bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perda de água e modificações anatômicas em folhas de plantas de bananeiras micropropagadas durante a aclimatização
Authors: Costa Frederico Henrique da Silva , Pereira Jonny Everson Scherwinski , Pasqual Moacir , Castro Evaristo Mauro de , Santos Adriene Matos
Published: December 2008

Estudos sobre os fatores envolvidos na adaptação das plantas micropropagadas ao ambiente ex vitro são imprescindíveis para definir quais os procedimentos devem ser utilizados durante a fase de aclimatização. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a contribuição da densidade estomática e da presença de cera epicuticular no controle da perda de água, em folhas de bananeiras micropropagadas. Para tanto, brotações axilares oriundas da etapa de multiplicação in vitro foram enraizadas por 24 dias, em meio MS, contendo 1mg L-1 de ácido naftalenoacético (ANA) e 6g L-1 de ágar e, posteriormente, foram aclimatizadas por 120 dias. Os tratamentos consistiram de folhas formadas in vitro e em diferentes estádios de aclimatização, tais como: T1 - folhas de plantas ao final da fase de enraizamento in vitro; T2 - folhas persistentes de plantas aos 30 dias de aclimatização; T3 - novas folhas de plantas aos 30 dias de aclimatização (folhas de transição); T4 - folhas de transição de plantas aclimatizadas por 60 dias; T5 e T6 - novas folhas de plantas aclimatizadas por 60 dias e 120 dias, respectivamente. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: a densidade estomática, o conteúdo relativo de água e a presença de cera epicuticular. Foi verificado que folhas de plantas provenientes da fase de enraizamento in vitro, em ambiente mixotrófico, apresentam reduzido controle sobre a perda de água e alta densidade estomática. A reduzida transpiração das folhas formadas na fase de aclimatização pode ser atribuída ao menor número de estômatos por unidade de área foliar, à maior capacidade destes em restringir a perda de água e à presença de cera epicuticular.
Liberalismo e democracia na sociologia política de Oliveira Vianna
Authors: Silva Ricardo
Published: December 2008

O artigo examina o pensamento político de Oliveira Vianna, por meio de um diálogo crítico, com modelo de interpretação que define como "autoritarismo instrumental" a singularidade de sua concepção de Estado. Em tal modelo de interpretação, as instituições do Estado autoritário idealizadas e propostas pelo sociólogo fluminense são apresentadas como instrumentos (meios) adequados para a realização do liberalismo político e da democracia no Brasil. Uma vez atingidos seus verdadeiros fins liberais e democráticos, o caráter autoritário do Estado poderia ser questionado e abolido. Em nosso entender, além de não questionar o equivocado pressuposto de que é possível a realização de fins democráticos por meios autoritários, o modelo do "autoritarismo instrumental" é inapropriado para a compreensão, dimensão ideológica do pensamento político de Oliveira Vianna, orientada para a justificação de uma forma de Estado antiliberal e antidemocrática.
La región de la triple frontera: territorios de integración y desintegración
Authors: Fogel Ramón
Published: December 2008

En el articulo se analiza la triple frontera (Foz de Iguazú, Puerto Iguazu e Ciudad del Elste) como territorio construido, apropriado y controlado por actores, algunos extra regionales. Estos actores mantienen vínculos entre si que implican relaciones de poder, y están involucrados en actividades y procesos con incidencia en la integración regional.
Artéria femoral profunda: uma opção como origem de fluxo para derivações infrageniculares
Authors: Brochado Neto Francisco Cardoso , Casella Ivan Benaduce , Matielo Marcelo Fernando , Simões Tulia Brasil , Ricartte Arnaldo Rolim , Lacerda Ricardo , Bergamo Luiz Carlos , Sacilotto Roberto
Published: December 2008

CONTEXTO: Na isquemia crítica, a artéria femoral profunda pode tornar-se a opção mais distal como origem de fluxo para derivações distais em casos de oclusão da origem da artéria femoral superficial associada a prega inguinal hostil. OBJETIVO:Avaliar, retrospectivamente, a artéria femoral profunda como doadora de fluxo para derivações infrageniculares. MÉTODOS: De 2000 a 2005, 129 derivações infrageniculares apresentaram anastomose proximal nas artérias femorais, comum (40), superficial (72) e profunda (17). O presente estudo teve como foco a artéria femoral profunda, e suas indicações foram: prega inguinal hostil (seis casos), limite da extensão do substituto (seis casos) e ambos os fatores (outros cinco casos). Foram abordadas a primeira e a segunda porção em 12 casos e a terceira porção em cinco casos. As cirurgias foram secundárias em 47% dos casos, e os substitutos utilizados foram veias do membro superior em 11 casos, safena interna em cinco e safena externa em um caso. RESULTADOS: No total dos enxertos (129), as estimativas de perviedade primária e salvamento do membro foram: 68,0% e 84,7%, respectivamente, com erro padrão (EP) aceitável (0,1) em 36 meses. Quando o grupo foi estratificado, as artérias femorais comum, superficial e profunda apresentaram resultados comparáveis de perviedade primária (63,3, 70,2 e 64,7%; p = 0,63) e salvamento do membro (83,1, 82,4 e 92,3%; p = 0,78). A perviedade dos enxertos com origem nas porções proximal e distal da artéria femoral profunda, bem como das cirurgias primárias e secundárias, foram comparáveis, sem diferença estatística significante (p = 0,89 e p = 0,77, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A artéria femoral profunda mostrou ser acessível e efetiva como origem de fluxo de enxertos infrageniculares, com resultados satisfatórios de perviedade e salvamento do membro.
Avaliação da maturação das fístulas arteriovenosas para hemodiálise pelo eco-Doppler colorido
Authors: Toregeani Jeferson Freitas , Kimura Claudio Jundi , Rocha Antonio S. Trigo , Volpiani Giuliano Giova , Bortoncello Ângela , Shirasu Keity , Peres Luiz A.
Published: December 2008

CONTEXTO: Quando se confecciona uma fístula arteriovenosa para hemodiálise (FAVH) autógena, é necessário que se aguarde a dilatação da veia em questão e o desenvolvimento de volume de fluxo mínimo, fenômeno chamado de maturação. Ainda hoje se discute qual o tempo necessário para ocorrer essa maturação. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a maturação de FAVH utilizando-se critérios ecográficos. MÉTODO: Entre maio de 2004 e 2005, 40 pacientes foram selecionados prospectivamente, sendo 23 homens (57,5%), com média de idade de 17,5±51,3 anos, com indicação de confecção de uma FAVH. Utilizou-se o aparelho Logic III® com transdutor de 10 MHz para a avaliação no pré-operatório e nos 7º, 14º, 21º e 28º dias de pós-operatório. Os critérios para a maturação após a cirurgia foram: veia com diâmetro médio maior que 4 mm e volume de fluxo maior que 400 mL/min. RESULTADOS: O diâmetro médio pré-operatório foi de 3,24±1,43 e 3,71±1,37 mm para fístulas de punho e de cotovelo, respectivamente. O diâmetro final foi de 5,01±0,87 mm para as FAVH de punho (p = 0,006) e de 6,15±1,16 mm para as FAVH de cotovelo (p = 0,95). O volume de fluxo no 7º dia pós-operatório foi de 493,63±257,49 mL/min e 976,33±332,90 mL/min para as FAVH de punho e cotovelo, respectivamente. Ao final do estudo, foi calculado o valor de 556,81±288,42 mL/min nas FAVH de punho (p < 0,05) e de 1031,62±614,812 mL/min nas FAVH de cotovelo. Baseados nos dois critérios, a maturação ocorreu em 57,1% das fístulas de punho e em 100% das fístulas de cotovelo após a 1ª semana. Após 4 semanas, 67,9% das fístulas de punho e 100% das fístulas de cotovelo apresentaram maturação. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das FAVH de cotovelo apresentou diâmetro e fluxo adequados para punção logo após a 1ª semana de pós-operatório. Para as FAVH de punho, houve melhora progressiva dos padrões de maturação com o passar das semanas, sugerindo que essas FAVH devem ser puncionadas preferencialmente após a 4ª semana de pós-operatório.
Current status of infrapopliteal artery stenting in patients with critical limb ischemia
Authors: Bosiers Marc , Deloose Koen , Moreialvar Rodrigo , Verbist Jurgen , Peeters Patrick
Published: December 2008

Due to the fear that early thrombosis and late luminal loss resulting from intimal hyperplasia might impede sustained patency of small-caliber arteries, such as those of the infrapopliteal bed, stent implantation in below-knee vessels remains controversial and is generally reserved for cases with a suboptimal outcome after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (i.e. > 50% residual stenosis, flow-limiting dissection). Although evidence starts to build, favoring the use of stenting in the tibial area, results of well-conducted randomized controlled trials have to be awaited to change this strategy. Because of diameter similarities with coronary arteries, the first stents applied in the infrapopliteal vessels were all coronary devices. Once the feasibility of the stenting approach with these coronary products was shown, device manufacturers started to develop a dedicated infrapopliteal product range. To date, a broad spectrum of stent types has been used and investigated for the given indication. This article overviews the available literature and results of different balloon-expandable (bare metal, passive coated, drug eluting), self-expanding and absorbable stent types available for below-the-knee application and gives recommendations for future device technology advancements.
Aneurisma de veia poplítea: relato de caso e revisão de literatura
Authors: Thomazinho Fernando , Diniz Jose Antonio Morselli , El Hosni Junior Ramzi Abdallah , Diniz Carlos Alberto Morselli , Perozin Igor Schincariol
Published: December 2008

Os aneurismas venosos são entidades raras, porém com potencialidade de causar complicações tromboembólicas. Na maioria das vezes, são encontrados incidentalmente, como achados de exame físico ou de imagem. Os aneurismas sintomáticos de veia poplítea são obrigatoriamente tratados por reparo cirúrgico, devido ao alto risco de recorrência de embolia pulmonar. A técnica mais utilizada é a aneurismectomia tangencial com venorrafia lateral. Na impossibilidade de se empregar essa técnica, faz-se a ressecção com reconstrução venosa. Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente com aneurisma de veia poplítea, cujo diâmetro era de 47 mm, submetido a aneurismectomia tangencial e venorrafia lateral, com sucesso.
Anatomical variation of obturator vessels and its practical risk: a case report from an anatomic study
Authors: Nagabhooshana Somayaji , Vollala Venkata Ramana , Rodrigues Vincent , Bhat Seetharama , Pamidi Narendra , Lobo Stany Wilfred
Published: December 2008

Obturator artery is frequently a branch of anterior division of the internal iliac artery. It has drawn attention of pelvic surgeons, anatomists and radiologists because of the high frequency of variations in its course and origin. The obturator vein is usually described as a tributary of the internal iliac vein. During routine dissection classes to undergraduate medical students we have observed obturator artery arising from external iliac artery, obturator vein draining into external iliac vein, communicating vein between obturator vein and external iliac vein and inferior epigastric artery arising from the obturator artery. The anomalous obturator vessels and inferior epigastric artery in the present case may be in a dangerous situation in pelvic surgeries that require dissection or suturing along the pelvic rim. Developmental reasons and clinical significances of the variations are discussed.
Aneurisma idiopático da artéria radial na região da tabaqueira anatômica: relato de caso
Authors: Santos Aline Cristine Barbosa , Oliveira Fabrício Mascarenhas de , Oliveira José Guilherme de , Bolanho Edgard , Roberti Tasso , Mathias Ulisses Ubaldo Matosinho , Costa Regina de Faria Bittencourt da , Fernandes Júnior Nelson
Published: December 2008

Paciente do sexo feminino, 73 anos, negra, lavadeira/lavradora, hipertensa, apresentava tumor pulsátil de 1,5 x 0,5 cm em região de tabaqueira anatômica da mão direita há 10 anos, de crescimento lento e progressivo, associado a dor local. Não apresentava alterações neurológicas, cianose de extremidades, sinais de infecção ou trauma local. O teste de Allen resultou negativo, e o Eco-Doppler colorido demonstrou aneurisma de artéria radial na tabaqueira anatômica. Procedeu-se a aneurismectomia de artéria radial na tabaqueira anatômica com ligadura dupla proximal e distal. Houve boa evolução operatória, sem sinais de isquemia digital. O exame anatomopatológico confirmou diagnóstico de parede arterial (aneurisma verdadeiro). O paciente encontra-se em acompanhamento ambulatorial, no momento assintomático. Não há definição de quais aneurismas distais à artéria axilar possam ser acompanhados sem conduta cirúrgica. Como a paciente, neste caso, apresentava teste de Allen normal e dor local, optou-se pela ligadura proximal e distal, com bom resultado.
"Lobo mau": analisador da transversalidade entre organização do trabalho & saúde mental?
Authors: Merhy-Silva Fabiana Nunes
Published: December 2008

Este trabalho tem por objetivo elucidar a construção do analisador "Lobo-Mau" - expressão utilizada por alguns autores para indicar a atuação da Psicologia-nas-organizações quando atua contra a saúde-mental-dos-trabalhadores, em favor da produtividade-organizacional. Partindo de nossas implicações com as instituições Saúde-do-Trabalhador, Análise-Institucional e Psicodinâmica-do-Trabalho, tomamos a idéia de "Lobo-Mau" como um analisador da transversalidade entre Organização-do-Trabalho e Saúde-Mental. Tal analisador permitiu-nos colocar em dia nossas implicações-institucionais com a Análise-Institucional e a Psicodinâmica-do-Trabalho; colocando-se como contra-ponto às abordagens hegemônicas em Saúde-do-Trabalhador e suas formulações-prescritas que têm servido à uma maior exploração da saúde mental do(s) trabalhador(es).
A escrita de um corpo sem órgãos
Authors: Resende Catarina
Published: December 2008

A partir da leitura dos estudos de Foucault sobre o cuidado de si e de Deleuze e Guattari sobre o corpo sem órgãos (CsO), tivemos o objetivo de traçar as possíveis aproximações entre a escrita de si e o diário de CsO. Esse exercício de escrita de si constitui um exercício de constituição de corpos que além de um voltar-se sobre si, oferece um cuidado de si para cuidar dos outros. Concebemos o diário de CsO enquanto uma prática de si que oferece um movimento etopoiético na direção de uma dimensão ética e estética, mas também política da vida.
A saúde mental e a subjetividade-cidadã
Authors: França Antonio Carlos de Souza Leão Galvão
Published: December 2008

A questão da subjetividade, no campo da Saúde Mental voltada para a inclusão social, é indissociável da consideração da cidadania da clientela atendida. O autor busca analisar a concepção de uma subjetividade-cidadã a partir de sua experiência de formação profissional, da participação de usuário de serviço em debate sobre a capacitação profissional em Saúde Mental e de considerações de outros autores relacionados ao tema. Ressalta-se a importância da permanente articulação entre teoria e prática na consolidação dessa perspectiva, pois a ressocialização demanda que a efetiva legitimação da fala de usuários, familiares e técnicos aconteça no cotidiano dos serviços, concomitantemente à construção de canais de interlocução com a sociedade.
Direito à vida: cidadania e soberania
Authors: Bernardes Anita Guazzelli , Guareschi Neuza Maria de Fátima
Published: December 2008

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a questão do direito à saúde a partir de uma discussão das transformações do discurso da saúde pública para o discurso da saúde coletiva. Essa análise utiliza-se do conceito de público para problematizar o direito à saúde. As metamorfoses do público e sua articulação com a saúde amparam-se na objetivação do público como um dispositivo, conjuntamente com os operadores conceituais de biopoder, verdade e subjetividade. Esta configuração do público é discutida a partir das seguintes linhas: resposta a uma urgência histórica; o tipo de jogo que se estabelece e o conjunto heterogêneo que se conforma.
A percepção corporal no paradigma da mente encarnada
Authors: Arreguy Marília Etienne
Published: December 2008

Discuto algumas concepções teóricas a respeito da percepção eu-objeto a partir de influências filosóficas, da ciência cognitiva e da psicanálise, visando demonstrar como a oscilação entre a experiência adualista e dualista da relação eu-mundo pode estar associada a diferentes formas de significar a relação com o entorno. Essa experiência cognitiva e afetiva é baseada num know how que define a ética da ação no mundo. Como conciliar a percepção de si e do outro enquanto objetos simultaneamente distintos e contíguos? Que repercussões as diferentes formas de perceber-se no mundo podem trazer para a preservação da vida e do laço social?
Consistência do Édipo na psicanálise lacaniana: símbolos zero para o desejo
Authors: Sales Léa Silveira
Published: December 2008

Durante os anos 1950, predomina na obra lacaniana uma releitura da psicanálise feita a partir do estruturalismo que inverte a abordagem da noção de inconsciente, conferindo efetividade a algo que, antes, era desqualificado como noção "inerte e impensável". Nela, ganha relevo uma reinterpretação do Édipo cujos termos são claramente inspirados em Lévi-Strauss. O objetivo do artigo é, nesse sentido, esclarecer a função dos significantes Nome-do-Pai e falo como "símbolos zero" da estrutura que conforma o desejo. Veremos que o fato de essa função ser requerida pelo psicanalista é tributário da forma pela qual o antropólogo descreveu tal tipo de símbolos.
A função-autor: examinando o papel do nome do autor na trama discursiva
Authors: Almeida Leonardo Pinto de
Published: December 2008

A partir das contribuições de Foucault, Brunn e Chartier, analisaremos a emergência da função autor na modernidade. Em relação à história, Foucault mostra como a figura autoral foi inventada por meio de uma trama de acontecimentos que vai da responsabilização do agente discursivo à função de referência do saber. Ele indica as características peculiares ao nome do autor, assinalando que ele tem por função delimitar, classificar e organizar o universo dos discursos. O nome do autor é um dos princípios funcionais que regem nossa relação com o saber e com a literatura em nome de um poder e de uma autoridade.
Psicanálise e universidade: reflexões sobre uma conjunção ainda possível
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Cristina
Published: December 2008

O texto aborda a relação entre psicanálise e universidade. Inicia com breve histórico no Rio de Janeiro nos anos 1960 e examina diferentes possibilidades da psicanálise no ensino de graduação e pós-graduação. Na graduação temos um saber "sobre" a psicanálise. É diferente quando envolve um trabalho clínico ou uma elaboração feita por psicanalista nos cursos de mestrado ou doutorado. O argumento é construído a partir dos "quatro discursos" formulados por Lacan e discute a transmissão da psicanálise por meio do ensino. Essa transmissão é de um desejo de saber marcado pela falta, que é o modo de saber que concerne à psicanálise.
Predicting Potential Occurrence and Spread of Invasive Plant Species along the North Platte River, Nebraska
Authors: Hoffman Justin D. , Narumalani Sunil , Mishra Deepak R. , Merani Paul , Wilson Robert G.
Published: December 2008

Riparian habitats are important components of an ecosystem; however, their hydrology combined with anthropogenic effects facilitates the establishment and spread of invasive plant species. We used a maximum-entropy predictive habitat model, MAXENT, to predict the distributions of five invasive plant species (Canada thistle, musk thistle, Russian olive, phragmites, and saltcedar) along the North Platte River in Nebraska. Projections for each species were highly accurate. Elevation and distance from river were most important variables for each species. Saltcedar and phragmites appear to have restricted distributions in the study area, whereas Russian olive and thistle species were broadly distributed. Results from this study hold promise for the development of proactive management approaches to identify and control areas of high abundance and prevent further spread of invasive plants along the North Platte River.
Developing Regional Invasive Species Watch Lists: Colorado as a Case Study
Authors: Drucker Hilary R. , Brown Cynthia S. , Stohlgren Thomas J.
Published: December 2008

It is essential that we improve our ability to predict which nonnative species will become invasive in order to prevent their introduction and spread. Past attempts to foresee invasions have met with limited success, but increased computing power, increased availability of information about exotic species, and comprehensive evaluations of invasion potential are improving our ability to predict which species are likely to invade most successfully. We used data from Colorado and other states to develop an effective means of predicting the spread of invasive plant species among states. Qualitative criteria were used to develop a numerical threat index, which rates potential invaders based on distribution and abundance with respect to climate, biological characteristics, and preferred habitats of the species. Out of a compiled list of 388 species, we identified six invasive nonnative plants that are highly likely to invade Colorado, 10 with medium invasive potential and five with low potential. Species found to be likely to invade Colorado included garlic mustard, smooth distaff thistle, and Syrian beancaper.
Jamaican Nightshade (Solanum jamaicense): A Threat to Florida's Hammocks
Authors: Diaz Rodrigo , Overholt William A. , Langeland Kenneth
Published: December 2008

Jamaican nightshade is a prickly, perennial, invasive shrub in central and southern peninsular Florida. It was first seen in Florida in 1930 near St. Cloud, and has since been reported at several other locations in the state. Jamaican nightshade is primarily found in wooded habitats, where it can quickly become dominant in the understory, but it also occasionally grows in isolated patches in the open. Although the distribution of Jamaican nightshade does not appear to be rapidly expanding in Florida, land mangers should be made aware of the potential of this weed to establish at new sites, and initiate control efforts during the early stages of colonization at newly invaded sites.
Invasive Species Defined in a Policy Context: Recommendations from the Federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee
Authors: Beck K. George , Zimmerman Kenneth , Schardt Jeffrey D. , Stone Jeffrey , Lukens Ronald R. , Reichard Sarah , Randall John , Cangelosi Allegra A. , Cooper Diane , Thompson John Peter
Published: December 2008

Preamble: Executive Order (EO) 13112—defines an invasive species as “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” In the Executive Summary of the National Invasive Species Management Plan (NISMP) the term invasive species is further clarified and defined as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” To provide guidance for the development and implementation of the NISMP, the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) and the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) adopted a set of principles outlined in Appendix 6 of the NISMP. Guiding Principle #1 provides additional context for defining the term invasive species and states “many alien species are non-invasive and support human livelihoods or a preferred quality of life.”
Basal Cambrian microfossils from the Yangtze Gorges area (South China) and the Aksu area (Tarim block, northwestern China)
Authors: Dong Lin , Xiao Shuhai , Shen Bing , Zhou Chuanming , Li Guoxiang , Yao Jinxian
Published: December 2008

The basal Cambrian marks the beginning of an important chapter in the history of life. However, most paleontological work on the basal Cambrian has been focused on skeletal animal fossils, and our knowledge about the primary producers—cyanobacteria and eukaryotic phytoplankton (e.g., acritarchs)—is limited. In this research, we have investigated basal Cambrian acritarchs, coccoidal microfossils, and cyanobacteria preserved in phosphorites and cherts of the Yanjiahe Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area (South China) and the Yurtus Formation in the Aksu area (Tarim Block, northwestern China). Our study confirms the occurrence in these two formations of small acanthomorphic acritarchs characteristic of the basal CambrianAsteridium–Comasphaeridium–Heliosphaeridium(ACH) assemblage. These acritarchs include abundantHeliosphaeridium ampliatimi(Wang, 1985) Yao et al., 2005, commonYurtusia uniformisn. gen. and n. sp., and rareComasphaeridium annulare(Wang, 1985) Yao et al., 2005. In addition, these basal Cambrian successions also contain the clustered coccoidal microfossilArchaeophycus yunnanensis(SonginLuo et al., 1982) n. comb., several filamentous cyanobacteria [Cyanonema majusn. sp.,Oscillatoriopsis longaTimofeev and Hermann, 1979, andSiphonophycus robustum(Schopf, 1968) Knoll et al., 1991], and the tabulate tubular microfossilMegathrix longusL. Yin, 1987a, n. emend. Some of these taxa (e.g.,H. ampliatum, C. annulare, andM. longus) have a wide geographic distribution but occur exclusively in basal Cambrian successions, supporting their biostratigraphic importance. Comparison between the stratigraphic occurrences of microfossils reported here and skeletal animal fossils published by others suggests that animals and phytoplankton radiated in tandem during the Cambrian explosion.
The complex morphology of a new Lower Silurian asteroid (Echinodermata)
Authors: Blake Daniel B. , Ettensohn Frank R.
Published: December 2008

Gordonaster brassfieldensisis a new genus and species of Asteroidea (Echinodermata) described from the Lower Silurian Brassfield Formation of east-central Kentucky. Tentatively assigned to the poorly understood Palaeasteridae,Gordonastershares much with Ordovician asteroids, yet it also exhibits apparent homoplasies that presage the post-Paleozoic crown group. Available specimens also indicate that the ontogenetic pattern of ossicular addition seen in the crown group was established during the Paleozoic.
The Corynexochina (Trilobita): a poorly understood suborder
Authors: Whittington Harry B.
Published: December 2008

Trilobites of this suborder from Europe and North America have not been studied in detail, in contrast to the attention given to relationships within the orders Agnostida and Ptychopariina. The basis of the Corynexochina is the type species of Corynexochus from the middle Cambrian of Sweden. The type material redescribed here is only the cranidium, and is inadequate for diagnosis of the genus. A species attributed to this genus occurring in the Cambrian of southern France is represented by entire dorsal exoskeletons and is urgently in need of redescription. Similar material is recorded in northern Spain. Both complete exoskeletons and growth stages of Corynexochina have been described from Cambrian strata in Russia, Australia, Morocco and China, showing the wide geographical range and varied morphology of the Suborder. The type species of two genera from boulders of middle Cambrian age found in Quebec, Canada, are redescribed from exceptionally well preserved, though small, specimens. They appear to represent a distinct group related to some of the Zacanthoididae. Families of Corynexochina are inadequately discriminated one from another, so that a family name can only be used with question. Until this is remedied, diagnosis of a new group is not possible.
The oldest cephalopods from east Laurentia
Authors: Landing Ed , Kröger Björn
Published: December 2008

Cambrian Cephalopods are presently reported only from tropical, carbonate platform successions that occur on a number of paleocontinents. Outside of West Gondwanan occurrences on the eastern Sino-Korean Platform in China, the record of Cambrian cephalopods is limited, and information on the early evolution and habitats of this molluscan class has grown slowly over the last century.
Permian Hyolithida from Australia: the last of the hyoliths?
Authors: Malinky John M.
Published: December 2008

Class Hyolitha Marek, 1963 encompassing the Order Hyolithida Sysoev, 1957 (Early Cambrian to Upper Permian) and Order Orthothecida Marek, 1966 (Early Cambrian to Early Devonian) consists of a group of conical, calcareous-shelled invertebrates of controversial affinity. One opponent view holds that hyoliths may be reasonably accommodated under the Phylum Mollusca (Malinky and Yochelson, 2007 and references therein), whereas another supports separate phylum status under the name Hyolitha (Pojeta, 1987 and references therein). Hyolith abundance and diversity attain a maximum in the Cambrian, followed by a progressive decline up to their Permian extinction (Fisher, 1962; Wills, 1993). Their demise was part of the extinction event of the Late PermianlEarly Triassic. The cause(s) of this event remains controversial (Erwin et al., 2002), and no imprint remains in the geologic record of the specific circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the hyoliths, though it is highly probable that reduced population size was a contributing factor. Given the overall rarity of Late Paleozoic hyoliths, every occurrence is worthy of note to better understand patterns of hyolith diversity and abundance in the Late Paleozoic, the geographic and stratigraphic distribution of hyolith taxa and circumstances related to their extinction. The species from the Upper Permian described herein is among the youngest, if not the youngest, members of class Hyolitha.
Tubular compression fossils from the Ediacaran Nama group, Namibia
Authors: Cohen P. A. , Bradley A. , Knoll A. H. , Grotzinger J. P. , Jensen S. , Abelson J. , Hand K. , Love G. , Metz J. , McLoughlin N. , Meister P. , Shepard R. , Tice M. , Wilson J. P.
Published: December 2008

Abundant tubular macrofossils occur in finely laminated siltstones and shales of the 548–542 Ma Schwarzrand Subgroup, Nama Group, Namibia. The Nama tubes occur in both the Vingerbreek and Feldschuhhorn members commonly in dense populations and always in fine-grained, lower shore-face lithologies deposited below fair-weather wave base. The tubes are preserved mostly as compressed casts and molds that range in width from 0.6 to 2.1 mm; apparently incomplete specimens reach lengths up to 10 cm. All specimens show sinuous bending and occasional brittle fracture, indicating an original construction of strong but flexible organic matter. Feldschuhhorn specimens preserve fine longitudinal pleats or folds that record pliant organic walls, but the older Vingerbreek populations do not. Similarly, some specimens in the Feldschuhhorn Member display branching, while Vingerbreek tubes do not. The abundant Feldschuhhorn tubes are assigned to the widespread Ediacaran problematicumVendotaenia antiqua; however, the distinctive Vingerbreek population remains in open nomenclature. The most abundant fossils in Nama rocks, these tubes resemble populations in Ediacaran successions from Russia, China, Spain, and elsewhere. Beyond their local importance, then, such tubes may turn out to be the most abundant record of Ediacaran life.
Characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of the sodium iodide symporter
Authors: Lindenthal Sabine , Lecat-Guillet Nathalie , Ondo-Mendez Alejandro , Ambroise Yves , Rousseau Bernard , Pourcher Thierry
Published: December 2008

The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) mediates the active transport of iodide from the bloodstream into thyrocytes. NIS function is strategic for the diagnosis and treatment of various thyroid diseases. In addition, a promising anti-cancer strategy based on targeted NIS gene transfer in non-thyroidal cells is currently developed. However, only little information is available concerning the molecular mechanism of NIS-mediated iodide translocation. Ten small molecules have recently been identified using a high-throughput screening method for their inhibitory effect on iodide uptake of NIS-expressing mammalian cells. In the present study, we analyzed these compounds for their rapid and reversible effects on the iodide-induced current in NIS-expressing Xenopus oocytes. Four molecules almost completely inhibited the iodide-induced current; for three of them the effect was irreversible, for one compound the initial current could be fully re-established after washout. Three molecules showed a rapid inhibitory effect of about 75%, half of which was reversible. Another three compounds inhibited the iodide-induced current from 10 to 50%. Some molecules altered the membrane conductance by themselves, i.e. in the absence of iodide. For one of these molecules the observed effect was also found in water-injected oocytes whereas for some others the iodide-independent effect was associated with NIS expression. The tested molecules show a surprisingly high variability in their possible mode of action, and thus are promising tools for further functional characterization of NIS on a molecular level, and they could be useful for medical applications.
The effects of intensive, long-term treadmill running on reproductive hormones, hypothalamus–pituitary–testis axis, and semen quality: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Safarinejad Mohammad Reza , Azma Kamran , Kolahi Ali Asgar
Published: December 2008

Effects of intensive exercise on hypothalamus–pituitary–testis (HPT) axis remain controversial. Our aim was to determine the effects of intensive, long-term treadmill running on reproductive hormones, HPT axis, and semen quality. A total of 286 subjects were randomly assigned to moderate-intensity exercise (∼60% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max); group 1, n=143) and high-intensity exercise (∼80% VO2max; group 2, n=143) groups. The two groups exercised for 60 weeks in five sessions per week, each session lasting 120 min. This was followed by a 36-week low-intensity exercise recovery period. All subjects underwent routine semen analysis. Blood samples were drawn for the determination of the levels of the following hormones: LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone (T), free testosterone (fT), inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The HPT axis was assessed using GnRH and human chorionic gonadotropin tests. After 24 weeks of exercise, the subjects exercising with high intensity demonstrated significantly declined semen parameters compared with those exercising with moderate intensity (P=0.03). Serum T and fT began to decrease, and serum SHBG began to increase at the end of 12 weeks with both moderate- and high-intensity exercises. The serum LH and FSH concentrations decreased below the baseline level at 12 weeks in both groups (P=0.07 in group 1 and 0.03 in group 2). Both groups had blunted LH and FSH responses to GnRH. These parameters improved to their pre-exercise level during the recovery period. Long-term strenuous treadmill exercises (overtraining syndrome) have a deleterious effect on reproduction.
Ethanol extraction of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora prevents renal injury in experimental diabetes via anti-inflammation action
Authors: He Li Juan , Liang Min , Hou Fan Fan , Guo Zhi Jian , Xie Di , Zhang Xun
Published: December 2008

There is evidence that inflammatory processes are involved in the development and/or progression of diabetic nephropathy. However, effective treatment for inflammation in the kidneys of diabetic is practically unknown. The rhizomes of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora (PS) are a traditional medication long used to treat inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the ethanol extract of PS (EPS) may reduce inflammation in patients with diabetic kidneys. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were randomly assigned to two groups treated with a gavage of either EPS or vehicle. A group of non-diabetic control rats was treated concurrently. Compared with vehicle-treated diabetic rats, EPS-treated animals displayed a significant decrease in renal macrophage infiltration and overexpression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and TGFB1. This was associated with attenuation of the structural and functional abnormalities of early diabetic nephropathy, such as glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, and albuminuria. Administration of EPS significantly reduced NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide generation and decreased expression of malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products in diabetic kidney. These data suggest that EPS might improve diabetic nephropathy, probably through inhibition of redox-sensitive inflammation.
Effect of relative density on plate loading tests on fibre-reinforced sand
Authors: Consoli N. C. , Casagrande M. D. T. , Thomé A. , Dalla Rosa F. , Fahey M.
Published: December 2008

Plate load tests were carried out on un-reinforced sand and sand reinforced with fibres, compacted at relative densities (DR) of 30%, 50% and 90%. For the reinforced sand, 24 mm long polypropylene fibres were added, a concentration of 0·5% by dry weight. The analysis of the results indicates that the soil load-settlement behaviour is significantly influenced by the fibre inclusion, changing the kinematics of failure. The best performance was obtained for the densest (DR = 90%) fibre-sand mixture, where a significant change in the load-settlement behaviour was observed at very small (almost zero) displacements. However, for the loose to medium dense sand (DR = 30% and 50%), significant settlements (50 mm and 30 mm respectively) were required for the differences in the load-settlement responses to appear. The settlement required for this divergence to occur could best be represented using a logarithmic relationship between settlement and relative density. The overall behaviour seems to support the argument that inclusion of fibres increases strength of sandy soil by a mechanism that involves the partial suppression of dilation (and hence produces an increase in effective confining pressure, and a consequent increase in shear strength).
17α-Ethinylestradiol alters reproductive behaviors, circulating hormones, and sexual morphology in male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Salierno James D. , Kane Andrew S.
Published: December 2008

Ecologically relevant indicators of endocrine disruption in fish must be linked with measures of reproductive success. The ability of male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to compete for, maintain, and defend a spawning substrateis paramount to reproductive success. The present study quantified alterations in male fathead minnow reproductive behaviors after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 10, 20, or 40 ng/L) of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) for 21 d. A video-based behavioral quantification system examined changes in male-male competitive behaviors (chasing and head-butting) and ability of males to maintain spawning substrates (nibbling and scrubbing). Behaviors analyzed included time under the spawning substrate, frequency of substrate cleaning, and conspecific aggression. Plasma hormone levels (11-ketotestosterone [11-KT], testosterone, and estradiol [E2]), vitellogenin (VTG), secondary male characteristics (tubercle count and dorsal nape pad rank), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and gonad histology also were evaluated. Exposure to 40 ng/L of EE2 decreased the ability of exposed males to compete with control males for spawning substrates (p = 0.09). Furthermore, exposed males displayed reduced frequency of substrate cleaning activities as well as chasing male competitors (p ≤ 0.05). 11-Ketotestosterone, testosterone, and E2 were lower, and VTG was notably higher, in EE2-exposed males compared with control males (p ≤ 0.03). 17α-Ethinylestradiol exposure in males also was associated with reductions in tubercles; lower GSI, gonadal maturity ranks, and number of resorbed tubercles; and presence of an ovipositor (p ≤ 0.001). These data reveal alterations in male reproductive behavior that coincide with decreased hormone levels and secondary sex characteristics. Behavioral endpoints to discern potential ecological consequences in fish exposed to low concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals may provide sensitive and functional indices of effect.
The Economics of Biofuel Policy and Biotechnology
Authors: Hochman Gal , Sexton Steven E , Zilberman David D
Published: December 2008

This paper employs a partial equilibrium trade framework to show that biofuel policy can substitute for traditional agricultural policy intended to boost farm welfare. It also shows how food market volatility can induce periods of boom and bust in the ethanol industry, causing episodes of bankruptcy and reduced capital investment. This paper further models the effects of two specific technological innovationscellulosic ethanol and agricultural biotechnologyon food and fuel markets and demonstrates that technology can reduce ethanol market volatility. A parameterized model is used to characterize the impacts of biofuels on food and fuel markets.
The Economics of the U.S. Ethanol Import Tariff with a Blend Mandate and Tax Credit
Authors: de Gorter Harry , Just David R
Published: December 2008

U.S. import tariffs on ethanol are designed to offset a tax credit that benefits U.S. and foreign producers alike. The tax credit is an ethanol consumption subsidy but ethanol market prices increase by almost the full amount of the credit as the impact on world oil prices is small. Therefore, removing the tariff has a small impact on U.S. ethanol prices but increases the world price by almost the full tariff. Eliminating both the tariff and tax credit has the exact opposite effect: U.S. prices decline by almost the tariff (equal to the tax credit) while world prices remain essentially unchanged. With a mandate instead, an import tariff equal to the initial premium will necessarily result in a further increase in domestic ethanol prices as the resulting decline in imports requires more domestic supply to fulfill the mandate. This moderates the world price depressing effects of the tariff. For a given import tariff and price premium of ethanol over gasoline, exporters like Brazil therefore prefer mandates over tax credits but ideally only a mandate and no tax credit or tariff.
Will Recreation Demand for Land Limit Biofuels Production?
Authors: Antoine Blandine , Gurgel Angelo , Reilly John M
Published: December 2008

We use a CGE model to investigate the potential of second generation biofuels production under possibilities of land use conversion from natural areas to agricultural land in the U.S, considering the recreational value of forests. We introduce recreational benefits of natural forests through "household" production sectors for hunting and fishing, for wildlife viewing in reserved areas, and wildlife viewing in other forest areas, based on extensive data available in the U.S. about those activities. We test the model assessing the land use changes and welfare impacts from a U.S. climate policy scenario. The new approach resulted in similar land use change as earlier work where land conversion was limited by an elasticity based on observed land supply response. The advantage of the new approach built here using recreation data is that it provides an obviously improved measure of welfare cost of policies that lead to land use change, because the preservation value of the land offsets the increased cost of the policy due to the restriction on use. The results are sensitive to the representation of people's willingness to substitute other inputs for natural land in their recreation experience, parameter not being well investigated empirically. The main contribution of the paper is not for its insights on biofuels potential but for the improved representation of welfare changes from models where the land supply response limits conversion.
Mathematical Modeling of Thin Layer Drying Kinetics of Apple in Tunnel Dryer
Authors: Goyal Raj Kumar , O Mujjeb , Bhargava Vinod Kumar
Published: December 2008

In this study, the drying kinetics of apple (control, blanching and blanching in 1% potassium meta bisulphate) in a tunnel dryer was studied at 50, 60, and 70°C air temperatures. The drying of apple slices occurred in a falling rate period. It was found that treated apple slices dried faster. Six thin layer-drying models were fitted to the experimental moisture ratio. Among the mathematical models evaluated, the logarithmic model satisfactorily described the drying behaviour of apple slices with high r2 values. The effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of apple slices increased as the drying air temperature increased. The Deff values were higher for the treated samples than for the control.
The Effect of Additives on Vacuum Dried Honey Powder Properties
Authors: Sahu Jatindra Kumar
Published: December 2008

Vacuum drying of liquid honey was carried out using three additives, i.e., maltodextrin (drying agent), glycerol monostreate (flowability agent) and tricalcium phosphate (anti-caking agent). The drying experiments were conducted through a central composite rotatable (CCR) type experimental design with three levels and five variables to study the effect of the additives on the vacuum dried honey powder properties. The maximum and minimum level of malto dextrin, glycerol monostreate and tricalcium phosphate used in the experiments were 0.6-0.35 kg.kg dry honey solid-1, 0.02-0.01 kg.kg dry honey solid-1 and 0.02-0.01 kg.kg dry honey solid-1, respectively. The amount of maltodextrin, glycerol monostereate, and tricalcium phosphate required to reduce powder stickiness and caking and increase powder flowability were optimized based on the commercially available honey powder properties. At the optimum ranges of maltodextrin (0.429-0.55 kg.kg dry honey solid-1), glycerol monostereate (0.0121-0.0157 kg.kg dry honey solid-1), and tricalcium phosphate (0.0147-0.0156 kg.kg dry honey solid-1), the range of powder properties were: hygroscopicity= 8.33-10.27%; degree of caking=10.24-11.50%; flowability=22-24.56s; overall colour difference=5.8-7.9 and sticky point temperature = 45.5-50.65°C.
Milk Cholesterol Reduction Using Immobilized Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC1643 in Sodium-Alginate
Authors: Serajzadeh Sara , Alemzadeh Iran
Published: December 2008

Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the major microorganisms which are famous for their effects on cholesterol. In this study, we have investigated the effect of L. acidophilus ATCC 1643 on removing the milk cholesterol and additionally, we have immobilized L. acidophilus ATCC1643 cells in sodium-alginate and observed its effect on milk cholesterol removing. Also, we have researched about the effect of some factors including: bacteria cells number (both free and immobilized cells) and immobilized cells bead size on cholesterol removing rate and ultimately the extracted results were compared together. The results indicated that free cells could reduce cholesterol to lower than 0.5mg/100ml milk. Also, smaller bead size resulted higher cholesterol reduction. Increasing the number of immobilized cells showed significant effect on cholesterol removal to about 86%. Also, reusability of the beads showed that immobilized cells are active in cholesterol processing for three times.
The Purification, Formulation and Drying of Papain
Authors: Deulgaonkar Shushil U. , Thorat Bhaskar N.
Published: December 2008

Papain, a proteolytic enzyme was purified from latex of Carica papaya by a variety of techniques such as two-step salt precipitation, organic solvent precipitation (ethanol) and ion exchange chromatography. Fold purity obtained using ion exchange chromatography was in the range of 4.5 to 5 times as compared to the precipitation techniques. The purified papain was entrapped in ionotropically cross-linked alginate beads, in order to develop formulation for site-specific delivery of papain in intestine. The entrapment efficiency for papain in alginate beads was found to be in excess of 86%. Drying at low temperature and low air velocity results into maximum retention of papain activity; however, drying time increases significantly. The dissolution study shows the possible use of alginate beads for site-specific intestinal delivery of papain. The shelf-life of papain can be improved significantly by entrapment in alginate matrix, which was confirmed by an FTIR study.