela energia vital de seus empregados. A tecnoÂlogia relacionada com a gestão das empresas está provocando mudanças até mais intensas que as causadas pela tecnologia de processo de fabricação no final do século passado. Novas premissas, adequadas a novos fatores, devem orientar o projeto das empresas destinadas a sobreviver e prosperar nos novos tempos.
Sequência de ossificação do sincrânio e hioide em embriões de Caiman yacare (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae)
Authors: Lima Fabiano C. , Santos André Luiz Q. , Vieira Lucélia G. , Coutinho Marcos E.
Published: December 2011

O crânio representa uma estrutura única e complexa dos vertebrados, sendo foco relevante objeto de estudos morfológicos e sistemáticos. Embora os crocodilianos constituam um importante grupo representante dos Archosauria, nossos conhecimentos acerca de seu desenvolvimento e homologias ainda são escassos. Aqui descrevemos uma sequência detalhada de ossificação dos ossos do crânio de Caiman yacare (Daudin, 1802), objetivando contribuir com informações de foco anatômico. Coletaram-se ao acaso embriões em intervalos regulares durante todo o período de incubação, sendo estes posteriormente submetidos a protocolo de diafanização e coloração de ossos. O padrão de ossificação em C. yacare segue parâmetros gerais em répteis e outros tetrápodes. Os primeiros centros de ossificação correspondem aos ossos dérmicos, envolvidos com funções primárias como a alimentação e respiração (e.g. maxila, dentário, esplenial, angular, pterigoide, ectopterigoide e jugal, incluindo ainda os dentes). Os ossos da porção dorsal do neurocrânio se ossificam posteriormente, evidenciando uma fontanela cranial que permanece até o momento da eclosão. Os ossos parietal, frontal e opstótico possuem mais de um centro de ossificação que se fundem durante a ontogenia. O centro de ossificação do parisfenoide está ausente, e apenas um centro de ossificação está presente para o basisfenoide. A porção posterior do crânio é formada por centros de substituição do condrocrânio que se ossificam em estágios posteriores.
Trophic ecology and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae) in a caatinga area of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Ribeiro Leonardo B. , Freire Eliza M. X.
Published: December 2011

This study aimed to analyze the seasonal variation in diet composition and foraging behavior of Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) and T. semitaeniatus (Spix, 1825), as well as measurement of the foraging intensity (number of moves, time spent stationary, distance traveled and number of attacks on prey items) in a caatinga patch on the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Hymenoptera/Formicidae and Isoptera predominated in the diet of both species during the dry season. Opportunistic predation on lepidopteran larvae, coleopteran larvae and adults, and orthopteran nymphs and adults occurred in the wet season; however, hymenopterans/Formicidae were the most important prey items. The number of food items was similar between lizard species in both seasons; however the overlap for number of prey was smaller in the wet season. Preys ingested by T. hispidus during the wet season were also larger than those consumed by T. semitaeniatus. Seasonal comparisons of foraging intensity between the two species differed, mainly in the wet season, when T. hispidus exhibited less movement and fewer attacks on prey, and more time spent stationary if compared to T. semitaeniatus. Although both lizards are sit-and-wait foragers, T. semitaeniatus is more active than T. hispidus. The diet and foraging behavior of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus overlap under limiting conditions during the dry season, and are segregative factors that may contribute to the coexistence of these species in the wet season.
Effect of temperature on the survival and growth of freshwater prawns Macrobrachium borellii and Palaemonetes argentinus (Crustacea, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Montagna Marcela C.
Published: December 2011

During the two-month rearing period, the effect of four water temperatures (15°C, 20°C, 25°C and 30°C) on survival rate, number of molts, and growth rate (molt increment and intermolt period) of juvenile Macrobrachium borellii Nobili, 1896 and Palaemonetes argentinus Nobili, 1901 prawns was evaluated in laboratory conditions. The two species showed some similarities in their both survival and growth pattern at different temperatures. The survival rate was highest at 20°C and 25°C, decreasing at the lowest temperature. The number of molts increased at higher temperatures, ranging the intermolt period from 22.2 days to 9.9 days, for M. borellii, and from 20.8 to 9.5 days for P. argentinus, corresponding those values to 15°C and 30°C, respectively. No difference between species was noted in the intermolt period. The size increment by molting increased significantly from 15°C to 25°C, whereas a reduction in the growth of prawns was observed at 30°C. Significant differences among temperatures were found in the slope of regressions between the size increment by molting and the cephalothorax length. M. borellii showed a significantly higher tolerance to elevated temperature and a faster growth (about twice at 25°C) than P. argentinus. These differences could provide M. borellii a competitive advantage for a better adaptation to the dynamic of freshwater environment, especially in areas with anthropogenic impact.
The genus Trichorhina Budde-Lund in Brazil, with description of seven new species (Isopoda, Oniscidea, Platyarthridae)
Authors: Souza Leila A. , Araújo Joafrâncio P. de , Campos-Filho Ivanklin S.
Published: December 2011

Seven new species of Trichorhina Budde-Lund, 1908 are described, six from Southeastern Brazil, T. biumbonata sp. nov., T. lenkoi sp. nov., T. myrmecophila sp. nov., T. orensis sp. nov., T. sexdens sp. nov., T. tropidocerata sp. nov., and one from Central Brazil, T. crassisetae sp. nov. An emended diagnosis for the genus and a key to the 19 species recorded from Brazil are provided. Trichorhina acuta Araújo & Buckup, 1994 is recorded to state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Spinal cord compression in cattle after the use of an oily vaccine
Authors: Ubiali Daniel Guimarães , Cruz Raquel Aparecida Sales da , Lana Marconni Victor da Costa , Meireles Yara Silva , Néspoli Pedro Brandini , Souza Marcos Almeida , Colodel Edson Moleta , Pescador Caroline Argenta
Published: December 2011

An outbreak of compressive myelopathy in cattle associated with the improper use of an oil vaccine is described. Neurological signs were observed in 25 out of 3,000 cattle after 60 days of being vaccinated against foot and mouth disease. The clinical picture was characterized by progressive paralysis of the hind limbs, difficulty in standing up, and sternal recumbency during the course of 2-5 months. A filling defect between the L1 and L3 vertebrae was seen through myelography performed in one of the affected animals. A yellow-gray, granular and irregular mass was observed in four necropsied animals involving the spinal nerve roots and epidural space of the lumbar (L1-L4) spinal cord; the mass was associated with a whitish oily fluid. This fluid was also found in association with necrosis of the longissimus dorsi muscle. Microscopic changes in the epidural space, nerve roots, and spinal musculature were similar and consisted of granulomas or pyogranulomas around circular unstained spaces (vacuoles). These spaces were located between areas of severe diffuse hyaline necrosis of muscle fibers and resembled the drops of oil present in the vaccine.
Cinética da resposta imune humoral de cães jovens imunizados contra Leptospira interrogans
Authors: Castro Jacqueline R. , Souza Mariana A. , Salaberry Sandra R.S. , Guimarães Ednaldo C. , Lima-Ribeiro Anna M.C.
Published: December 2011

Objetivou-se analisar a resposta imune humoral contra Leptospira interrogans mediante a utilização da prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) em 26 cães jovens, sendo 17 de raça definida (Grupo A) e nove sem raça (Grupo B), de ambos os sexos, pertencentes a canis e ambientes domiciliares em Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Os cães foram vacinados com bacterina inativada comercial polivalente com os sorovares Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae e Pomona. O esquema vacinal baseou-se em três imunizações. A primovacinação foi realizada aos quarenta e cinco dias de idade, considerado dia zero, e após dois reforços com intervalos de trinta dias cada. Sete colheitas sanguíneas de cada cão foram efetuadas do dia zero até aos 180 dias pós-vacinais, com intervalos de trinta dias cada. Não foram detectados títulos pré-vacinais para os sorovares Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae e Grippotyphosa no dia zero. Apenas um cão do grupo A foi reagente com título 1:100 contra o sorovar Pomona na primeira colheita. Não houve diferença estatística entre os títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes entre os Grupos A e B (p>0,05), induzidos pela bacterina comercial utilizada, exceto na colheita II (p<0,05), na qual o grupo B apresentou títulos para o sorovar Autumnalis em todos os cães avaliados, enquanto que, no grupo A, 64,7% dos cães não foram reagentes a nenhum sorovar testado. No dia 30, títulos para o sorovar Autumnalis que persistiram até os 180 dias pós-vacinais, em ambos os grupos, variando apenas a intensidade da resposta imunológica sem diferença estatística significativa. Para avaliação da eficiência vacinal da bacterina anti-Leptospira, a presente pesquisa alerta para os ricos à infecção que os cães vacinados anualmente estão submetidos.
Ocorrência de anticorpos e fatores de risco associados à infecção por Leptospira spp. em Cebus spp. mantidos em cativeiro no Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Débora R.A. , Laroque Plautino de O. , Wagner Paulo G.C. , Higino Severino S. dos S. , Azevedo Sérgio S. , Rego Eneida W. , Mota Rinaldo A.
Published: December 2011

Estudou-se a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira e os fatores de risco associados à infecção em primatas do gênero Cebus mantidos em cativeiro no Nordeste do Brasil. Foram analisadas 139 amostras de soro sanguíneo de diferentes espécies de primatas de ambos os sexos e idades variadas. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos empregou-se a técnica de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) e para estudo dos fatores de risco utilizou-se análise multivariada. Foram observados anticorpos anti-Leptospira, sorovar Patoc em 6,5% dos primatas (09/139). O fator de risco identificado nesse estudo foi a não higienização diária de bebedouros (Odds ratio=12,095; IC 95% = 1,73-84,52; p=0,012,). Conclui-se que a população de Cebus mantidos em cativeiros no Nordeste do Brasil está exposta à infecção por anticorpos anti-Leptospira e que medidas corretivas de manejo dos animais, especificamente aquelas relacionadas à higienização diária de bebedouros devem ser implementadas para reduzir o risco de infecção por sorovares de Leptospira spp.
Effects of thermocycling and light source on the bond strength of metallic brackets to bovine teeth
Authors: Costa Ana Rosa , Correr Américo Bortolazzo , Puppin-Rontani Regina Maria , Vedovello Silvia Amélia Scudeler , Valdrighi Heloísa Cristina , Correr-Sobrinho Lourenço , Vedovello Filho Mário
Published: December 2011

This study evaluated the effects of thermocycling and different light sources on the bond strength of metallic brackets to bovine tooth enamel using an adhesive resin. Bovine teeth were etched with 35% phosphoric acid gel for 20 s. After application of primer, metallic brackets were bonded to the buccal surface using Transbond XT, forming 8 groups (n=20), depending on the light source used for photoactivation (AccuCure 3000 argon laser - 20 s, Apollo 95E plasma arc - 12 s, UltraLume 5 LED - 40 s and XL2500 halogen light - 40 s) and experimental conditions without (Groups 1 to 4) or with thermocycling (Groups 5 to 8). Shear bond testing was carried out after 24 h of distilled water storage (Groups 1 to 4) or storage and thermocycling in distilled water (groups 5 to 8; 1,500 cycles - 5o/55oC). Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was evaluated at ×8 magnification. No significant differences (p>0.05) in bond strength were found when the conditions without and with thermocycling were compared for any of the light sources. No significant differences (p>0.05) in bond strength were found among the light sources, irrespective of performing or not thermocycling. There was a predominance of ARI scores 1 in all groups. In conclusion, light sources and thermocycling had no influence on the bond strength of brackets to bovine enamel.
In Vitro effect of low-level laser therapy on typical oral microbial biofilms
Authors: Basso Fernanda G. , Oliveira Camila F. , Fontana Amanda , Kurachi Cristina , Bagnato Vanderlei S. , Spolidório Denise M. P. , Hebling Josimeri , Costa Carlos A. de Souza
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of specific parameters of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans or an association of both species. Single and dual-species biofilms - SSB and DSB - were exposed to laser doses of 5, 10 or 20 J/cm2 from a near infrared InGaAsP diode laser prototype (LASERTable; 780 ± 3 nm, 0.04 W). After irradiation, the analysis of biobilm viability (MTT assay), biofilm growth (cfu/mL) and cell morphology (SEM) showed that LLLT reduced cell viability as well as the growth of biofilms. The response of S. mutans (SSB) to irradiation was similar for all laser doses and the biofilm growth was dose dependent. However, when associated with C. albicans (DSB), S. mutans was resistant to LLLT. For C. albicans, the association with S. mutans (DSB) caused a significant decrease in biofilm growth in a dose-dependent fashion. The morphology of the microorganisms in the SSB was not altered by LLLT, while the association of microbial species (DSB) promoted a reduction in the formation of C. albicans hyphae. LLLT had an inhibitory effect on the microorganisms, and this capacity can be altered according to the interactions between different microbial species.
Uso de argila organofílica na compatibilização de misturas PP/EPDM
Authors: Ferreira Kaline R. M. , Leite Itamara F. , Siqueira Alex da S. , Raposo Claudia M. O. , Carvalho Laura H. , Silva Suédina M. L.
Published: December 2011

Misturas PP/EPDM com variadas razões PP:EPDM, não compatibilizadas e compatibilizadas com o polipropileno modificado com anidrido maleico (PP-g-MA), foram preparadas por fusão. A influência da adição de 1 pcr de uma argila bentonita na morfologia, propriedades mecânicas e reológicas destas misturas foi avaliada. A bentonita empregada como carga, proveniente da Bentonit União Nordeste/PB foi purificada e modificada organicamente com tecnologia desenvolvida por nosso grupo de pesquisa, antes de ser adicionada às misturas. Os dados de difratometria de raios X mostraram que, para diferentes razões de PP:EPDM na mistura a incorporação de 1 pcr de argila organofílica resultou na formação de nanocompósitos intercalados desordenados (20 ou 40% de EPDM) ou intercalados/esfoliados (10 e 30% EPDM). A incorporação da argila organofílica provocou alterações nas propriedades morfológicas, mecânicas e reológicas das misturas, especialmente daquelas preparadas com 30% em massa de EPDM onde a ação compatibilizante da argila foi observada.
Effect of citric acid on the proteolytic activity of Zea mays L.
Authors: Martinez-Pacheco Mauro Manuel , Flores-Garcia Alberto , Venegas-Gonzalez Eulalio , Cepeda-Villegas Mario Alberto
Published: December 2011

Hybrids of Zea mays L. (Buffalo, Falcon, H360 y HV313) were treated with citric acid (2000 ppm). Grain yield, soluble protein and proteolytic activity were monitored when the crop reached physiological maturity. Citric acid was applied before the appearance of the flag leaf, and induced an increase in the grain yield from 4222 to 5780 kg/ha, in the soluble protein from 6.34 to 7.91 mg/mg and into the proteolytic activity from 14.3 to 65.7 µU mg prot-1. This is an increase of 2 to 12 times in the Falcon, H360 and HV313 hybrids, while the Buffalo hybrid responded with less intensity to the treatment with citric acid. In the H360 hybrid treated with citric acid, an increase in the proteolytic activity of aspartyl serine proteases was observed. The results indicate that citric acid differentially induces proteolytic activity and vigor in the corn hybrids analyzed.
Qualidade sanitária de grãos de milho com e sem inoculação a campo dos fungos causadores de podridões de espigaspiga
Authors: Mendes Marcelo Cruz , Von Pinho Renzo Garcia , Machado José da Cruz , Albuquerque Carlos Juliano Brant , Falquete Júlio Cesar Fabro
Published: December 2011

O uso sucessivo de híbridos de milho com resistência variada aos fungos causadores de podridão de grãos tem causado aumento na importância dessas doenças a cada safra. Conduziu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar pelo teste de sanidade (blotter test) a severidade do fungo Fusarium verticilioides e a incidência dos fungos Stenocarpella maydis e Stenocarpella macrospora em grãos de milho, oriundos de híbridos comerciais, com e sem a inoculação artificial a campo, em dois sistemas de cultivo, convencional e sistema de semeadura direta e em dois anos agrícolas. O experimento foi conduzido a campo, em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Em laboratório, foram avaliadas, pelo método de "blotter test", a severidade do fungo F. verticilioides e a incidência dos fungos S. maydis e S. macrospora causadores de podridões de espiga. A avaliação pelo teste de sanidade (blotter test) evidenciou a diferença entre os híbridos quanto a reação aos fungos F.verticilioides, S. maydis e S. macrospora. Houve influência do híbrido, da safra agrícola e do sistema de cultivo sobre a infecção dos fungos causadores de podridões de espigas, sendo que o sistema plantio direto favorece o aumento dos fungos responsáveis pelos grãos ardidos em milho. A utilização da inoculação artificial, em campo, visando a selecionar genótipos resistentes aos fungos causadores do "complexo de grãos ardidos" é eficiente.
Educação a Distância (EaD) em Física Médica
Authors: Neves-Junior Wellington Furtado Pimenta , Haddad Cecília Maria Kalil , Sousa Fernando Sequeira , Pisa Ivan Torres
Published: December 2011

A formação inicial e continuada de profissionais de física médica possui características peculiares por ser uma área interdisciplinar, de evolução tecnológica constante. Em países como o Brasil, existem barreiras como: pequeno número de profissionais, geograficamente mal distribuídos, baixos recursos financeiros, e poucas opções em termos de acesso à informação, dificultando a incorporação e disseminação de novas técnicas que impactam na qualidade do atendimento em saúde. Esta revisão da literatura se propôs a avaliar o papel da EaD na educação de físicos médicos, retratando sua aplicabilidade mediante a identificação de experiências relevantes. Os trabalhos mostram que a EaD tem características interessantes para a área, tais como alta efetividade pedagógica e eficiência econômica, possibilitando o uso massivo de recursos multimídia, com grande abrangência geográfica e de forma gerenciável. Portanto tem potencial para superar as barreiras e suprir carências da área.
Role-playing: estratégia inovadora na capacitação docente para o processo tutorial
Authors: Francischetti Ieda , Corrêa Ana Carolina Lemos , Vieira Camila Mugnai , Lazarini Carlos Alberto , Rolin Lilian Maria Giubbina , Soares Márcia Oliveira Mayo
Published: December 2011

A análise dos formatos de avaliação do Programa de Desenvolvimento Docente (PDD) da faculdade de Medicina de Marilia, SP, mostra as seguintes fragilidades: baixa motivação, atitude passiva dos participantes e pouco interesse em capacitação para o processo tutorial. Considerando a necessidade de inovação das estratégias de capacitação docente, optou-se, nas oficinas, pelo uso da técnica de role-playing, a qual possibilita a troca de papéis e o aprender na ação. Analisou-se qualitativamente o discurso docente frente ao uso do role-playing nas oficinas desenvolvidas, segundo as narrativas dos formatos de avaliação aplicados. Os núcleos de sentido das respostas foram classificados em unidades temáticas. Os resultados demonstraram a relevância das atividades e que o role-playing foi um importante instrumento facilitador do processo de aprendizagem, à medida que colocou o tutor como protagonista, no papel de estudante, favorecendo novos olhares e percepções e sensibilizando-o para o processo tutorial.
Aleitamento materno exclusivo em bebês com fissura de lábio e/ou palato
Authors: Ninno Camila Queiroz de Moraes Silveira Di , Moura Danila , Raciff Regina , Machado Sandra Valéria , Rocha Christiane Marize Garcia , Norton Rocksane de Carvalho , Martins Fernanda Abalen Dias , Britto Denise Brandão de Oliveira e
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVO: Investigar o aleitamento materno exclusivo em bebês com fissura de lábio e/ou palato e sua associação com o tipo de fissura. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados dados de 137 prontuários, obtidos pela pediatra na primeira consulta. A amostra constituiu-se das fichas de pediatria de bebês de ambos os gêneros, com fissura de lábio e/ou palato, nascidos a termo e sem outras anomalias associadas, que chegaram para a primeira consulta entre zero e 12 meses. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio da fissura transforame incisivo em bebês do gênero masculino. Os bebês apresentavam média de idade de 53 dias e mediana de 33 dias na primeira consulta. Quanto ao aleitamento materno exclusivo, este ocorreu em 7,3% do total da amostra, sendo 6,57% no grupo pré-forame incisivo e 0,73% no grupo pós-forame incisivo, mas não ocorreu no grupo transforame incisivo. Houve associação significativa entre o tipo de fissura e o aleitamento. CONCLUSÃO: O aleitamento exclusivo está presente em pequena parte da amostra total de bebês com fissura de lábio e/ou palato, sendo frequente na fissura pré-forame incisivo.
Phosphorus in Phoenix: a budget and spatial representation of phosphorus in an urban ecosystem
Authors: Metson Geneviève S. , Hale Rebecca L. , Iwaniec David M. , Cook Elizabeth M. , Corman Jessica R. , Galletti Christopher S. , Childers Daniel L.
Published: December 2011

As urban environments dominate the landscape, we need to examine how limiting nutrients such as phosphorus (P) cycle in these novel ecosystems. Sustainable management of P resources is necessary to ensure global food security and to minimize freshwater pollution. We used a spatially explicit budget to quantify the pools and fluxes of P in the Greater Phoenix Area in Arizona, USA, using the boundaries of the Central Arizona–Phoenix Long‐Term Ecological Research site. Inputs were dominated by direct imports of food and fertilizer for local agriculture, while most outputs were small, including water, crops, and material destined for recycling. Internally, fluxes were dominated by transfers of food and feed from local agriculture and the recycling of human and animal excretion. Spatial correction of P dynamics across the city showed that human density and associated infrastructure, especially asphalt, dominated the distribution of P pools across the landscape. Phosphorus fluxes were dominated by agricultural production, with agricultural soils accumulating P.

Human features (infrastructure, technology, and waste management decisions) and biophysical characteristics (soil properties, water fluxes, and storage) mediated P dynamics in Phoenix. P cycling was most notably affected by water management practices that conserve and recycle water, preventing the loss of waterborne P from the ecosystem. P is not intentionally managed, and as a result, changes in land use and demographics, particularly increased urbanization and declining agriculture, may lead to increased losses of P from this system. We suggest that city managers should minimize cross‐boundary fluxes of P to the city. Reduced P fluxes may be accomplished through more efficient recycling of waste, therefore decreasing dependence on external nonrenewable P resources and minimizing aquatic pollution. Our spatial approach and consideration of both pools and fluxes across a heterogeneous urban ecosystem increases the utility of nutrient budgets for city managers. Our budget explicitly links processes that affect P cycling across space with the management of other resources (e.g., water). A holistic management strategy that deliberately couples the management of P and other resources should be a priority for cities in achieving urban sustainability.
Product Costs as Decision Aids: An Analysis of Alternative Approaches (Part 1)
Authors: Balakrishnan Ramji , Labro Eva , Sivaramakrishnan K.
Published: December 2011

SYNOPSIS

In this first part of a two-part paper, we develop a common platform to characterize several popular approaches for computing product costs. We describe four kinds of product costing systems: traditional volume-based systems, activity-based costing systems, time-driven activity-based costing systems, and resource consumption accounting. We employ a continuing numerical example to illustrate the commonalities and differences among these systems. In Part 2 of the paper, we evaluate the systems along multiple dimensions and offer suggestions for how we might blend the best features of various approaches.
Chief Audit Executives' Assessment of Internal Auditors' Performance Attributes by Professional Rank and Cultural Cluster
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Mohammad J.
Published: December 2011

This study explores chief audit executives' perceptions of the most important performance attributes of internal auditors by professional rank and cultural cluster. A large sample of chief audit executives (CAEs) from 19 countries located in five different cultural clusters was surveyed by the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (CBOK 2006). Analysis of data generated by that survey indicates that while leadership attributes (e.g., negotiating) are perceived to be most important for upper ranks in internal auditing, technical skills (e.g., analytical) are most important for lower ranks. Also, based on the cultural relativism literature, I hypothesize and find evidence that the importance of performance attributes differs significantly by cultural cluster. For example, while Latin-American CAEs rated leadership attributes at higher levels than other cultural clusters for internal audit staff, the East-European chief audit executives assessed the importance of technical skills at higher levels than other clusters. The results of the survey provide important initial empirical support to the list of “ideal” and “desirable” performance attributes for internal auditors recently developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA 2009).

Data Availability: The source of data used in this study is CBOK (2006) from the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation.
Comparative In Vitro Validation of VistaProof and DIAGNOdent Pen for Occlusal Caries Detection in Permanent Teeth
Authors: Seremidi K , Lagouvardos P , Kavvadia K
Published: December 2011

Clinical Relevance

Laser/light fluorescence devices were highly reliable for occlusal caries diagnosis in permanent teeth but not superior in accuracy to visual methods.
Case Study of Pollutants Concentration Sensitivity to Meteorological Fields and Land Use Parameters over Douala (Cameroon) Using AERMOD Dispersion Model
Authors: Igri Pascal Moudi , Vondou Derbetini Appolinaire , Kamga François Mkankam
Published: December 2011

This paper deals with the simulation of the NOx concentration over Douala for the period 2002–2006 by means of the American Meteorological Society (AMS)/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulatory Model (AERMOD) model, version 07026. Its sensitivity to local meteorological fields and land use parameters are investigated by selecting different buildings (receptors) specific direction and distance from the source and by making changes in land use parameters. Results reveal variations in concentration patterns depending on the roughness length, albedo and the Bowen ratio. Changes in the albedo as well as the Bowen ratio only alter the concentration patterns during convective conditions. For a short averaging time, changes in albedo and Bowen ratio have the same effects on the concentration patterns. These results not only help to accurately choose the indicated areas for implanting industrial sites, to manage risk assessment exposure to pollutants in Douala city and addressing recommendations to policies makers.
Test Driven Development: Advancing Knowledge by Conjecture and Confirmation
Authors: Parsons David , Lal Ramesh , Lange Manfred
Published: December 2011

Test Driven Development (TDD) is a critical agile software development practice that supports innovation in short development cycles. However, TDD is one of the most challenging agile practices to adopt because it requires changes to work practices and skill sets. It is therefore important to gain an understanding of TDD through the experiences of those who have successfully adopted this practice. We collaborated with an agile team to provide this experience report on their adoption of TDD, using observations and interviews within the product development environment. This article highlights a number of practices that underlie successful development with TDD. To provide a theoretical perspective that can help to explain how TDD supports a positive philosophy of software development, we have revised Northover et al.’s conceptual framework, which is based on a four stage model of agile development, to reinterpret Popper’s theory of conjecture and falsification in the context of agile testing strategies. As a result of our findings, we propose an analytical model for TDD in agile software development which provides a theoretical basis for further investigations into the role of TDD and related practices.
Preparation and Evaluation of Berberine Alginate Beads for Stomach-Specific Delivery
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Hai , Sun Yong-Shun , Pang Hui , Munyendo Were L.L. , Lv Hui-Xia , Zhu Sheng-Liang
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this research was to prepare floating calcium alginate beads of berberine for targeting the gastric mucosa and prolonging their gastric residence time. The floating beads were prepared by suspending octodecanol and berberine in sodium alginate (SA) solution. The suspension was then dripped into a solution of calcium chloride. The hydrophobic and low-density octodecanol enhanced the sustained-release properties and floating ability of the beads. The bead formulation was optimized for different weight ratios of octodecanol and SA and evaluated in terms of diameter, floating ability and drug loading, entrapment and release. In vitro release studies showed that the floating and sustained release time were effectively increased in gastric media by addition of octodecanol. In vivo studies with rats showed that a significant increase in gastric residence time of beads had been achieved.
Sex Differences in Urinary Biomarkers of Vascular and Endothelial Function in HIV-Infected Persons Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Boger Michael S , Bian Aihua , Shintani Ayumi , Milne Ginger L , Morrow Jason D , Erdem Husamettin , Mitchell Valerie , Haas David W , Hulgan Todd
Published: December 2011

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk can be underestimated in HIV-infected patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Novel CVD risk markers in this population are needed. We hypothesized that eicosanoid metabolite production is increased with metabolic complications of ART. Our objective was to determine relationships between urine eicosanoids and traditional CVD risk factors in a cohort of HIV-infected persons receiving ART.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 107 individuals from a prospective cohort study with urine eicosanoids (isoprostane [15-F2t-IsoP], prostaglandin-E metabolite [PGE-M], thromboxane metabolite [11dTxB2], prostacyclin metabolite [PGI-M]) determined by gas or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

15-F2t-IsoP was higher ( P=0.003), 11dTxB2 tended to be higher ( P=0.07) and PGE-M was lower ( P=0.003) in females than in males. The overall median Framingham score was 4 (IQR 1–7). In multivariable analyses adjusting for age, CD4+ T-cells, smoking status, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, aspirin use and body mass index (BMI), associations included: higher 15-F2t-IsoP with female sex ( P=0.004) and current smoking ( P=0.04), lower PGE-M with female sex ( P=0.005) and higher BMI ( P=0.03), higher 11dTxB2 with increasing age ( P=0.02) and current smoking ( P=0.04), lower 11dTxB2 with higher BMI ( P=0.02), and higher PGI-M with current smoking ( P=0.04).

Conclusions

In this pilot study of predominantly virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals on ART, there were sex-specific differences in urinary eicosanoids, with females having more risk-associated parameters despite a low Framingham score. Eicosanoids might be useful CVD biomarkers in ART-treated, HIV-infected patients. Future studies should examine eicosanoids while assessing effects of specific ART regimens and targeted interventions on CVD outcomes.
Dans le giron des saints laïques
Authors: Tartakowsky Danielle
Published: December 2011

Résumé Cet article est une analyse comparative des tombes de militants qui s’agglomèrent au plus près du Mur des fédérés du Père-Lachaise à Paris, des tombes des « Martyrs de Haymarket » au cimetière de Waldheim à Chicago, et de celles qui entourent la tombe de Karl Marx au cimetière de Highgate, à Londres. Ces constructions qui présentent un certain nombre de similitudes résultent des initiatives, conjuguées ou non, d’organisations ou d’individus soucieux de transcender la mort en s’ancrant dans un passé sanctifié par le sang des martyrs ou héros du mouvement ouvrier, pour ainsi participer à une commune ascension vers un devenir meilleur et construire, sur ce mode, une forme nouvelle de l’éternité. Pour les libres penseurs d’obédiences diverses, l’histoire en marche s’est imposée durant plus d’un siècle comme source d’une transcendance nouvelle.
Un siècle d'histoire politique allemande : commémorer Liebknecht et Luxemburg au Zentralfriedhof Friedrichsfelde de Berlin
Authors: Jossin Ariane
Published: December 2011

Résumé L’enterrement des deux spartakistes Rosa Luxemburg et Karl Liebknecht en 1919 est à l’origine d’une longue série de mobilisations commémoratives qui traversent l’histoire politique allemande. Cette commémoration, qui se tient essentiellement autour du cimetière de Friedrichsfelde, peine à exister pendant la République de Weimar, est ensuite réduite à des actions isolées sous le III e Reich, puis est totalement récupérée par le pouvoir au temps de la RDA, avant que les citoyens ne se la réapproprient après la chute du mur de Berlin en 1989. Cet événement annuel montre une forte permanence, quant à la date de sa tenue, au lieu de la cérémonie et au choix de Liebknecht et Luxemburg (et Lénine) comme personnages centraux de l’action.
Déficits persistants et croissance endogène
Authors: Minea Alexandru , Villieu Patrick
Published: December 2011

Résumé Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons aux effets des déficits publics sur la croissance, dans un modèle de croissance endogène avec investissement public pouvant être financé par impôt ou dette publique. Nous nous focalisons sur la croissance de long terme et étudions la manière dont des déficits persistants influencent la croissance. Nous montrons que ces déficits réduisent toujours la croissance à long terme, indépendamment des règles budgétaires adoptées par le gouvernement.
L'impact des fondamentaux macroéconomiques sur les spreads souverains de la zone euro est-il influencé par les réformes financières ?
Authors: Damette Olivier , Dufrénot Gilles , Frouté Philippe
Published: December 2011

Résumé Dans cet article, nous examinons si le poids accordé aux anticipations des variables macroéconomiques pour évaluer le risque des obligations souveraines a été plus important après l’adoption des nouvelles règles prudentielles de Bâle 2, c’est-à-dire autour des années 2005-2006 (années à partir desquelles ces règles ont commencé à être appliquées dans les pays d’Europe). À titre illustratif, nous comparons trois pays de la zone euro, à savoir l’Allemagne, la France et la Grèce. Pour ce faire, nous estimons un modèle Markov-switching avec probabilités de transition variables. Nos résultats révèlent des comportements différents entre pays, au moins à court terme.
What Prospects for a European Debt Agency ?
Authors: Diev Pavel , Daniel Laurent
Published: December 2011

Résumé Les crises grecque et irlandaise ont mis en évidence une des faiblesses de l’Union économique et monétaire, à savoir qu’il n’existe pas de mécanisme pour prévenir et traiter les crises de dette publique dans la zone euro ( ze ). Dans ce contexte, nous analysons la possibilité d’émission commune de titres de dette par les gouvernements de la zone euro, géré par une agence européenne de la dette ( aed ). L’ aed pourrait atteindre trois objectifs principaux : 1) l’amélioration de la coordination budgétaire dans la ze  ; 2) le renforcement de la stabilité financière de la ze  ; et 3) le financement des États membres de la ze à un coût optimal, le mandat traditionnel d’une agence de la dette nationale. Notre proposition favorise le premier objectif destiné à mettre en œuvre par un moyen efficace de supervision et de coordination les politiques budgétaire nationales. Par ailleurs, l’ aed , étant de facto un mécanisme de soutien en cas de crise, améliore également la stabilité financière de la ze . Enfin, l’émission commune permettrait d’accroître la liquidité des titres émis, ce qui diminuerait les coûts de financement des pays participants. D’un point de vue pratique, nous analysons le modèle d’une agence qui émietterait des euro-obligations et re-prêterait aux pays participants. Cette agence serait gouvernée par un conseil qui fixerait les quantités qui seront émises et/ou le prix à payer pour chaque participant en fonction de ses fondamentaux. Le conseil devrait être indépendant du pouvoir politique afin d’augmenter les prix, de réduire les quantités et même de refuser l’accès au financement pour les pays les moins vertueux en termes de finances publiques. JEL  Code : H63, E62, G12